The next generation of engineering leaders

In November, 35 delegates from Tufts University, North Carolina State University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Virginia Tech came together on the Tufts campus for two days of professional development, networking, and sharing ideas.

Organized by Tufts University’s Engineering Student Council (ESC) in collaboration with Tufts School of Engineering and the National Association of Engineering Student Councils, the event presented numerous opportunities for students to share their expertise and learn from each other. The event kicked off with a warm welcome from ESC organizers and School of Engineering Dean of Undergraduate Education Chris Swan. The student leaders were invited to join lab tours that showcased Tufts’ innovative, interdisciplinary engineering research taking place along the science and technology corridor that spans Boston Avenue, College Avenue, and Colby Street in Somerville and Medford.

On the second day of the conference, attendees – and all interested Tufts students – were invited to breakout sessions that ranged from a business pitch competition to a session on how to promote diversity and inclusion to an ethics bowl. Conference attendees also met to discuss fundraising opportunities, events and National Engineers Week, and budgeting and distributing funds.

At Tufts, the ESC is a student-run body that seeks to provide opportunities for advancement to all students. It "connects undergraduate engineers with fellow students, clubs and academic resources at Tufts. It assists in the planning of many activities and encourages student-faculty relations and communication with the administration in the School of Engineering," says current president William Liu, E21. "Each member serving on the council is a leader representing an Engineering club and the council helps coordinate club events and foster collaboration. The ESC also serves as a resource for academic support, such as peer-advising."

The group collaborates with the National Association of Engineering Student Councils, which helps engineering student councils across the country develop leadership skills.

To learn more about the Engineering Student Council at Tufts and get involved, visit the ESC’s website and Facebook page.