This fall was conference season! I was especially eager to attend SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Conference) this year. I attended last year, but after a couple of interviews I was told by nearly every company that their rejections were because I was not yet an upperclassman. 

SHPE isn’t just a conference; it’s a movement. I attended to network with professionals and connect with like-minded Hispanic and Latino engineers who share the same aspirations as I do.

Between my sophomore and junior years, I worked to improve my resume, gain experience, and improve my interview skills. I attended this year’s conference with the goal of networking with as many professionals as possible, securing an internship or research position for the upcoming summer, and learning more about graduate school options and programs. 

As a first-generation Latina engineering student, meeting Hispanic engineers from all over the US was empowering. This conference reinforced that I belong in this space, surrounded by peers and mentors who have faced similar struggles and broken barriers. 

The conference was somewhat intense, and interviewing with five different companies in two days was very nerve-wrecking. Preparation was key—I practiced my technical and behavioral responses and researched each company thoroughly. 

Receiving three offers felt like validation of all the work I’ve put in over the past year. One offer was for an internship that combines project management and sustainability, and the other two internships were in manufacturing. Each felt like a stepping stone toward my broader career goals, and now I’m thoughtfully weighing my options.

The interviewing process at SHPE taught me a few valuable lessons:

• First impressions matter: Greeting recruiters enthusuasitcally matters as well as showing genuine interesting 
• Tailor your responses: Tie your skills and experiences specifically to what the company values.
• Ask questions!!!: Be prepared to ask questions that show your interest and understanding of the role.

SHPE left me feeling more inspired than ever. It reminded me of the importance of representation, as seeing other Latinos succeed motivates me to aim higher and help pave the way for others.

After this year’s conference, I have a clearer vision of my future. My immediate goal is to decide between my offers, but long-term, I’m looking to explore graduate school programs.

If you’re a Latino engineering student, SHPE is an experience I really recommend. It’s not just about finding jobs or internships—it’s about discovering your potential, connecting with a supportive community, and embracing your identity as a Latino engineer which can be very difficult at times especially when most higher education places are not predominately Hispanic.

This year’s SHPE conference was a turning point for me. I left feeling energized. To all the Hispanic and Latino engineers out there—this space is for you.