Katie J. is an Aerospace Engineering major from California State University, Long Beach. She joined her school’s SWE section in Spring 2007 and this year is serving as its Secretary. I sat down with her to answer the simple question, why did you join SWE?

Q: Where did you first hear about SWE?

A: My Junior year in high school, I received a Certificate of Merit from SWE. I had never heard of SWE before I received the award but was very interested.

Q: What made you decide to join once you arrived at CSULB?

A: I wanted to get involved with a student organization on campus. While there is an organiation based on my major (a student rocket project), I was rather intimidated to join as a Freshman. I also felt weird, sitting in a classroom full of guys, plus only a few of my friends are also engineers.

Q: What’s your favorite part about National SWE membership?

A: I really love the magazine. I like the articles, they’re very relevant and provide something to read which is related to my major but not nearly as boring as a textbook.

Q: Any advice for sections trying to recruit new members?

A: Talk to people in your classes, putting fliers up isn’t enough. People want an invitation, a connection to someone who is already involved. If they have a face to attach to the larger organization, they’re more likely to return.