EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University students Kara Bishop and Haylee Haik and director of K-12 STEM outreach and Digital Divas program director Bia Hamed traveled to Houston, Texas, for the “WE22" — the world’s largest conference for women in engineering and technology, hosted by The Society of Women Engineers (SWE). 

Over the two-day conference, Bishop and Haik heard from influential keynote speakers such as Phyllis Schneck, vice president of information security and cyber chief information security officer at Northrop Grumman, and Nancy Post, vice president for Embedded Software and Solutions for the Intelligent Solutions Group, John Deere. The trip was funded through the GameAbove Students Matter Most initiative. 

From attending the largest career fair for women in engineering and technology to experiencing the digital garage that included booths and hands-on virtual reality testing, Bishop and Haik interacted with companies in the automotive, technology, finance, education, aviation, government, and military professions. 

Both students took time to build their personal and professional communities through networking and attending sessions run by leading experts, content creators, and innovators. Bishop, a junior studying mechanical engineering and treasurer of the SWE student organization, was impressed with the conference’s speaker line-up.

“The guest speakers were moving and inspiring, and the career and character development sessions targeted women to help overcome obstacles,” Bishop said.

Haik, a senior studying electrical and computer engineering and president of the SWE student organization, has always been interested in a career that can benefit society and improve the environment. 

“The career fair was amazing,” said Haik. “The ballroom was filled with booths from hundreds of companies, and we met industry professionals worldwide. Some companies were conducting interviews on the spot, and I got two job offers from that alone,” she added.

The pair visited the Northrop Grumman booth, landing an initial interview, and were requested to return for a more in-depth interview. After the second interview, both Bishop and Haik landed positions with the company.

Bishop secured a 2023 summer internship, all expenses paid in Los Angeles. Haik secured a role that will relocate her to San Diego, where she will work as an electrical engineer after graduation.

“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity and I know that attending the conference will have a lasting impact on me,” said Haik. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.