THE SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS
The University of Rhode Island
HISTORY
More than sixty years ago, a group of more than sixty pioneering women engineers and engineering students gathered to build a national organization. They met on May 27-28, 1950 to officially form the Society of Women Engineers. When SWE was founded, less than one percent of working engineers were women. The general public still considered engineering to be a masculine profession unsuitable for women. Still, the women of SWE did not meet as a form of protest. They met purely to focus on developing their abilities as engineers. They wanted to give expression to their potential and contribute to society, as local and national chapters continue to do so today.
Since its founding, SWE has focused its efforts on introducing young women to careers in engineering. There are approximately 35,000 members (both collegiate and professional) at the national level. . demonstrating to employers and the public the critical role women engineers play in creative teams, and providing support to women engineers as they advance in their careers.
OUTREACH
During our outreach events, we go to K-12 schools, community centers, and Girl Scout conferences to inspire young girls to pursue engineering. We even host the annual Girl Scouts “Physics is Phun!” Workshop in the Fall.
As of Spring 2018, we founded and host the first SWENext Club in Rhode Island, “Little SWEsters,” at URI where middle schoolers and ninth graders can get an introduction to STEM and be mentored by our collegiate members! See our “Little SWEsters” page for more information and registration.
PROFESSIONAL
For our professional events, we have workshops run by our members and other professionals on networking, resume building, salary negotiation, interview skills, and much more! Also, every year members have the opportunity to attend the National SWE conference where thousands of SWE members from all over the country meet to celebrate SWE! In the spring, we attend a Regional Conference. Both conferences provide even more workshops and each has their own career fairs. Through these conferences and other events, there are many opportunities to network with other collegiate and professional members of SWE, and even more importantly, meet with potential employers!
CONFERENCES
Our club offers the unique opportunity to attend both National and Regional Conference. Each year, SWE sends about 12 members and our faculty advisor to the national conference. In years past, it has been held in Anaheim, California, Houston, Texas, and New Orleans, Louisiana. There are also regional conferences that provide local options for more members to attend.
NATIONAL
The Society of Women Engineers hosts its annual conference that is the largest event of its kind for women engineers and employers who want to leverage the passion and perspective of this influential group. Attendees can connect with colleagues around the world like never before. The conference brings together the leading businesses, organizations, universities, and innovators in engineering. You bring your enthusiasm, perspective and plenty of business cards.
Attendees can expect to leave inspired and carrying a renewed sense of pride about their place in the engineering profession. In addition to networking and professional development opportunities, attendees can expect to develop and renew friendships while connecting with leading-edge innovators in the international engineering community. Take three days to exchange ideas and expand your global network in a way that will transform your perspective and approach.
More than 8,000 members from across the globe will join in a three-day educational celebration of all things engineering. There’s something for everyone at every stage of their career.
Take your career to the next level with professional development opportunities
Connect with like-minded SWE and International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists members from around the world
Network with employers looking for applicants just like you at the Career Fair
Be inspired by our keynote speakers or by attending award banquets and the plenary sessions
REGIONAL
For SWE members, ongoing interaction with all that SWE offers happens at the Region and Section levels. Regional Conferences offer a smaller, local version of the annual conference for professional and collegiate members. In the past they have been held in Providence, Rhode Island, Boston, Massachusetts, and Buffalo, New York.