In November, the Oregon State University student chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers sent a dozen members to the organization’s fall regional conference for collegiate members in San José, California. The three-day conference featured workshops emphasizing professional development and personal growth, a variety of student competitions, a technical research exhibition, and a career fair with more than two dozen employers, including NASA, HP, and Honeywell.

Student Experiences at the Conference

DeAndre Walcott, mechanical engineering student and NSBE chapter president, said this year’s conference was extra special because, for six of the members from Oregon State, it was their first. “As president, my focus was steadfast on nurturing their growth,” Walcott said in a LinkedIn post. “I aimed to equip them with the knowledge and confidence needed to excel at the career fair and embrace the competitive spirit of the events.”

Iman Stephenson, a senior in nuclear engineering, said the conference was a great experience, one that left her feeling more empowered. “I know that I and other Black students are more prone to imposter syndrome than the rest of our peers,” Stephenson said. “It can be a difficult experience, when you look around the classroom and realize that you look different than everyone else; it can lead students to feel like they don’t belong. However, when I walked into this conference and saw so many other Black engineers, it reminded me that I am on the right path and can succeed at all I put my mind to.”

About the NSBE Chapter

The student NSBE chapter is one of many affinity organizations on campus serving members who identify with groups that are underrepresented on campus and which have been excluded from engineering and other professions. These groups foster community, enhance inclusiveness, and offer members opportunities to participate in activities with others whose life experiences are similar to their own.

“One thing I found so important about conferences and clubs like NSBE is the ability to bond with other Black engineers on campus,” Stephenson said. “Having a solid support structure when you are going through difficult times is essential if you want to continue your college career. It is especially important to surround yourself with like-minded people, specifically those who are going through similar problems as you are.”