MNSU to hold second Women in STEM event

Students in STEM given the chance to network with faculty and industry members

Maria Ly
Staff Writer

Minnesota State University, Mankato will be having its second Women in STEM event this upcoming Friday with a networking dinner, in which students will be able to connect with faculty and industry members.

Hosted by the Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence and the MSU-Mankato Women’s Center and College of Science, Engineering and Technology, the event is free with registration.

Melissa Huppert, the STEM Outreach Director, states the purpose of the event is to provide students in the field of STEM opportunities to network and build relationships that will help them in their professional lives. Huppert said, “The idea is to help build some different skill sets in the students here on campus so that they feel more prepared to enter the industry and that they already have some connections that they can rely on when they start their job search.”

The theme of this event is social media professionalism and will feature keynote speaker Tiffany Kuehl who will be talking about how to have a professional image online, and some tips and tricks concerning social media.

The event will also feature speed networking, where students will get to have a quick interview with faculty and industry members that they may find interesting or who have a career similar to their interests. Following the speed networking, they will be able to meet informally and network as they like.

Providing events like this will not only allow students to make connections with faculty and industry members, but also one another.

Huppert said, “The thing that’s great about this is that it’s across all freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors, so there may be a freshman that is nervous and who may be thinking that STEM is going to be really hard to get into or to get through all their coursework.

“Well, this is an opportunity for them to meet some of the juniors and seniors who are already doing it, and doing it successfully, and build some relationships there that can help some of those younger students get through those programs.”

Also included in the event are free professional headshots 5-6 p.m., and it is suggested that students dress business casual. Free parking is provided and is located in the visitor pay lot. The event will be from 5:30-8:30 p.m. this Friday in the Centennial Student Union room 253

When asked about what he expects students to gain from the event, Huppert said, “I hope that they meet somebody they wouldn’t have otherwise met, and that they build some sort of connection there that sparks an interest in continuing and pursuing their interest or passion in STEM.”

Feature photo from Reporter Archives.