SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) brought over a dozen students together on Feb. 25 for a meeting in recognition of National Engineers Week, celebrated Feb. 22–28, highlighting both the academic and professional journeys of women pursuing engineering and related STEM careers.
Student members describe the organization as “a built-in support system” that consistently encourages them to push forward in their education and career goals. Others say the group helps them feel connected to the campus STEM community and provides social and academic support they might not otherwise find.
Director of Career Services Nathan Andary, top photo on left, speaks to students at a meeting of the STCC Society of Women Engineers meeting. Faculty advisor Beth McGinnis-Cavanaugh stands next to Andary in photo above.
The Feb. 25 meeting featured a guest presentation by Nathan Andary, director of Career Services at the college, who spoke candidly about the importance of networking, confidence-building and using campus resources to prepare for the workforce.
“Your success is my wish,” Andary told students, emphasizing that Career Services exists to support students at every stage of their professional development. He encouraged students to recognize the strength of the network they already have through their faculty, advisors and classmates, and to openly share their interests and career goals with those who know them best.
Andary also highlighted how everyday academic experiences, which includes writing assignments, group projects and class presentations, play a direct role in preparing students for job interviews and workplace expectations.
“Those activities are building a better version of yourself,” he said, explaining that communication, collaboration and self-reflection are essential skills employers look for across industries. He encouraged students to “lean into” assignments that may feel uncomfortable, noting that they help students learn how to talk about their skills clearly and confidently.
During his remarks, Andary urged students to think more broadly about what kind of work environment helps them thrive. He encouraged reflection on whether they prefer teamwork or independent work, indoor or outdoor settings, and organizational cultures that align with their personal values.
In one example, Andary described working with a student who loved her construction field but felt discouraged by workplace culture. Rather than leaving the industry, he helped her explore employers whose values better matched her own, reinforcing the idea that meaningful career success often comes from finding the right people and environment, not just the right job title.
He also encouraged students to view their technical skills as transferable. Whether working in engineering, manufacturing, health care or business, attention to detail, problem solving and precision are highly valued across many fields.
“Careers are not linear anymore,” Andary said, noting that today’s graduates can expect multiple career paths over a lifetime. His advice to students: focus on what you enjoy, what motivates you and what you want to continue learning, and allow your career story to evolve.
The STCC SWE affiliate is guided by faculty advisors Lineisha Dominicci-Rosario, assistant professor in Advanced Manufacturing Technology, and Engineering Professor Beth McGinnis-Cavanaugh. The group is also supported by SWE Counselor Maeliz Colon, an engineering transfer alumna and practicing engineer who mentors students and advises the affiliate.
With more than 50,000 members in 85 countries, SWE is a global organization advocating for women in engineering and technology.
Chartered in 2014, the SWE affiliate at Springfield Technical Community College was only the fourth community college affiliate in the nation at the time. Since its founding, the organization has focused on raising the profile of women in engineering and other STEM majors on campus while building a strong, supportive peer network for students navigating traditionally male-dominated fields.
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About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth’s only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC’s highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
