|
|
WiE Newsletter -November 2022 - ISSUE 32
| |
Front and Center News from the Director
In case you don’t have your academic calendar memorized or within easy reach – midterms are here and registration for next semester is about to get underway. WiE, too, is studying for an examination of our progress in our mission:
“To empower GW faculty, staff, students and alumni to become the best engineers they can be. We work to build confidence and knowledge about technology, expand leadership and tech skills, and fully leverage technology in support of academic and professional excellence."
At the fall meeting of the SEAS National Advisory Council (NAC), WiE presented a review of our efforts including first person reports from individuals who have benefitted from the Center’s programs. Also on the program was NAC member, Ava Williams who led a discussion of how The Center could be a model as SEAS broadens its efforts to be known as a model for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive, community
| |
Our two programs this past month were in keeping with our mission to build confidence and knowledge for our undergraduates. We began what we plan as a monthly Lunch and Learn series for our students who are the first in their family or community to go to college. The relaxed atmosphere of pizza, cookies and drinks (ok not completely healthy, but all the pizza did disappear) included a program by our Student Success Office ,on what supports might be available to all GW students. You might be wondering why WiE should have to highlight this, shouldn’t everyone know about it? Well, yes they should but most don’t. And having a face and a name of someone to call upon is what makes taking action when you need academic support much easier. Jiyi Choi (pictured in black on the right) from the Office of Student Success details the many resources available to students at the First Generation Student Lunch and Learn.
| |
Our career panel with Palantir Technologies drew more than 50 students (and on a mid-fall break day! Amazing). The panelists, who ranged from new employees to company leaders engaged in a frank conversation about women in high-tech firms on a range of topics from “What drew you to Palantir? To questions about opportunities, things to consider before looking for a job, and would you suggest your best friend work at Palantir?” The panelists suggested that before even seeking a position that you consider whether you have a closed or open mindset. To have a growth mindset is to feel that you can learn new things on your own, that you can grow independently and feel you do not need to be taught each new feature of a language. If your personality is to have a fixed mindset, then you feel that structured learning enables you to move ahead. Knowing what type of mindset you have will help you know if the company’s structure and culture is right for you. The panelists wanted a strong community where their voice could be heard, where challenges change, and new projects are assigned regularly. While ‘drinking from the fire hose’ might be a tad hard to get used to, these panelists all indicated that they enjoy every aspect of it. And yes, they would or already have urged best friends to come to work at Palantir. We are very thankful to Susanne Hake, Katie Kauffman, Caroline Evans, and Miranda Chaiken (pictured above) for sharing their career roadmap with us. Thank you, too, to the Palantir recruiters. And, thank you to all of Palantir for supporting the event and for their partnership.
| |
Finally, a little celebration on my part. I have had the honor and privilege of serving on the advisory board at the United States Military Academy (USMA – aka West Point) as chairman and board member for the past 22 years. At our recent board meeting I was honored with the Army’s highest civilian service plaque and medal! Go Army!
| |
GHC
They shared some of their experiences with Professor Dobolyi and me. “Amazing”, “I came away with 3 offers”, “It was hard to fit everything in”, “I met loads of people, learned more from them than the recruiters”, "Thank you for the travel and registration support", and, “ Next year we should send both juniors and seniors.”
REMEMBER, ALL ARE WELCOME at WiE EVENTS
With Warm Regards for a safe and healthy fall!
Dr. Shelly Heller
WiE Center Director
| |
Upcoming Event:We are happy to announce that our Meet The Faculty series will present Professor Erica Gralla, Engineering Management and Systems Engineering faculty. Professor Gralla, just returned from a year’s sabbatical will present her research and approach to including students in her projects. This is a virtual event that will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, November 30th from 12:00-1:00PM EST. Details and RSVP will follow later this month.
REMEMBER, ALL ARE WELCOME at WiE EVENTS
| |
|
What WiE Are Reading
Axios is a new accumulator that I turn to, primarily for political news. But this report caught my eye “Why companies lose women leaders”. The story is based on a report from LeanIn. Why are women breaking up with companies since women are equally as ambitious as their male counterparts to get ahead. It should come as no surprise, though it is still upsetting, that company policy and practice still make it harder for women to advance. The report notes : They’re more likely to experience belittling microaggressions, such as having their judgment questioned or being mistaken for someone more junior. They’re doing more to support employee well-being and foster inclusion, but this critical work is spreading them thin and going mostly unrewarded. And finally, it’s increasingly important to women leaders that they work for companies that prioritize flexibility, employee well-being, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.” You can read the full report at this link.
| |
Subscribe to Receive Information
| |
|
|
|
|
