ENGR 19400: Women in Engineering Seminar

Tell me more about ENGR 19400

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 College of Engineering women who are instructors, students and alums.

In ENGR 19400, you will engage with the instructor and TAs - who are current undergraduate engineering students - to learn pro tips for success in Purdue Engineering. We discuss everything from academic success and time management to resume prep and interviewing techniques.

You will also hear from dynamic engineering alumnae who talk about their career choices, their daily routines on the job, and their challenges and successes in their professional and personal lives. Speakers range from recent graduates to well-established corporate executives. They 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. 

This course will inspire you, motivate you, and reinforce your decision to pursue engineering. An extra bonus is that you will be able to build your engineering community and make friends!

ENGR 19400 is a 1 credit hour course that meets once a week. Offered Fall only for incoming Engineering students. 

Individuals of all races, genders, and backgrounds are welcome. Class is held in person on the West Lafayette campus.

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 | Junior | Mechanical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
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Bella Barney | Junior | Mechanical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
Bella is a junior 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 offers. The possibilities are endless! There were new Purdue alumni speakers almost every week, providing me with detailed information on different engineering disciplines. Insight from these speakers helped me choose which engineering was right for me!"
Keona Fielitz | Sophomore | Electrical & Computer Engineering | Teaching Assistant
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Keona Fielitz | Sophomore | Electrical & Computer Engineering | Teaching Assistant
Keona is a sophomore in Electrical Engineering. At Purdue, she is an active member of the Honors College, the Women in Engineering M&M program, Purdue Club Tennis, and the WE Link social media team. Outside of academics, Keona enjoys playing tennis, going to the Co-Rec, and trying new things with friends through Purdue events on campus.

Why ENGR 19400 is great
"I loved ENGR 194 because it provided me with support, guidance, and confidence coming into engineering. This course inspires students with powerful stories from successful Women in Engineering, which, in turn, helps them draft a career plan. It also helps them grow personally and professionally through the development of resume-building, networking, and interviewing skills. Overall, ENGR 194 gives students a head-start in Purdue Engineering and campus life."
Ro Iyer | Sophomore | Mechanical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
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Ro Iyer | Sophomore | Mechanical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
Rohini is a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering and looking to pursue a minor in Material Science Engineering. Outside of Women in Engineering, she is an active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers' Prosthetics Team. Outside of academic commitments, she likes to skate, play soccer, and enjoy the outdoors. 

Why ENGR 19400 is great
"ENGR 194 is great because it gave me perspective into the steps taken by speakers to lead successful lives. This course provides so many resources students can take advantage of that it makes it very hard not to succeed. During classes, we constantly develop communication skills, and it helps to be surrounded by like-minded people who only want to grow their skill set."
Mairead Kennedy | Senior | Chemical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
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Mairead Kennedy | Senior | Chemical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
Mairead is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and 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, and an active member of the GEARE (Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education) and WiE (Women in Engineering) programs. Additionally, Mairead will spend 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 offers. You are able to learn from a wide variety of engineers in various parts of their career paths 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 | Junior | Civil Engineering | Teaching Assistant
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Sydney Kroon | Junior | Civil Engineering | Teaching Assistant
Sydney is a junior 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 with 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 specialty."
Alanna Nash | Senior | Mechanical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
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Alanna Nash | Senior | Mechanical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
Alanna is pursuing a major in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Management. She also is involved in a 5-session co-op experience with Closure Systems International. She just finished her 3rd rotation over the summer. In addition to being involved in the WiE program, she also is a peer counselor at the Office of Future Engineers, where she enjoys working with prospective students and is a TA for ME 263 which is the Sophomore Design class that all ME students take.

Why ENGR 19400 is 
great
"ENGR 194 allowed me to not only build up connections with other female engineers, but it gave me confidence. The class and hearing from the alums provided me with support in knowing that I made the right decision to not only come to Purdue but be an engineer whose voice and opinion matter."
Danielle Norrito | Junior | Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
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Danielle Norrito | Junior | Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
Danielle is a junior studying Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. She has spent the last two summers interning at GE Aerospace in the roles of Quality Intern and Engineering Material Systems Intern. At Purdue, she is involved in Panhellenic and Purdue Space Program. Outside of these commitments, she enjoys working out and relaxing with a TV show or a 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. This 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."
Olivia Vassios | Sophomore | Mechanical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
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Olivia Vassios | Sophomore | Mechanical Engineering | Teaching Assistant
Olivia is a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering and pursuing a minor in Management. She is currently interning as a Regulatory Compliance Engineer for Allison Transmission. Outside of school, she is the director of recruitment for Phi Sigma Rho sorority and is a member of the Women in Engineering M&M program. In her free time, she enjoys reading and working out.

Why ENGR 19400 is great
"ENGR 194 is great because it surrounds you with a room full of smart and supportive women. It gives you the opportunity to connect with other women in FYE and exposes you to all the different possibilities that a degree in engineering opens you up to. This class reminded me that you are not alone and there are others willing to help you be successful during the start of your college career."

Sponsored by:

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