WiE Connect
WiE Connect
Program Description
The Women in Engineering (WiE) Connect program works to foster a sense of community among women students at the university and also in the industry. WiE Connect consists of 5 themed groups based upon the students' interests. At the beginning of the academic school year, students and professionals are able to sign up for 1-3 groups. Participants receive "points" for attendance, interactions with their mentor group and volunteering for WiE's outreach and recruitment activities. At the end of the year, WiE hosts a banquet where participants are rewarded for their participation and contributions to the program.
WiE CONNECT members enjoying the end-of-the-year banquet!
What is Mentoring?
Mentoring is a way to gain knowledge and resources. The
relationship you have with a mentor builds self-confidence,
promotes self-growth and a perfect platform to ask for help
when creating goals.
Why is Mentoring Important for
Students?
Having a network of support is one important key to success.
It is a great way to meet peers, network with professionals
and receive the answers many of your questions.
Themed Groups:
WiE Connect consists of 5 themed groups to better fit the
students' interest in what they would like to get out of the
mentor programs. Explore Engineering is a perfect group for
those who are still exploring engineering and would like
traditional mentor-mentee group; Outreach & Community
Service is a group for those who love to volunteer and to
give back to the community; What's Next is for 3rd or 4th
year students who are exploring post-graduation options;
E-Connect is for the busy student who would like to connect
to alumnae and other WiE students via the web and Casual
Connect is an informal mentoring group which focuses more on
social activities around Columbus and not engineering.
Attendance policy:
When signing up, you will decide which groups are your
preference and how many groups you want to sign up for (up to
three groups). If are given your first choice group, you must
participant in at least six events per academic year per
theme group. If you are given your 2nd, 3rd or 4th choice
group, you must participant in at least three events per
academic year per theme group you decide to
participate. For instance, a typical student choses
two groups and one of the groups is their first choice. That
student would be commiting to 6 events for their 1st choice
group and 3 events for their other group per academic
year. All students must attend the mandatory
Welcome Event at the beginning of the academic school
year.
Sample of Events Hosted By WiE Connect
WiE CONNECT members volunteering for an outreach event.
Business
Etiquette: The Business Etiquette event was one
of our most popular events! It was a great opportunity to
learn the proper etiquette for future business dinners with
professionals.
Yoga Classes: The yoga event was
the perfect way for students and professionals to unwind and
relax!
WiE CONNECT members relaxing with yoga before finals.
Annual Mentor Banquet: This end- of-the-year dinner for students and professionals of the WiE CONNECT program. Scholarships and prizes were awarded to students based upon participation.
Mock Interviews: Mock interviews held at Battelle were fantastic way for current students prepare themselves for the job market!
K-12 Outreach: Current Women Engineering Students help with outreach events such as Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day to help young girls get excited about engineering!
Other events have included: Self-Defense Workshop, Secrets to Success, Community Service Projects, Ice Cream Socials, Communicating with Confidence.
WiE CONNECT for Professionals
Professionals:
A WiE CONNECT professional member talking to students about her career.
A mentor is a wise and trusted
advisor, counselor or teacher. If that sounds like you,
Ohio State’s Women in Engineering program (WiE) invites you
to participate in our mentoring program, WiE Connect!
WiE is currently seeking women engineering alumnae and local professionals to serve as professional mentors for WiE Connect, a clustered mentoring program bringing together all ranks of undergraduate students with professional women engineers. As a professional mentor you will have the opportunity to help with the personal and professional development of our undergraduate students, as well as meet and network with women engineers working in a variety of fields and industries.
Questions
Contact Shawna Fletcher, Interim Director of The Ohio State University's Women in Engineering Program, at 614-292-0003 or fletcher.234@osu.edu if you have questions or you are interested in being on the interest list for WiE Connect 2012-2013.