Like many of you, I joined SWE my freshman year. Since then, I have had the opportunity to run my own events as a chair, lead a committee as an officer, and serve on the executive board. I have gained so many skills, had so many unique experiences, and made so many friends. Here are ten little tips/takeaways looking back on three years with SWE Illinois.

1. Embrace the time you spend here. Every committee meeting, office hour, event brings you closer to other SWE members.

2. The SWOffice is the place to be! If you’re new to SWE, you can always find an officer or other members to chat with.

3. You can be as involved as you want (whether SWE is life or you only attend general meetings), but you will ALWAYS find a support group in SWE.

4. E-Week is more fun if you go hard. Trust me.

5. Meet and Eats, GMs, and the SWOffice are the best places to find free food and catch up with other SWEsters. These accounted for at least one of my dinners every week.

6. SWE is actually the world’s largest advocate for women in engineering and technology and extends way past college and into your career. You don’t have to stop when you graduate.

7. Take advantage of our many corporate sponsors! Even if you’re not interested in the company or feel under-qualified, info sessions are great opportunities to practice talking with recruiters. Side note: I once had a very awesome conversation about Harry Potter with a recruiter, it can be fun!

8. Go to events! Whether new or old, someone worked very hard to create this amazing experience for you.

9. Practice your right to be fearless. Talk to someone new at an event or in the SWOffice. Hit the dance floor at semi-formal. Run the SWE 5k (especially if you’re scared of running, like me). Get overly competitive at committee feud. You’re in a safe place with people who care about you, don’t be afraid.

10. Without realizing it, SWE became one of my most treasured experiences in college. Perhaps it was the events that you all work so hard to make beautiful or the friends I made along the way. I’ll always find a family here.

This picture features multiple SWEsters at the WE18 Conference in Minneapolis!