My SWE Experience
“In college, it is easy to focus on grades and academics. But SWE helps you grow into a well-rounded individual with leadership skills, confidence, industry exposure, and a network that truly cares about your success.”
How did you first get involved with SWE?
I first got to know about the Society of Women Engineers in my second year of college through my seniors. They often spoke about how supportive and empowering this community was, so I decided to check it out. From the very first meeting, I realized this group was different.
It wasn’t just another student club. It was a space full of women encouraging each other, sharing knowledge, and celebrating achievements together. In engineering, people still often assume it’s a male dominated field. That can sometimes make you doubt yourself, but this community gave me a sense of belonging.
It gave me confidence that I didn’t have to fit into someone else’s mold. I could grow in my own way. That’s what made me stay in this community. I started with volunteering, then organizing events in my college, and gradually I found myself more and more involved.
Saniya Jethani
University: MIT – World Peace University
Location: Pune, India
Academic Background: B. Tech (Computer Science and Engineering)
Years in SWE: since 2022
What types of activities does your affiliate do?
The SWE MIT-WPU Affiliate is incredibly active. That’s what made my experience so interesting. We organized workshops on technical skills like Python, artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and cloud computing.
We held various competitions where students could present their ideas and creativity. We also ran an outreach program where we gave back to the community through education and STEM awareness activities. What I loved about our affiliate was that it didn’t focus only on technical events. It also emphasized leadership, communication, and soft skills. By volunteering in events, I got the chance to organize logistics, coordinate with speakers, and even handle sponsorships. All of this prepared me for real world challenges.
The Society of Women Engineers in my university wasn’t just a club, it was a platform that helped me grow into a well-rounded professional.
How has SWE helped expand your network?
SWE connects you with an amazing network of people. At the student level, you meet people from different branches — mechanical, civil, computer science, biotechnology — all working towards the same mission of empowering women in STEM. That diversity itself is so enriching because you get to learn how different fields solve problems together.
Beyond students, SWE also connects you with industry professionals, researchers, and educators, and one of the most powerful parts of this is the mentorship program. I was lucky to be mentored by women who were working in industry, and it guided me through things I would’ve otherwise struggled with alone. They helped me understand how to approach interviews, how to deal with problems, how to balance academics with leadership responsibilities, and even how to make career decisions.
Can you share a personal highlight from your SWE journey?
One of my biggest highlights was serving as the Vice President for the SWE MIT-World Peace University Affiliate. The role gave me a chance to lead initiatives, mentor Juniors, and see the real impact a team could create on campus.
Another proud moment was winning the runner up poster at the WE Local Bengaluru Poster Competition. That recognition validated not just my individual efforts, but also the collective support and encouragement I received from the SWE community. I attended the conference during a temporary phase of recovery after an accident, which made the experience a true reflection of my dedication and commitment.
Being selected as a Global Ambassador was another defining milestone. It connected me with inspiring members across the world and gave me a deeper understanding of how large and impactful SWE truly is.
But beyond the titles and achievements, the most meaningful highlight has been the networks I have built connections with mentors, peers, and professionals who continue to guide, challenge, and inspire me. SWE has helped me grow from being a shy member in my second year to someone who can truly lead and influence and give back.
What would you say to a student who is wondering if SWE is for them?
This is a perfect platform to grow, not just technically, but also personally. Of course you gain access to technical workshops, conferences, scholarships, and even career fairs that connect you directly to recruiters from top companies.
But most importantly, you gain mentorship and a supportive community. You can openly ask questions, learn from peers and professionals, and find guidance when you are unsure. In college, it is easy to focus on grades and academics, but SWE helps you grow into a well-rounded individual with leadership skills, confidence, industry exposure, and a network that truly cares about your success. For me, SWE has been an incredible journey so far.
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