Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) https://nsbe.org/ Annual Convention was held in Chicago, Illinois from March 5th-9th, 2025 at the McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America.

The 2025 Annual Convention was a four-day event with an anticipated 15,000 attendees, 400-plus Career Fair exhibitors and 5,000-plus NSBE members and others at the Opening, General and Closing Sessions. During the Annual Convention, the Society conducts organizational business, elects national and regional leaders, holds competitions and provides professional and personal development, networking and celebratory activities.

To Relive #NSBE 50, click here, NSBE50 Recap Video, the 3 minute video truly reflects the convention theme, INSPIRE! EXCEL! IMPACT!

Augsburg NSBE Chapter

Attending the annual convention were the “Sweet 16”, 15 members and chapter advisor, Dr. Jennifer Brookins-King. Members representing the chapter are: Sadaq Abdulle, Melky Abdulwahab, Asli Ahmed, Jamila Ahmed, Samia Ahmed, Suheyb Ali, Guleid Eleie, Zuhur Hade, Kayser Hassan, Rudwan Hussein, Hamsa Kahin, Leban Kahin, Fatima Mohamed, Mohamed Mohamed, and Nasrudiin Osman.

Reflections

How was the participants’ experience? Read on to find out!

Dr. Brookins-King, Advisor

“It was simply an amazing, unforgettable opportunity with Augsburg NSBE members. I appreciate sharing this space with them and getting to know each one more on a fun, personal and professional level. This was my first NSBE Convention, and I have no regrets in attending, especially in my hometown Chicago! Making connections, listening to the dynamic, diverse speakers and presenters, witnessing a massive career expo, and relaxing at the celebratory events (in particular at The Golden Torch Awards , see the recap video), elevated my personal and professional development as a result.

I would recommend to Augsburg STEM students, all STEM students, to join a NSBE Chapter, get involve, it will be definitely expand your world and greatly assist you in preparing for your career, graduate or professional school. Interacting with the Augsburg students at the convention and observing how they intentionally and positively engaged and connected with other students, professionals, activities, and the resources available to them was awesome! And of course, the Augsburg NSBE Chapter is the best!”

Guleid Eleie, President

Attending NSBE 2025 was an eye-opening experience that provided invaluable lessons in professional growth and networking. I learned how to effectively connect with recruiters, present myself confidently, and understand the importance of building professional relationships with both my peers and professionals. The convention also deepened my appreciation for NSBE’s impact and growth, inspiring me to contribute even more to my chapter. A special moment for me was taking pictures with the rest of the NSBE-Augsburg chapter. As well as attending the career fair and meeting new people. This experience strengthened my passion for STEM and my commitment to fostering diversity in the field.For any STEM student considering attending a conference like NSBE, I highly recommend taking full advantage of every opportunity to network, learn, and grow. Come prepared with an updated resume, an elevator pitch, and a willingness to engage in conversations with professionals and fellow students and target companies you want to work at. Also attend as many workshops as you can as they are very beneficial. Most importantly don’t forget to ask questions, this will enhance your experience during college and prepare you for the real world because you might miss out on some crucial information.. Most importantly, follow up with the people you meet, a simple LinkedIn connection or thank you email can make a lasting impression. This conference was an amazing experience, and I encourage every STEM student to seek out similar opportunities to advance their careers.

Asli Ahmed, Co-Vice President

During this conference, I learned the importance of confidence and how to believe in my strengths. This allowed me to speak to recruiters, interact with other students and seek valuable advice from those in my field. Additionally, I was able to attend company hospitality suites, interactive workshops on relevant topics and celebrate my experience at the Gala Ceremony. A special moment for me was seeing my members excel professionally, expand out of our comfort zone and realize how NSBE-Augsburg, in its first year, was able to become a part of this experience. If not for this conference, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to speak to recruiters/engineers at large companies such as Deloitte, Apple, Honda and many more. I’m truly grateful for this experience and hope that many students can benefit in the future!

The best advice I can share about attending a conference would be to prepare ahead of time. This can include having your resume reviewed, mock interviewing with friends and updating your LinkedIn. Also, for a large conference, companies will open their applications ahead of time and will allow students to pre-schedule interviews. Definitely take advantage of these resources early on and make sure you have a game plan. Conferences can be overwhelming and it helps to know which company you want to engage with and which workshops you want to attend. NSBE-Augsburg conducted a prep session with members going to the conference which helped as well.

Rudwan Hussein, Co-Vice President

Attending the NSBE convention was an incredible opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. I learned the importance of preparation. Having an updated resume, a strong elevator pitch, and a clear understanding of my career goals made networking more effective. A special moment was connecting with industry professionals who shared insights about breaking into tech consulting, reinforcing my passion for the field. Additionally, I was proud to represent Augsburg’s NSBE chapter and witness how our presence contributed to the broader mission of empowering Black engineers. Overall, the experience solidified my confidence in navigating large professional spaces and leveraging them for future opportunities.To maximize a conference experience, preparation is key, research the companies attending,set goals for what you want to achieve, and practice introducing yourself with confidence.Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards, it’s about building genuine relationships,so follow up with professionals and peers you meet. Take advantage of workshops and panel discussions, as they offer valuable career insights beyond just job searching. Also, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, initiating conversations with recruiters or industry leaders can open doors you didn’t expect. Finally, stay engaged with NSBE or similar organizations after the event to maintain momentum and keep growing your network.

Attending the NSBE Annual Convention was an unforgettable experience! One of the most important takeaways for me was the value of networking. I learned that building relationships with professionals in the field and fellow students can open doors to opportunities that would be hard to find elsewhere. A special moment for me was connecting with a recruiter from a top tech company at the career fair. We discussed my career interests, and I walked away with actionable advice about preparing for technical interviews and strengthening my resume. This conversation has given me more clarity and direction as I continue my journey in STEM.Another achievement was participating in the workshops, where I gained new skills and insights into the latest developments in the tech industry. It was inspiring to see so many like-minded individuals passionate about making a difference in the field.My advice for attending a conference is to prepare ahead. Apply for jobs or internships before the event, and secure an interview slot with companies attending. Practice your elevator pitch so you can confidently introduce yourself to recruiters. Also, take time to research the companies you’re interested in to have meaningful conversations. By preparing your applications, interview skills, and pitch in advance, you’ll make the most of the opportunities the conference offers.

Coming into this NSBE conference, I felt much more prepared than last time. My resume truly reflected the kind of candidate I am, and I was able to approach recruiters with a higher level of confidence.For other STEM students, I highly recommend researching specific companies beforehand—this strategy was a game changer for me. I’m excited to share that I left the conference with an offer, and I plan to take this internship as seriously as possible. By the time NSBE comes around next year, I want to be a top candidate for a full-time position.

As a Biochemistry major, I learned the importance of persistence and networking when looking for job opportunities. Although I initially struggled to find full-time laboratory research positions due to a focus on engineering roles, I didn’t give up. I secured interviews and connected with recruiters who were understanding and referred me to roles better suited for my expertise. One special moment from the conference was attending the gala with my peers, taking pictures, and feeling a strong sense of unity and achievement. It was a reminder of how powerful it is to connect with like-minded individuals and celebrate Black excellence.I would advise other STEM students to attend conferences for the opportunity to network, learn from experts in the field, and discover job opportunities that align with their skills and interests. Don’t be discouraged if your initial search for positions doesn’t align exactly with your expertise, as networking can lead you to other suitable options. Conferences are a great chance to showcase your passions, engage in workshops, and create connections that could open doors for future opportunities.

The NSBE convention was an incredible opportunity to learn, network, and grow professionally. Engaging with recruiters gave me insight into what top tech companies look for, and a technical interview workshop provided valuable strategies. A highlight was being able to confidently delivering my elevator pitch, which led to meaningful connections.For STEM students attending conferences, preparation is KEY! research companies, refine your resume, and step out of your comfort zone to network. Take advantage of workshops, career fairs, and conversations with professionals, and always follow up to maintain those connections.

I learned a lot during this experience. Probably a lot more than I did in my three years of college. I learned how to put myself out there. I learned to believe in myself even though there were hundreds of students probably far qualified and fitted for the role. I learned to have full faith in my work before I can convince anyone else to believe that I can really do it.Don’t hold back when it comes to connecting with someone. This is the best place for you to connect with people that can really change your life. Believe in yourself and stand out. You wouldn’t be in that room if you weren’t meant to be. Share your story with everybody and anybody. You don’t know who it’s going to land on. If the person you’re talking to can’t help you, they might know someone that can. So always share your dreams and goals and connect!

My experience in going to the Chicago NSBE has been fulfilling and exciting. I was nervous about going to a career fair of this capacity. I thought about all of these people who are beyond qualified to be here. The best moment of the trip was meeting with a program manager at Deloitte and how she’s been there for the past 10 years. She honestly inspired me because a lot of the skills and goals she has are similar to what I have. It was inspiring to another Black woman that is where I want to be. The conference was motivating to keep looking for opportunities and the encouragement I needed while getting through all of these applications. I am also so proud of the board and the fact that we were able to do this in our first year at Augsburg.I have a couple of pieces of advice for those interested in going to the conference. First,make sure you are prepared. This means you know what companies you want to talk to and where they are stationed, know what roles they have available, and why you are qualified for them. The second advice is to know that you are qualified and you deserve to be here. Oftentimes, we let imposter syndrome talk us out of opportunity, but we deserve to be in these rooms. Lastly, connecting with other students is just as important as recruiters. These are your peers, and they understand your struggles.

Attending my first National Conference last week was an unforgettable experience. The nerves of not knowing what to expect quickly turned into excitement when I realized how important it is to be yourself and come prepared. A key takeaway from the conference was that recruiters often look for candidates who are authentic and confident. I also learned that not having all the qualifications shouldn’t stop you from applying. Your passion and experience can make a significant difference. One of the most special moments was engaging with top companies like HP, Honeywell, and Pfizer, and having the opportunity to interview with HP. While I wasn’t selected, the experience was invaluable. I also want to mention how inspiring it was to meet Felecia Wheatfall, who took the time to review my resume and offered priceless career advice. It was motivating to see someone who looks like me in a position I aspire to be in one day.To other STEM students considering attending a conference, I’d say: go for it! Don’t let the fear of not knowing what to expect hold you back. Be yourself, be prepared, and don’t shy away from applying to companies even if you don’t meet all the qualifications. What you bring in terms of experience, passion, and authenticity can make all the difference. Networking is crucial, and conferences offer an incredible chance to connect with industry leaders, ask questions, and gain insights into the corporate world. Most importantly, don’t be discouraged by setbacks each experience, including interviews, is a step toward your growth.

Attending the NSBE convention was an incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. One key takeaway for me was the importance of being intentional in networking. I had the chance to engage with professionals and recruiters who provided valuable insights into career paths and opportunities. A special moment was meeting other ambitious students who share similar goals—it was inspiring to be surrounded by so much talent and drive.For STEM students considering attending a conference, my advice is to step outside your comfort zone. Be proactive in introducing yourself to people, attending sessions that align with your interests, and following up with connections afterward. These events are more than just learning experiences; they’re stepping stones to future opportunities.

Attending the NSBE convention was an incredible opportunity to network with other STEM students and connect with recruiters from top companies. I learned how valuable it is to put yourself out there, engage in meaningful conversations, and showcase both your technical skills and personality. A special moment was meeting professionals who shared their career journeys and offered mentorship, making the experience even more inspiring.My advice to other STEM students is to have real, authentic conversations with recruiters—show them who you are, ask thoughtful questions, and leave nothing on the table.

I learned that building experience is crucial because recruiters want to see that you have expertise in the field you’re applying for. I had the privilege of meeting with the Director of Operations from Meta, who provided valuable advice on improving my resume by adding key industry keywords and removing vague terms like “help.” She also emphasized the importance of using my time wisely to earn certifications and take additional courses related to my major. Her guidance gave me a clearer understanding of how to strengthen my qualifications and stand out in the job market.Going to a STEM conference is a great way to learn new things, meet people, and get career advice. Before you go, I would recommend checking out the speakers and companies that will be attending the conference before you go, so you know which sessions will be the most useful for you. Don’t be shy about networking, talk to professionals, ask questions, and connect on LinkedIn. Take notes and follow up afterward with anybody you spoke with so you can make the most of what you learned!

I learned so much about different companies. I learned about how different individuals with a variety of engineering degrees all work together to create results. I was able to learn from more experienced individuals about how I can utilize the skills I have to fit into these many different roles and companies. I was also able to secure multiple interviews while at NSBE which resulted in me accepting an offer for when I graduate this spring.My advice to fellow STEM students is to come prepared. This can be anything like having your resume tailored to the roles you may be interested in. This can also be having an elevator pitch, doing mock interviews with peers, or even doing research prior on specific companies you may be targeting. The biggest suggestion I have is signing up and connecting early with recruiters so you have interviews setup beforehand. Many recruiters posted on LinkedIn that they would be in attendance and this was how I was able to get my first interview on the first day!