With a slew of fresh classes and experiences awaiting students, the first week of any term is the ideal time to try something new. For chemical engineering students looking to expand their networks and meet people outside of a classroom setting, Drexel’s chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) is the perfect way to do so. With offerings of professional development and outreach opportunities that allow students to apply what they’ve learned to the real world, AIChE is the place to be for any student with an interest in chemical engineering.
Drexel AIChE members at the 2019 Mid-Atlantic regional conference
Drexel AIChE is a professional student organization aiming to connect engineering students interested in pursuing chemical engineering in their future careers. The organization hosts a variety of professional panels, a mentorship program and social events to help members grow into well-rounded leaders. AIChE allows students to create connections with industry professionals as early as the first term of a student’s college career. Events include a yearly ChemE Car design competition, tours of nearby plants hosting processes relative to the field, and guest speaker events with renowned companies like Merck, DuPont, Air Products, Johnson & Johnson, Crayola, Sunoco, Turkey Hill and others.
By offering free membership to the National Level of AIChE for all undergraduate Chemical Engineering students, the organization allows groups of students to attend professional development events and conferences, where they can present research. Drexel’s chapter has also worked with mid-Atlantic chapters in the past with students from universities like Rowan and Rutgers, where they have collaborated on panel events.
Another event members of AIChE take pride in putting together is their career forum. This event allows a casual atmosphere for employers and students to connect and create relationships. Students can learn more about potential employers, while companies are provided with a way to recruit potential employees.
“Our organization has remained active the past two online terms, and we intend to do the same for the fall,” says Drexel AIChE President Crystal Jain. “We are attempting to stay social, allowing students to meet new people via Zoom and other online platforms. We are also making a student member group chat which will make it even easier to connect with classmates!”
Drexel AIChE President Crystal Jain (left) with Ram Hoobraj
With the fall term drawing near, AIChE continues to plan a variety of virtual events for members. They will host their first general body meeting and executive board elections during week two on Tuesday, September 29, and will allow first year students the opportunity to run for positions as well. AIChE has also planned events featuring an ExxonMobil executive, a PhD Information Session from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, a resume review session, and plenty more to come.
Jain also explains an opportunity for new and current students to engage in a mentorship program to promote members’ success in the organization.
“Freshmen and sophomore chemical engineering students should consider signing up for our mentorship program!” she shares. “We will match you with an upperclassmen student who will help you to navigate Drexel and hopefully become a great friend during your time here.”
To view upcoming events and stay up to date with the organization, visit the official Drexel AIChE Instagram.