Going to SWE in 2023?

👇🏾Below are our top tips for success, especially for those looking to get an internship or job opportunity from the conference!

  1. Download the WE23 App! to access the map and full panel schedule. You will be able to see the sessions every day and access the daily schedule happening at WE23

  1. Logistics! Write down your hotel information or any logistics information you need.

  2. Goal Setting

    1. Give yourself credit for reaching out and preparing for this conference
    2. Confident mindset! Imposter syndrome is real, and it’s okay! Be you, and do your best :)!
    3. Self-care! Rest, stay hydrated, breathe. It will be okay.
    4. Self-reflect after the conference

  3. Resume Tips

    1. Check out the page below for resume tips! Make sure you print about 15 - 30 resumes.

    Career Artifacts: Resume, LinkedIn, GitHub

  4. Company Research

    1. Create a spreadsheet or document to keep track of all the companies you want to talk to. Search up the exhibitor list and go through every company. What are their products? What do they do? Do your morals align with theirs? Do they have internships or new grad roles? Do they have roles for your major? Are you satisfied with the location and compensation?

  5. Conference Etiquette

    1. Dress in business or professional attire/colors.
    2. Bring a change of clothes with you (3 days before the conference)
    1. Come prepared + with a schedule. Do not be late to your on-site interviews if you get scheduled with them.
    2. Speak professional to attendees + company reps
    3. Make sure to network!

  6. Career Fair Advice

    1. Learn the layout of the conference location
    2. Practice your elevator pitch in lines, and prepare to talk to those companies you have selected in your spreadsheet. Make sure you customize your elevator pitch to each company. Below is a resource for elevator pitches.

    Elevator Pitch

  7. Hospitality Suites

    1. Room for a company to network more
    2. Some of them are invite-only, and you may have to talk to that company at the career fair about it.
    3. They will give food, merch, sometimes a raffle
    4. If you did not get an interview earlier, you can get an interview there.
    5. Examples of companies: BP, Eaton, Jacobs, JPL, Lockheed, Medtronic, UPS, Siemens, etc.

  8. Interview Booths

    1. If you secure an interview, it will take place there.
    2. In-person interviews with 1 - 2 interviewers, may last 20 - 45 minutes. Arrive there 15-10 minutes early!
    3. Most likely behavior, possibly technical.
    4. Possible questions:
    5. Why did you apply to ____ company?
    6. Tell me about yourself.
    7. Tell me about your strengths/weaknesses
    8. Tell me about a time when you had to resolve a conflict.

  9. After conference

    1. Keep track of all offers + timelines you have
    2. Be sure to thank the reps, and get their LinkedIn, emails, and contact information.
    3. Complete any asynch interviews or phone screening.
    4. Keep track of your schoolwork!
    5. Review all notes taken (during panel events)

👇🏾 Extra Tip: Packing List Recommendations

  1. Suitcase (lock and keys) or duffel bag
  2. Wallet (DL/ID, cash cards, health insurance card), medication, first aid, sunglasses
  3. Conference day:
    1. Large purse, briefcase, bag
    2. Notepad, pen
    3. Printed resumes
  4. Conference attire:
    1. Suit, blouse/dress shirts, blazers
    2. Simple jewelry
    3. Dress shoes, socks
  5. Casual Wear (for casual events/travel):
    1. Shirts, pants, dresses, sweats, jackets, underwear, socks
  6. Makeup:
    1. Wear your make-up as you would to your prospective full-time job. (Ie light makeup face)
    2. Foundation, lipstick, chapstick, makeup remover, perfume, hair clip/tie, headband
  7. Toiletries:
    1. Washcloth, sunscreen, deodorant, toothbrush/paste, mouthwash, retainer, nail clippers, razor, shampoo/conditioner, soap, hair products, lotion, feminine products