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. This
year, there will be a new, optional component available: "By
Major" mentor groups, which will be informal and
self-directed.
See our flyer about WiE Connect groups: WiE Connect 2012-13
Not sure what group to join? Click on the WiE Connect Which Group chart.
Attendance policy:
When signing up, students will have the option to choose from
1 - 3 groups. Points will be given for each event attended.
All students must attend the mandatory Welcome Event at the
beginning of the academic school year.
Our WiE Connect Banquet held at the end of the year will reward students based on participation and the completion of two surveys that will be given throughout the year. While there will be awards based on number of total points in the program, there will still be opportunities for students who join only one group to be recognized for their active participation within that group.
"I feel like the WiE Connect program provided me with opportunities to really feel more comfortable with myself as an engineer. And as a result, I have two great internships coming up that I could not be more excited for... I think this program is a great networking tool and an opportunity to put professionals and students in contact because truthfully, I think we all have something to learn from one another. Thank you for everything and for a very organized program. It's truly been a pleasure." -A student on WiE Connect.
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 Students
For Incoming Students:
College is a whole new experience, and adjusting to life at
Ohio State as an engineering student can be overwhelming.
Mentors can help you 
WiE CONNECT members enjoying a casual dinner.
make the
adjustment smooth and fun by suggesting classes to take,
advising you on the best way to get internships and showing
you the interesting places around campus and Columbus.
For Returning Students:
Serving as a mentor is an excellent way to get involved on campus while building your resume! Sharing your experiences and supporting younger students is extremely rewarding. Share your tips for scheduling and best places to student around campus as they adjust to life as a Buckeye. There are opportunities for you to learn from professionals who will join your mentor group and provide you with valuable contacts.
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.
To learn about the groups and types of events that form WiE Connect, please see the following WiE Connect Professional Flyer.
Questions
Contact Shawna Fletcher, Interim Director of Women in Engineering at (614) 292-0003 or fletcher.234@osu.edu if you have questions!