Being a part of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) has provided me with a safe space while on my journey to completing my degree. I knew that being a minority in the STEM field would come with its challenges, but the burden is easier to carry when you have a supportive network of people encouraging you along the way. Overall, NSBE is one of the largest student-governed organizations based in the United States; there are over 600 chapters in the country! NSBE’s mission is “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community”.
Attending the National NSBE Convention in Anaheim, CA was an amazing opportunity for me to network with other engineers in the field, especially with people who looked like me. The 4-day conference consisted of workshops, social events, a 2-day career and graduate school fair, and design competitions. I was able to meet people from all areas of the country to hear about their experience as engineers and engineering students and learn about future opportunities within STEM. I learned how flexible an engineering degree can be and how I could shape my future career based on my personal goals and interests. There was also an abundance of information about job opportunities, special topics within science, graduate schools, and workshops on research grants.
(Photos – Left: Breanna Kilgore on the 1st day of the conference, Right: Breanna and Kaitlin attending a NACME Scholar Networking Lunch)
As someone who desires to attend graduate school, I was able to attend Q&A sessions from women in the field who have obtained their PhD and currently work in the engineering field. It was inspiring to see women, especially Black women, preserve through the challenges within STEM that come along with being a minority. This was my favorite part about attending the conference – feeling inspired by the ones who have come before me. Everyone there was able to share their story and encourage all students to remain resilient on their journey. My favorite aspect of the convention were the many opportunities and connections I made with other Black women who were currently working in the medical device field, which is something I desire to pursue in the future.
Senior BMEG student, Kaitlin Hall, shares her favorite part of the convention:
“My favorite part of the NSBE conference was the carnival because although everyone was attending for professional purposes, the carnival gave us the opportunity to have fun and enjoy our culture. Personally, I went to the conference in hopes of making new connections with different companies in order to obtain a job or internship. I’m proud to say that I was successful and even gained a couple interviews! I would advise anyone looking to expand their connections or just wanting to meet wonderful people to go the next NSBE conference.”
I strongly recommend for all students to attend some type of engineering conference, especially if they cater to specific affinity groups such as Society of Women in Engineering (SWE), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and major specific groups (Biomedical, Electrical, Civil, etc.). Conventions like the National NSBE Conference give students the opportunity to display their talent, discover career pathways, socialize with peers, and the chance to meet the experts in their field. I extend my gratitude to Thomas Carter III, the college NSBE Chapter, and the College of Engineering for the opportunity to travel and participate in this conference!