As the Executive Director of PEER WISE, Serita Acker is a guiding force for Clemson University’s engineering students, providing invaluable mentorship and preparing them for the challenges of the professional world. This week, she shares her expertise on how students can make the most of the upcoming Clemson Career Fair and set themselves apart as rising industry leaders.

Career Fair Prep: Setting Yourself Up for Success

The Clemson Career Fair, taking place on February 17th, 18th, and 19th, is a pivotal opportunity for engineering students to connect with leading employers, showcase their skills, and gain valuable insights into their industries. Preparation is key to making a lasting impression. Serita advises students to start early by researching the companies attending the fair.

“Know who will be there ahead of time,” she says. “Admire their work, understand their mission, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their goals.” Use the career fair as a chance to demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your curiosity and genuine interest in their work.

Mastering the Art of Networking

Networking is a cornerstone of professional growth, and the career fair offers a prime opportunity to hone this skill. Serita’s advice is simple: “Connect with your fear and do it nervous.” Even seasoned professionals feel jitters before meeting someone new, but confidence grows with practice.

Start with a strong elevator pitch—a concise, impactful summary of who you are, your background, and what you’re seeking. According to Serita, “An elevator pitch is your introduction; make it count. Keep it clear, professional, and tailored to the company you’re speaking with.”

Remember, networking isn’t just about what you can gain. Serita emphasizes the importance of approaching conversations with a mindset of service. “Be confident in your ability to volunteer and serve the company. Highlight how your skills and experiences can address their needs and contribute to their success.”

Professionalism in Action

Business professionalism is more than just dressing the part (though dressing appropriately is essential). Serita explains that professionalism includes punctuality, preparedness, and respect.

“Self-awareness will set you apart,” she says. “Understand your strengths, know the emerging research in your industry, and articulate how your skills align with industry trends.”

Additionally, follow-up is a critical component of professionalism. After meeting a recruiter or company representative, send a thank-you email expressing your gratitude for their time and reiterating your interest in their organization. This simple gesture can leave a lasting impression.

Confidence Through Service

Serita’s final piece of advice is to approach the career fair with confidence in your potential to serve and contribute. Whether it’s through volunteering, internships, or full-time roles, your ability to connect your skills with an organization’s goals is what will make you stand out.

“Step into the fair knowing that you belong there,” she encourages. “Your journey, experiences, and determination are valuable assets. Embrace the opportunity to grow, learn, and connect.”

Ready to Shine?

The Clemson Career Fair is more than just an event—it’s a launchpad for your future. Take Serita’s advice to heart and approach the fair prepared, confident, and ready to connect. Stop by the PEER WISE office if you need guidance or support as you prepare. We’re here to help you succeed!

Mark your calendars for February 17th, 18th and 19th, polish your elevator pitch, and get ready to make your mark at the career fair. The opportunities you seize today could shape your future tomorrow.

By:  Serita Acker

As PEER & WISE’s Executive Director, I love and cherish every PEER WISE Experience (PWE) cohort. This program holds a special place in my heart, and I’m thrilled to share why it’s one of my favorites.

The PEER WISE Experience is designed to give students a head start on their Clemson journey. It offers an invaluable glimpse into what a first-year experience will be like helping students transition smoothly into the College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences. Through PWE, students meet fellow students in their major, forge early friendships, and take introductory classes in General Engineering, Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Excel, College Readiness, and Research. Not only do students get a taste of college life, but they also earn three hours of college credit.

One of the most rewarding aspects of PWE is witnessing the growth and confidence that our students develop. They are not just taking classes but becoming part of a supportive community that believes in their potential. From day one, they can access resources and guidance to help you navigate your first year’s challenges. Not to mention, they become fast friends.

What makes this program truly exceptional is our 100% retention rate for PWE students who continue on to the General Engineering program. This remarkable achievement reflects our students’ and staff’s dedication and hard work. It is a testament to the strength of the community we’ve built together. I often say that PWE is not just an introduction to Clemson—it’s the foundation of your future success.

Our students make the most of this experience. They engage actively in your classes, participate in all the activities, and connect with peers and mentors. Together, we build a strong foundation for the academic journey.

To our 2024 PWE students, welcome to the Clemson Family. We are excited to support and cheer you on every step of the way. Together, we’ll achieve great things!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

PEER&WISE Mentoring Team Applications

The PEER&WISE team is looking to hire counselors for two summer camps (Project WISE and PEER WISE Experience) along with PEER and WISE mentors for next school year.  To learn more view the flyer below.

Mentor Application Flyer

————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

AAAS S-STEM Resource & Evaluation Center (REC) Launch

AAAS is excited to launch the new S-STEM REC! Established with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF: DUE-2224093), the REC supports S-STEM grant awardees and scholars, and works to increase the overall effectiveness of the NSF S-STEM portfolio. Specifically, the REC will provide:

1. Context-conscious resources, knowledge, and connections to support S-STEM Network program leadership.
2. Professional development and connection to career building opportunities for S-STEM scholars.
3. Portfolio-wide synthesis of outcomes and broad dissemination of findings to support evidence-based decision making across the STEM ecosystem

The REC includes five essential components: an asynchronous virtual community; a public-facing online presence; an in-person annual scholar’s meeting; a technical assistance suite; and an integrated evaluation and research framework. Stay tuned for updates about REC activities, and spread the word about joining our mailing list!

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Bridge to the Doctorate Program at N.C. A&T

Bridge to the Doctorate Program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has been awarded a Louis Stokes Bridge to the Doctorate (BD) grant for 2022-2024. We are currently seeking BD applications from eligible underrepresented minority students planning on applying to STEM Ph.D. programs at N.C. A&T for the Spring 2023 and Fall 2023 semesters. Learn more about this opportunity.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————

McNair Scholars Research Program for UG Prep for PhD Programs

APPLICATION DEADLINE VARIES BY HOST INSTITUTION
The McNair Scholars Program is a federal TRIO program funded at 151 institutions across the United States and Puerto Rico by the U.S. Department of Education. It is designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. McNair participants are either first-generation college students with financial need, or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education and have demonstrated strong academic potential. The goal of the McNair Scholars Program is to increase graduate degree awards for students from underrepresented segments of society. Learn more on the McNair program website

————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Summer Opportunities Searchable Database

Undergraduate Students
Paid Summer Research Programs — deadlines are fast approaching!  
PathwaysToScience.org has a searchable database of 600+ summer research programs in all STEM disciplines. These are all FULLY FUNDED opportunities including programs sponsored by NSF, NASA, NIH, etc.
Graduate Students
Paid Summer Research Programs — deadlines are fast approaching!  
Search 60+ paid summer research programs for graduate students in a range of STEM disciplines – many deadlines fast approaching! These are all FULLY FUNDED opportunities including programs sponsored by NSF, NASA, NIH, etc.
Need in finding internships?
Contact Liv Detrick at ldetrick@ibparticipation.org for assistance. Please include your level of study, disciplinary interests, and any other requirements.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

HBCU Summer Immersion in GEOINT at Harris-Stowe State University

The HBCU Summer Immersion in GEOINT will hold its 2nd annual REU June 26 – July 30, 2023. This is a five-week experiential learning activity. This is a competitive program will engage 15 students during the summer with experts from the geospatial science field, including academia, industry, and government organizations. Read more about this opportunity.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————–

2023 FULBRIGHT U.S. Student Program Info Sessions for Rising Seniors

The 2023 Fulbright application cycle opens soon for all rising Seniors! Join the Office of Major Fellowships to learn more about the Department of State’s premiere cultural exchange program which provides 9-12 month grants for study/research projects or English Teaching Assistantships in more than 140 countries. Fulbright 101 Brunch/Lunch & Learn info sessions will be held April 5-7. Students must register on CU Course and select which session to attend.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————

NSF Funded Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) Research Assistant Positions in summer 2023

Two Research Experience for Undergraduate assistant positions: $1,600/month for 3 months, from mid May to mid August 2023. This is open to undergraduate students in USA and requires U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency. Preferred background:  3D printing, robotics, mechatronics, or manufacturing automation. Our REU assistants become very competitive after summer research. For example, the two REU assistants in summer 2022 received NASA internships in fall 2022.

Interested students please contact Dr. Weihang Zhu via email at wzhu21@central.uh.edu with your resumes and unofficial transcripts. The positions need to be filled as soon as possible.

For more details, please visit: https://uh.edu/tech/coss/

———————————————————————————————————————————————————-

NSF, USDA, and EPA-funded Doctoral Research Assistant Positions

Multiple doctoral research assistant positions are open, funded by National Science Foundation, US Department of Agriculture (USDA-NIFA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The projects are on 3D printing, automated mushroom harvesting and optimization, climate-smart agricultural automation, and algae production. The required background is 3D printing, robotics, mechatronics, or manufacturing automation, with automation hardware and software development experience. The preferred background includes SolidWorks modeling, finite element analysis, computer vision, deep learning, NVIDIA GPU programming, and PLC.

Interested students please contact Dr. Weihang Zhu via email at wzhu21@central.uh.edu with your resumes and unofficial transcripts. The positions are for applicants to doctoral program only. Major can be in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science. We can accept outstanding BS to go into Ph.D. program directly. Positions will start in fall 2023 or spring 2024.

For more details, please visit: https://uh.edu/tech/coss/

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————

STEM Ambassador Recruitment for My STEM My Story Project

Two colleagues, Renee Lyons and Corliss Outley, and I recently received a nearly $2 million NSF grant for a project called My STEM My Story. We will be working with Tillery, NC, community members to develop a graphic novel titled “When Spiderwebs Unite” that tells Tillery’s story about their engagement with environmental justice. It will be the basis for an afterschool STEM club that empowers African American youth to identify challenges in their own communities, conduct scientific investigations, and create and implement action plans to address those issues. There is more information about the project here.

We are hiring eight (8) undergraduate students as UPIC interns who will work as STEM ambassadors and another as marketing/social media/website editor intern for the project during the 2023-2024 academic year. We are especially interested in talking with students of color about this opportunity and ask that you help connect us to students who would be interested in applying for these positions.

Attached is a flyer with more information about these jobs for students. Any questions, please reach out.

HiringSTEMAmbassadors

———————————————————————————————————————————————————–

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM (SROP)

Sponsor:  Committee on Institutional Cooperation

Deadline Date:  None posted

Funding:  Not Available

Program Information:  View Details

Contact Name:  Danielle LeFaivre, Project Coordinator

Contact Telephone:  217-333-8475

Contact Email:  srop.coordinator@btaa.org

Sponsor Website:  https://www.btaa.org/

Program URL:  View Details

Synopsis:  The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is a gateway to graduate education at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities. The goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented students who pursue graduate study and research careers. SROP helps prepare undergraduates for graduate study through intensive research experiences with faculty mentors and enrichment activities.

—————————————————————————————————————————————

FRANCES CRAWFORD MARVIN AMERICAN INDIAN SCHOLARSHIP

Sponsor:  National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

Deadline Date:  None posted

Funding:  Not Available

Program Information:  View Details

Contact Telephone:  (757) 221-4223

Contact Email:  FCMarvinAmericanIndianScholarship@nsdar.org

Sponsor Website:  https://www.dar.org/

Program URL:  View Details

Synopsis:  The Frances Crawford Marvin American Indian is awarded once a year to one student. A candidate for this scholarship must be enrolled full time at a 2- or 4- year college or university. Applicants must be Native Americans and proof of American Indian blood is required by letter or proof papers. Students must demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, and have a 3.25 GPA or higher. A recipient may reapply for this scholarship and be considered along with other members of the applicant pool.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————

FRANCES CRAWFORD MARVIN AMERICAN INDIAN SCHOLARSHIP

SPIN ID:  070398
Opportunity Title:  Frances Crawford Marvin American Indian Scholarship
Sponsor:  National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Deadline Date:  None posted
Funding Amount:  Not Available
Program Information:  https://urldefense.com/v3/__
Contact Telephone :  (757) 221-4223
Contact Email :  FCMarvinAmericanIndianScholarship@nsdar.org
Sponsor Website:   https://urldefense.com/v3/__
Program URL :  https://urldefense.com/v3/__
Synopsis :  The Frances Crawford Marvin American Indian is awarded once a year to one student. A candidate for this scholarship must be enrolled full time at a 2- or 4- year college or university. Applicants must be Native Americans and proof of American Indian blood is required by letter or proof papers. Students must demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, and have a 3.25 GPA or higher. A recipient may reapply for this scholarship and be considered along with other members of the applicant pool.

————————————————————————————————————————————

SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM (SROP)

SPIN ID:  082118
Opportunity Title:  Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)
Sponsor:  Committee on Institutional Cooperation
Deadline Date:  None posted
Funding Amount:  Not Available
Program Information:  https://www.btaa.org/resources-for/students/srop/overview
Contact Name :  Danielle LeFaivre, Project Coordinator
Contact Telephone :  217-333-8475
Contact Email :  srop.coordinator@btaa.org
Sponsor Website :  https://www.btaa.org/
Program URL :  https://urldefense.com/v3/__
Synopsis :  The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is a gateway to graduate education at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities. The goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented students who pursue graduate study and research careers. SROP helps prepare undergraduates for graduate study through intensive research experiences with faculty mentors and enrichment activities.

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

AGA-DR. HARVEY YOUNG EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION’S YOUNG GUTS SCHOLAR PROGRAM

Sponsor:  American Gastroenterological Association

Deadline Date: 16-May-2023

Funding:  Not Available

Program Information:  View Details

Contact Email:  awards@gastro.org

Sponsor Website:  https://gastro.org/research-and-awards/apply-for-awards/

Program URL:  View Details

Deadline Dates (ALL):  16-May-2023

Synopsis:  This program supports undergraduate students from racial, ethnic and/or other groups traditionally underrepresented in biomedical research to perform mentored research related to digestive diseases throughout the academic year. The award provides a stipend, AGA membership, and a travel allowance to attend Digestive Disease Week.

———————————————————————————————————————————————-

RELIGIOUS STUDIES SCHOLARSHIP

Sponsor:  Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU)

Deadline Date:  01-Jun-2023

Funding:  5,000.00 USD

Program Information:  View Details

Contact Telephone:  212-319-6383

Contact Email:  scholarship@agbu.org

Sponsor Website:  https://agbu.org/programs

Program URL:  View Details

Deadline Dates (ALL):  01-Jun-2023

Synopsis:  AGBU offers scholarships to graduate students of Armenian descent worldwide (excluding citizens of Armenia studying in Armenia) who are pursuing religious studies (theology, youth ministry).

————————————————————————————————————————————————-

INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

Sponsor:  Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU)

Deadline Date:  01-Jun-2023

Funding:  2,000.00 USD

Program Information:  View Details

Contact Telephone:  212-319-6383

Contact Email:  scholarship@agbu.org

Sponsor Website:  https://agbu.org/programs

Program URL:  View Details

Deadline Dates (ALL):  01-Jun-2023

Synopsis:  AGBU offers scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students of Armenian descent (excluding citizens of Armenia studying in Armenia), pursuing study at highly selective colleges and universities outside of the United States.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP

Sponsor:  Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU)

Deadline Date:  01-Jun-2023

Funding:  5,000.00 USD

Program Information:  View Details

Contact Telephone:  212-319-6383

Contact Email:  scholarship@agbu.org

Sponsor Website:  https://agbu.org/

Program URL:  View Details

Deadline Dates (ALL):  01-Jun-2023

Synopsis:  Performing Arts Scholarships are awarded annually to full-time undergraduate and graduate students of Armenian descent worldwide who are pursuing studies in the field of performing arts and enrolled in highly selective colleges and universities.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————–

RENE MATOS SCHOLARSHIP

Sponsor:  National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees

Deadline Date: 01-May-2023

Funding:  Not Available

Program Information:  View Details

Contact Email:  doe@nhcfae.org

Sponsor Website:  https://www.nhcfae.org/education/

Program URL:  View Details

Deadline Dates (ALL):  01-May-2023

Synopsis:  The Rene Matos Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to a student attending an accredited college, university, or vocational/trade school.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

DANNY GUTIERREZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Sponsor:  National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees

Deadline Date:  01-May-2023

Funding:  Not Available

Program Information:  View Details

Contact Email:  doe@nhcfae.org

Sponsor Website:  https://www.nhcfae.org/

Program URL:  View Details

Deadline Dates (ALL):  01-May-2023

Synopsis:  The Danny Gutierrez Memorial Scholarship was developed to assist minorities and females studying electronic and engineering majors, who need financial assistance to attend college. Each year, one scholarship is awarded to one individual who is studying electronics or engineering.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————

ELIZABETH FURBER SCHOLARSHIP

Sponsor:  Native Forward Scholars Fund

Deadline Date:  01-Jun-2023

Funding:  Not Available

Program Information:  View Details

Contact Telephone:  505-881-4584

Contact Email:  fellowships@aigcs.org

Sponsor Website:  https://www.aigcs.org

Program URL:  View Details

Deadline Dates (ALL):  01-Jun-2023

Synopsis:  Native Forward Scholars Fund offers the Elizabeth Furber Scholarship to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native female graduate students pursuing degrees full-time at an accredited institution in fine arts, visual works, crafts, music, performing arts and dance, literary arts, creative writing, and poetry. This opportunity is a need-based award.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————-

TRIBAL COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY (TCU) SCHOLARSHIP

Sponsor:  American Indian College Fund

Deadline Date:  31-May-2023

Funding:Not Available

Program Information:  View Details

Contact Telephone:  303-426-8900

Contact Email:  scholarships@collegefund.org

Sponsor Website:  https://collegefund.org/students/scholarships/

Program URL:  View Details

Deadline Dates (ALL):  31-May-2023

Synopsis:  The American Indian College Fund administers TCU Scholarships for 35 tribal colleges and universities in the United States. TCU Scholarships are awarded by each Tribal College or University.

————————————————————————————————————————————————–

DAVID SANKEY MINORITY SCHOLARSHIP IN METEOROLOGY

Sponsor:  National Weather Association Foundation

Deadline Date:  25-May-2023

Funding:  1,000.00 USD

Program Information:  View Details

Contact Telephone:  405-701-5167

Sponsor Website:  https://nwafoundation.org/scholarships-grants/

Program URL:  View Details

Deadline Dates (ALL):  25-May-2023, 08-Jun-2023

Synopsis:  The David Sankey Minority Scholarship in Meteorology aims to aid minority students in their sophomore year or higher of undergraduate study, or in graduate study, enrolled in a program of meteorology or atmospheric science (or related field).

————————————————————————————————————————————————————

IEEE CHARLES LEGEYT FORTESCUE SCHOLARSHIP

Sponsor:  Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

Deadline Date:  01-May-2023

Funding:  24,000.00 USD

Program Information:  View Details

Contact Email:  society-info@ieee.org

Sponsor Website:  https://www.ieee.org

Program URL:  View Details

Deadline Dates (ALL):  01-May-2023

Synopsis:  The Charles LeGeyt Fortescue Scholarship was established in 1939, as a memorial to Charles LeGeyt, in recognition of his valuable contributions to the field of electrical engineering. The scholarship carries a stipend of up to US$24,000, and is awarded for one year of full-time graduate work in electrical engineering at an engineering school of recognized standing located in the US. This scholarship is awarded annually.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————-

The PEER&WISE Test Bank is now open to everyone in 158 Freeman from 9am-4pm Monday through Friday.  We are also accepting submissions of your past exams so that other students may use them in the future.  For more information or to submit your past exams, please view the below flyer or visit the PEER&WISE main office.

Test Bank Flyer

PSA:  We would LOVE to have your old exams for others to use in the future, consider giving them to us instead of trashing them once the semester ends!

IMPORTANT:  PEER&WISE Tutoring will conclude for this semester on Thursday, April 27, 2023.  Join us again in the fall!

We have new events being added to this list all the time, be sure to keep checking in!

PEER&WISE and Fluor Study Hall and Tutoring are pleased to be announcing that the another round of common exam study sessions being held over the upcoming weeks.  Please see the below flyers for more information pertaining to the study sessions for PHYS 1220/2210, CH 1010/1020, and MATH 1060/1080.

Study Session Flyer

Looking to join the PEER WISE team? Check the attached flyer for more information and to apply to become a PEER/WISE counselor or mentor.

Mentor Application Flyer 2022