Showing posts with label swe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label swe. Show all posts

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

How to Impress: Dinner and Networking Event

Ok, so you have a big interview or a professional event like a networking dinner - how do you say "I'm smart, I'm a hard worker, and I'm going to be damn good at this job"? Dress to impress.

I work in the engineering and technology field - there are not many times women get to show their fashion sense. However, don't think it goes unnoticed.

While working a career fair booth, there are a few things I like to see - and a lot I don't like to see. It's about first impressions, so make it count.

What works:
- Clean and neutral cuts. I want to spend more time looking at your resume than being distracted by too many layers, too much jewelry, or too many prints. 
- Have personality! Wear clothes that are comfortable enough or close to your normal work wear as possible (then turn it one notch higher). If you're comfortable in your clothes you'll be much more comfortable to talk to. Your personality will be what stays with me when you walk away and I decide which pile to put your resume in.
- Don't be afraid to be feminine. Often times, in a work world like Engineering, women tend to put the bulky clothes on and wear greys, navy, or black. I don't need to be working with more guys, there's enough already. Invest in figure flattering clothes and shoes you can walk for days in.
- Remember to smile and shake firmly. please. really.





What doesn't work:
- Trying too hard. Your sky high heels, your super trendy dress and cropped jacket. I get it, you like to buy clothes for the now. It becomes too much of a distraction and you will be remembered for your over the top look than your work experience.
- Wearing clothes that are too small, too big, or with too many holes. Again, it's distracting from your personality and resume. Keep your look clean and professional.
- Lack of general hygiene. It might be obvious but I have encountered it many times. The first thing we do when you come up to my company's booth is make eye contact - so I'm already staring at your head, your greasy hair, maybe your 13 y/o butterfly hair clips, or your very under plucked eyebrows. I'll notice your half painted or chipped nails after the handshake too. While these aren't deal breakers (maybe you're having a bad day?) - it does project a certain "I don't care about this" attitude which is a turn off when I'm looking to help hire you


Share your career fair and networking experiences below!
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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

growing into a career

When I was in middle school, maybe early high school, I changed my current career ambitions of being a teacher to being someone that was important enough to have their name in a textbook. I know, it's an odd thing to aspire to be, but it's actually still true today. I've always wanted to do big, important things. I have always found immense satisfaction in leading a group, being in charge, and pushing myself to do more good and better.

This perspective change helped to shift what I wanted to be when I grew up. It put a very academic focus on my future career. I would read about what Newton, Franklin, Tesla, and Crick did and how valuable their thoughts were to the scientific community. I envied their accomplishments and their Nobel prizes!  It resonated with me and gave me reason to load up on science courses through high school.

I eventually discovered what an Engineer was from my dad, who was a Computer Engineer by training and experience - not by education. 

Growing up, I played extensively with Legos - however, it only opened up the doors to house construction and interior decorating. If I had one of these cute toys, I might have sparked my Engineering bug sooner!




Landing Page 10.8.12-SHARE-WEB from GoldieBlox on Vimeo.

Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Traveling to the SWE Conference

Yesterday I started my journey to Houston, TX for the Annual Society of Women Engineers Conference (WE12). It is literally one of my favorite weeks in the year - I've made friends and networked with many women from across the country and this week I get to see them all again. It's a lot of networking, advancing, & sisterhood, with many professional development sessions and workshops throughout the week. 


I was bumped to First Class on my 4.5hr flight yesterday morning. Which is an excellent way to start any trip - Thanks United Airlines! It has only been the second time up there in big seat heaven and was treated to breakfast this time around! Besides getting a drink the moment you sit down, it's 100% personal service the entire flight. 



On the flight, I started reading the book "All your Worth" - which has been truly eye opening. I was a little hesitant because it was written in 2008 and I wasn't sure of its relevancy. But so far it has been spot on and a really can't-put-the-book-down read. Can't wait to go home and put our finances in order!

Today's schedule includes a trip to the local Farmer's Market followed by a few hours of SWE Committee Meetings. 


Saturday, May 26, 2012

Science EXPO day


Part one of two for our SWE-PNW booth at the Science EXPO Day, June 2nd



Part two of two for our SWE-PNW booth at the Science EXPO Day, June 2nd 



UPDATE:
This post seems to be getting a lot of traffic --- if you do perform any of these activities for an outreach event, please post a link in the comments to the event - I'd love to see how it's used or modified!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Region J Conference Recap!

This past weekend I spent another inspiring, information packed adventure with amazing women engineers!


This year, the regional conference was held in Corvallis, OR - home of Oregon State University. There are ten regions under the national umbrella and each region has a handful of professional and collegiate sections.


Before I made it to glorious Corvallis, stopped in Portland to try some fried pies. OH! it was so worth it! I got a delish Chicken Pot Pie (I'll see you soon Whiffies)



And Here are some pictures of the OSU campus. so pretty!!!





Also, this marked my presentation debut! I gave the SWE Membership presentation and opened up the dialog for best practices, idea sharing, and help needed. 




Overall the conference was another great success; the speakers were amazing, inspiring, and innovative. So happy I went!









Saturday, February 13, 2010

Barbie's 126th Career

By popular vote, mattel's Barbie is getting nerdy for her 126th career!! drum roll please, Computer Engineer!!

How cool is that? I'm so proud and excited to have such an icon get the message of engineering out to young girls. The society of women engineers (SWE) worked with mattel to design this special Barbie. Please read more at the links below.

& hooray! the power of nerds!

PS... the binary code everywhere is overkill for me... and we get it, nerds need to wear glasses. but i looove the skinny black pants!