Leadership Roles
At SHPE UMBC, we offer leadership roles and responsibilities to every member who attends five or more of our events each semester. By inviting and involving a larger pool of individuals in decision-making and execution of events, the programs at SHPE at UMBC are well-rounded and ensure a sustainable and collaborative community. Actively engaged members who take on leadership roles have increased opportunities for networking and collaboration, enhancing the overall impact and reach of SHPE at UMBC.
Conferences
Attending conferences play a pivotal role in the professional and academic realm. SHPE at UMBC offers fully-funded trips to several conferences all year round. Conferences bring together experts, enthusiasts, and industry leaders, providing a fertile ground for sharing cutting-edge research, insights, and other professional practices. These conferences often feature keynote speakers, workshops, and panel discussions, offering a diverse range of learning experiences. The interactive nature of conferences promote the environment for career development through career fairs, with interviews and job and internship offers on the spot.
Corporate Tours
Corporate tours go beyond the confines of office spaces. These tours offer SHPE members the chance to witness firsthand the operational intricacies of different industries and inspire innovation within the classroom. Exploring the engineering facilities can provide insight on location choices, pathway selections, and desired career field. SHPE at UMBC schedules corporate tours with partner and sponsor companies who hold pre-existing connections with the UMBC chapter. Not only do attendees meet new connections in their desired field, but they connect with industry professionals who are eager to bolster SHPE members.
Community Service & Outreach
Volunteering is encouraged here at SHPE. Several community service opportunities are offered both on and off-campus. This can be assisting in planning events for SHPE National, working with local Baltimore businesses, hosting informational sessions for Spanish-speaking families at schools in the DMV, guiding middle school students in STEM-related activities, and many more.
Recreational Activities
SHPE at UMBC participates in several recreational activities. These events offer a refreshing break from the routine, class work, and professional standards within campus life and other SHPE events. Engaging in these activities fosters a positive and stress-free environment, encouraging healthy competition. Whether it’s a sports day, retreat, or creative workshop, encouraging members to step outside of their comfort zone promotes creativity and adaptability. Examples of activities provided are craft nights, hiking, amusement park trips, team sports, game nights, carne asadas, and holiday-related events.
Academic Competitions
Both SHPE National and UMBC host various competitions throughout the year for all STEM disciplines and backgrounds. SHPE at UMBC gathers teams for both SHPE National and UMBC competitions on and off-campus. Joining the SHPE team in academic competitions has resulted in winning prize money, interviews with potential employers, and campus recognition.
MentorSHPE Program
The MentorSHPE program at UMBC is tailored for minorities in engineering and computing. Mentees are provided with a matchmaking questionnaire and matched to a mentor who has the same major and similar background. Mentors play a crucial role in fostering inclusive and supportive environments. These programs offer a structured framework for connecting experienced mentors with mentees, providing invaluable guidance, advice, and support within the career and campus. For individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, navigating the complexities of the engineering and computing fields can be challenging, and MentorSHPE serves as a powerful tool for bridging the gap. The mentor-mentee relationship not only enhances technical skills but also addresses challenges specific to minorities, such as bias and lack of representation. By promoting diversity and inclusion through MentorSHPE, these programs empower individuals to thrive in their field and cultivate a more diverse and dynamic landscape in engineering and computing.
Educational Seminars
Educational seminars serve as pivotal forums for academic enrichment and professional growth. These events gather experts and educators delving into niche topics within the engineering and computing realm. Attendees not only gain exposure to the latest research advancements in their field, but also connect with like-minded individuals, fostering valuable networks. The intimate setting of educational seminars encourages active participation between attendees and hosts.
Personalized Pro-Dev
SHPE at UMBC provides various professional development opportunities that are personalized for each individual members. In-depth resume review or resume building sessions are available to each member who requests. Additionally, LinkedIn review or LinkedIn creation meetings are offered to all members.