Over spring break, six students from the Oregon State chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) swapped rest and relaxation for networking and professional development at the 39th annual NSBE convention in Indianapolis. Under the leadership of OSU NSBE President and Industrial Engineering senior, Nathan Okorley, the chapter set out to increase Oregon State’s profile at NSBE through service on regional executive board and professional development.
OSU NSBE Wins Regional Elections
Two OSU students won elections to the NSBE Region VI Executive board. Kenny Warren, a mechanical engineering sophomore, is the new Region VI Northwest zone chairperson. In this role, Kenny will manage student chapters in the Pacific Northwest and develop strategic plans alongside zone chairs in California, Arizona and Nevada.
Taylor Griggs, a nuclear engineering sophomore, is the new treasurer for Region VI, which includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and universities in Asia. These positions give OSU NSBE direct experience in national and international leadership and promote the OSU College of Engineering.
Professional Development
Students attended sessions like “Guaranteed 4.0,” “Smart Networking,” “Professional Branding, ‘I’m hired, now what?’” and an expansive Career Fair. According to Kenny Warren, who is also vice president of OSU NSBE, “Meeting such a great group of young professionals and outstanding students with similar backgrounds was something to behold. The convention created a link from the chapter on the national level and gave us great ideas on how to make a positive impact on the people locally.”
For Electrical Engineering student, Jordan Gillman, the conference clarified questions about professional development and graduate study. Describing his experience, Jordan had been uncertain about his options upon graduation. In describing his plans after networking with NSBE Alumni, Jordan was “amazed about how little [he] knew about what there was to do with an engineering degree. For example: professional degrees such as an MBA or law degree coupled with an engineering degree proves to be a very valuable education, not merely giving you a second degree.”
The OSU chapter is grateful for the support of the College of Engineering, Ellen Momsen, and the Associated Students of Oregon State University for their financial support.
–Chinweike Eseonu
