Stony Brook University students recently attended the Becoming Everything You Are (BEYA) Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. Forty students, including members of the National Society of Black Engineers and other organizations, participated in professional development activities aimed at networking, mentorship, and career advancement in engineering and technology.
The Career Center facilitated participation by appointing Simone Binneman as the SBU campus coordinator for BEYA. This role enabled 40 students to obtain an All-Access Conference pass. Students also received mentorship from Stony Brook alum Madeline Augustin, a Boeing employee. Last year, only fourteen students attended the conference; this support increased attendance significantly.
The Career Communications Group hosted BEYA and covered hotel accommodations and registration costs. Additional financial support was provided by the Career Center and Judith Brown-Clarke, vice president for equity and inclusion at Stony Brook University. This funding was crucial as it allowed students to attend without financial burden.
The conference opened with “An Evening with BEYA’s Leading Voices,” focusing on diversity within STEM industries. Students engaged with recruiters at a two-day career fair and participated in networking suites where companies offered mentorship. A session titled “Men2Men: My Brother’s Keeper” featured discussions among male students about workplace responsibilities.
Students reported that BEYA positively impacted their confidence and professional skills. First-year student Samuel Camulaire said, “BEYA is pretty much a world of opportunity for really any major... I gained such a boost in my confidence when relaying who I am.” Angel Matos-De Los Santos highlighted the personal networking opportunities at BEYA compared to other conferences. Pushkar Taday noted that while smaller than events like NSBE or SHPE, BEYA allowed for better engagement due to fewer attendees.
Madeline Augustin engaged with each attendee to ensure they had a meaningful experience, emphasizing the importance of networking in STEM fields.
Post-conference outcomes included on-the-spot interviews and career advancements for several students. Julio Martinez secured a summer internship at Northrop Grumman, while Abdel Sanogo shared his success story on LinkedIn.
— Mckenzie Post