Creating an equal workplace for future generations — over brunch

Women in STEM are faced with unique workplace challenges compared to their male counterparts. However, students seldom have the opportunity to hear these experiences - and how to face them - from professionals before they enter the workforce.¹ The Women’s+ Networking Conference will be returning for its third year on Nov. 12 to guide professional women on how to take charge of their careers. 

The event, sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, provides an opportunity for students to connect with those they otherwise usually wouldn’t – from industry partners to experienced professionals.  

“For younger students, this might be their first experience networking ever in an engineering environment,” said Mary Besterfield-Sacre, associate dean for academic affairs, Nickolas A. DeCecco professor of industrial engineering, and director of the Engineering Research Center at Pitt. “They may learn something about themselves as being a female engineer in a still predominantly male-dominated world.”

This year’s theme revolves around reclaiming order and control in one’s professional life and will feature a keynote speech from Dr. Lise Vesterlund whose book, “The No Club,” is a guide for women learning to navigate gender inequality in the workplace.

The conference will include women-led student groups from across the University, including Women in Science and Engineering Graduate Student Organization, Pitt DIVA, the Engineering Graduate Student Organization, Society of Women Engineers, Phi Sigma Rho, and the Graduate Women in Engineering Network. Each group will discuss their goals and activities for this upcoming year. 

The event, open to all students, faculty and staff, will conclude with a networking brunch and opportunity to reflect on the day’s themes. 

Register here.

¹Pew Research Center, April, 2021, “STEM Jobs See Uneven Progress in Increasing Gender, Racial and Ethnic Diversity”