ENGR 19400: Women in Engineering Seminar

Tell me more about ENGR 19400

First-year students can choose to take this one-credit course which utilizes dynamic engineering alumnae to inspire, motivate, and reinforce the student's career choices!

Students hear presentations from a variety of engineering alumnae who talk about their career choices, their daily routines on the job, and their challenges and successes in their professions as well as in their personal lives. Speakers range from recent graduates to well established corporate executives. 

This class will help you get answers to many questions - questions that don't get answered in calculus or chemistry or physics. This is a class where you hear it "like it is" from women who have graduated from Purdue Engineering and are working as Engineers, Analysts, Consultants, Doctors, Lawyers, Managers, and Professors. These exceptional alumnae come back to talk to you because they care. By sharing their experiences with you, they can provide an additional dimension to your college education. Additionally, this course provides the support of being in a class with many other women who have the same questions that you have.

Scheduling ENGR 19400

ENGR 19400 is a 1 credit hour, seminar course meeting one day a week for incoming students in engineering, offered each fall. 

What are the advantages to taking ENGR 19400?
  • Learn strategies for success to use in college and beyond
  • Hear experiences from working women engineers as they relay stories of their careers and personal successes
  • Have your decision to choose engineering or to choose a particular major in engineering reinforced by interaction with speakers and peers
  • Discover various career paths in engineering 
  • Learn about different opportunities and resources provided by Purdue that will assist with your transition from high school to college
  • Meet other women in First-Year Engineering (FYE)
  • Experience a unique opportunity for FYE students to network with engineering professionals in a seminar class:
    • We create and maintain strong relationships with our female alumni and many serve as speakers in the ENGR 19400 seminar and are eager to connect with current students
    • ENGR 19400 students can talk to our guest speakers after class and exchange contact information
How well does ENGR 19400 meet student expectations?
Quotes from students previously enrolled in ENGR 19400:
"Hearing the alumnae stories helped me see that there is not one path in engineering."

"ENGR 194 provided me with a community of people who could support me and friends I could study with."

"Hearing from successful women engineers and asking questions about their careers was really eye-opening. It helped me understand where I want to go with my life."

"The most beneficial aspect of ENGR 194 was seeing how I can make a difference in the lives of others through engineering, which is very important to me. Knowing I can fulfill my passion through my career is exciting!" 
How will my grade be decided in ENGR 19400?
Grades in ENGR 19400 are based on attendance, assignments, and short reflection papers.
Meet the Instructors
Suzanne Zurn-Birkhimer | Instructor
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Suzanne Zurn-Birkhimer | Instructor
Dr. Zurn-Birkhimer is the Associate Director of the Women in Engineering Program and teaches the ENGR 19400 seminar. Here is her bio.

Why ENGR 19400 is great
"The Women in Engineering Seminar is a unique opportunity for FYE students to meet some of Purdue's amazing alumnae. Students not only learn what being an engineer is all about, they also get valuable tips for perseverance and strategies for success from women who were once in their seats. Plus, they get to know their classmates and start building their community. What's not to love?!"
Bella Barney | Sophomore | Mechanical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
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Bella Barney | Sophomore | Mechanical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
Bella is a sophomore in Mechanical Engineering pursuing a minor in Business Management. She is a member of Purdue's Honors College, including the Goss Scholars FYE track (ENGR 161/162), and the Women in Engineering M&M program. Outside engineering Bella loves outdoor activities (e.g. hiking, motorcycles) and works at the Co-Rec. If you are interested in working out, Bella can give climbing tips or advice on weightlifting.

Why ENGR 19400 is great
"ENGR 194 enlightened me about potential career paths and what Purdue has to offer. The possibilities are endless! There were new Purdue alumni speakers almost every week providing me with detailed information into different engineering disciplines. Insight from these speakers helped me choose which engineering was right for me!"
Mairead Kennedy | Junior | Chemical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
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Mairead Kennedy | Junior | Chemical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
Mairead is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering as well as a Global Engineering minor. Currently, she is working as a Manufacturing Quality Engineering Intern at COOK Medical. At Purdue, Mairead is the president of Delta Zeta Sorority, as well as an active member of both the GEARE (Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education) and WiE (Women in Engineering) programs. Additionally, Mairead will be spending the Spring 2023 semester in London, England to further pursue her studies.  

Why ENGR 19400 is great
"ENGR 194 is great because it provides you with the resources and people that Purdue's campus has to offer. You are able to learn from a wide variety of engineers in various parts of their career path while simultaneously collaborating with other female FYEs. The course is set up to encourage you and teach you how to succeed, and ultimately provides you with valuable advice and academic tactics to boost the beginning of your undergraduate studies."
Sydney Kroon | Sophomore | Civil Engineering | Teaching Assistant
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Sydney Kroon | Sophomore | Civil Engineering | Teaching Assistant
Sydney is a sophomore in civil engineering looking to pursue a concentration in either structures or construction. She is involved in the American Society of Civil Engineers, Purdue's chapter of the Alpha Lambda Delta Phi Eta Sigma honor society and the Women in Engineering M&M program. Outside of Academics, she competes in cross country and track meets with the Purdue Run Club.

Why ENGR 19400 is great
"ENGR 19400 is great because it provided me resources I didn't initially know I needed to succeed. In this course students will work on developing professional skills along with interpersonal skills. This course forms part of the foundation you will need to be a successful engineer, regardless of speciality."
Danielle Norrito | Sophomore | Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
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Danielle Norrito | Sophomore | Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
Danielle is a sophomore studying Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. Outside of the Women in Engineering Program, she is the recruitment chair for the Phi Sigma Rho sorority. During the summer of 2022, Danielle will be interning at GE Aviation. Outside of these commitments, she enjoys rock climbing and relaxing with a TV show or long walk.

Why ENGR 19400 is great
"ENGR 194 helped me find my footing in a new environment. The class helps students learn how to be successful in the classroom, outside the classroom, and in the future. These is a huge opportunity for personal growth when engaging with fellow students, faculty, and women in the workforce. The class ensures that students are provided with resources and opportunities that they should take advantage of."

Sponsored by:

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