Professional To the Next Level

One of the biggest events of the year every SHPE member looks forward to is the SHPE National Convention. Held in Charlotte, North Carolina this past November 2-6, it is an event that skyrockets everyone’s professional career the moment they step foot into the welcoming environment. Virginia Tech’s SHPE was able to take 40 students to this event for the experience of a lifetime. With endless, unique sessions during the 5-day period, VT students were able to explore their interests and learn from industry professionals. Another big event to look forward to is the large-scale career fair with big industry company representatives available to talk with and interview with to get a dream summer internship. The convention also enhanced the groups’ bonds as members were able to interact and learn more about one another throughout the trip. It also serves as a great opportunity to meet SHPE members from all over the nation and see how rapidly your network expands and the supportive community grows.

Countless Ways To Get Involved

When it comes to professional help, they’re the pros, but SHPE certainly cannot forget to mix in fun social activities to create stronger bonds within the community. Although “engineers” is in the title, this community gladly welcomes anyone who is interested in joining!

SHPE’s fall semester had a strong start with their kickoff cookout. It was caught in the rain but that didn’t stop the fun of meeting old and new SHPE members! SHPE also hosted their first SHPEtina social of the year which taught the members how to make their very own DIY terrariums. As October came around the corner, SHPE’s Halloween Game Night got everyone into the spooky spirit. Then in the midst of finals prep, SHPE hosted a peaceful paint night as well as a reserved room in Goodwin on Reading Day for students to come in to study, snack, and have fun with fellow SHPE members.

So many great opportunities are also served through the general body meetings (GBM) SHPE hosts throughout the semester focused on providing professional help. A resume review session was held with the help of sponsor Carlisle to prepare students for Virginia Tech’s Engineering Expo. Another GBM focused on professional career development with guests Dr. Kim Lester and Dr. Walter Lee who spoke about their experiences, allowing students to learn that the path to finding your professional career isn’t always linear.

SHPE’s outreach committee also works hard in promoting events to help the entire community. A blanket project was held to help make blankets for the Montgomery County Animal Shelter, with SHPE members taking time out of their day to work together and make the blankets to help comfort the pets waiting for their new homes. A collaboration was also hosted in November with Virginia Tech’s Latin Link to collect food donations to help make Thanksgiving special in every home in the Blacksburg community. With many new and exciting things to come for the spring semester, plans to kickoff SHPE’s very own MentorSHPE program are already underway, so everyone, be sure to stay tuned and get involved!

Resources:

Instagram: @shpe_vt

Email: shpevt@gmail.com

LinkedIn: SHPE at Virginia Tech

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/shpe_vt