First graduates from WIE, MEP programs reflect on experiences

When degrees are conferred to Nebraska Engineering students May 13 and 14, they will include the first two graduating members of the Women in Engineering (WIE) and Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP) cohorts – Samantha Corey (civil engineering major) from WIE and Rainier Sarreal (computer engineering major) from MEP.

Corey took the time to discuss her experience in the Women in Engineering program:

What has the Women in Engineering program meant to you in your college career?

"This program has given me a support system of staff within the College of Engineering as well as connecting me with many other women in engineering. Making these connections through the program has made a big college campus seem a lot smaller. Although I was in the gender minority in most of my engineering classes, it was great to have a community of other women in engineering who support each other.

"It was especially meaningful to be a peer mentor for the freshman class during my sophomore year. I was able to connect to the incoming class and learn how to encourage them to work towards their goals in the same ways I was encouraged.

"My experience in WIE will definitely be helpful as I enter into the engineering consulting industry after college, where it is important to build strong networks and find mentors to support my goals."

How did you hear about this program, and what led you to want to join?

"Before coming to UNL, I was looking into different clubs and scholarships. I saw something about a Women in Engineering program, and I emailed the program coordinator to learn more because it sounded like it would provide a great community for me in college. I was told that WIE was, unfortunately, not starting up until the next year, but I could temporarily join the Multicultural Engineering Program. I am glad I did because right away I was introduced to several other students, several staff in Engineering Student Services (ESS), and even the dean of the college, all of whom were extremely welcoming."

What are the most important things this program has provided you?

"I think one of the most important things this program did for me was inspire me to get out of my comfort zone, which helped toward my professional development goals. Whether it was to get involved in research, going to a career fair, or applying for internships, this program provided me resources and connected me with staff to help and encourage my success. My experiences with ESS staff have taught me that going out for new opportunities is not as intimidating as it may seem and shown how just one experience can open up so much more.

"The regular one-on-one meetings with the program coordinator were one of the best parts about being in WIE. I was able to just talk about what I wanted to do in college and with my future, and she had ideas for what I could do to work towards those goals. At one point freshman year, I was encouraged to try out working on research at the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility. The program coordinator walked me through how to go about reaching out to a faculty member to discuss this opportunity, which also helped me improve email etiquette.

"I ultimately decided I wanted to get into the engineering consulting industry, but I think that my research experience helped me get my first internship. And then, that experience helped me get a second internship and eventually my full-time job at Olsson after college. If I were not a part of WIE, I don't think I would have tried getting into research, and it is crazy to think how different my college experiences may have been without the encouragement I had to look into new opportunities such as that."

What does it mean to you to be the first participant of your program to graduate?

"It has been interesting to see how WIE has changed from when it just started to how it is now. I think it has grown and morphed to better meet students' needs, and I am sure it will continue to change and improve even more after I graduate. Being a part of the program has contributed to my success within college and regarding my career plans, and I am excited to be able to take skills that I have gained out into industry. I also hope I can be an example to future students of how it really is beneficial to look into the opportunities that staff in ESS tell them about because one door truly does open many others.

"I did not realize how central my experience in WIE would be in college, but looking back, it has had such a positive impact on my college experience and future career."