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Article Category: Life and Work

By Mary C. Verstraete, Ph.D., F.SWE, SWE Editorial BoardI fell in love with basketball at an early age. The day my dad hung that backboard, hoop, and net over the garage door is one of my happiest memories. I spent hours out there practicing layups, free throws, and jump sho...

Becoming an adjunct professor while working full time requires dedication and careful planning, but it can be more than worth the effort. By Sarvenaz Myslicki, SWE Editorial Board Entering into the workforce can be a daunting experience for students with limited real-w...

Personal stories from a longtime SWE member and inductees to halls of fame share the benefits of determination, perseverance, and the value of a sense of humor. By Jill S. Tietjen, P.E., F.SWE When I give my “Navigating My Career” talk about the lessons I’ve learned ov...

Promotions are a nearly universal aspiration in the workforce. A public decree that you are advancing in your career, they come with more: more money, more respect, and more opportunities. Those who pursue promotions at all costs, however, discover they can also come with le...

Taking time off is essential for well-being and to avoid burnout. These insights may help develop your strategy to take thoughtful, intentional breaks. By Michelle Smith, SWE Editorial Board Many people experience burnout at some point in their careers, but it seems es...

Knowing when to say no is among the most underutilized leadership skills, yet essential to success and well-being. By Michelle Smith, SWE Editorial BoardHigh performers are coveted for the qualities they bring to their teams, companies, and academic institutions. As an in...

For years, I wanted to be involved in SWE’s advocacy but felt intimidated, underprepared, and fearful of making a fool of myself. This year, I finally made the leap and signed up. By Ambika Dubey, SWE Editorial BoardPerhaps one of the least known yet most rewarding ways t...

The honey bee population has been in decline for decades, prompting serious concerns about the global food supply and environment. Engineers and scientists are using technology in the fight to preserve these crucial pollinators. By Marcie Mathis, SWE Editorial Board Gr...

The current labor market offers workers newfound leverage, raising questions of whether to seek change or stay put. Below is some food for thought to make the most of whichever path you might choose. With the Great Resignation showing no signs of slowing down,1 more emplo...

Adding pronouns to conference badges, email signatures, and social media and videoconferencing profiles is more than just the new, cool thing in diversity and inclusion. When those of us privileged to have our appearances match our gender identities and pronouns, the use ...

Recognizing women of excellence when you can’t actually say what they do may make preparing a nomination packet more complicated, but by following these suggestions, it is possible to create a stellar nomination. SWE bestows many awards intended to honor the excellent wor...

COVID-19 has made it more important than ever to step away from work to recharge and refresh. Flexibility — along with a bit of creativity — can ensure a vacation that does just that. It’s been more than a year since the world slowed for the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us ...

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