Breakout Sessions

If you are unsure about what you want to do “in life,” or perhaps just how you are going to get there…you are not alone!

And if you believe that you are doing all you need to land you the career you are looking for, you may be in for a surprise. What you learn in school is very important, but there are other things you should know that will help achieve anything you want in your career and life!

In this session, the speakers will uncover 10 things you can start doing today to move you toward your career and personal goals – even if you're unsure what they may be!

Engineering is one of the most diverse fields with focus areas such as industrial, mechanical, biomedical, environmental, electrical, civil, manufacturing, and many more. Engineering products can range from nuclear submarines to wind farms and from football stadiums to iPhone cases. Engineers utilize material properties, system analysis, 3-D simulations, and rapid prototyping to optimize further advancements in world technology. Engineering incorporates mathematical theories to solve real-life problems. As technology continues to advance, the demand for engineers will continue to exist. Join us in a session where you may explore the different engineering fields, their applications, and their thought processes. Examples of engineering products in everyday life will be presented. Attendees will walk away saying, “I can be an engineer!”

The balance between an internship and college-level courses may seem overwhelming, but the payoff can be life changing. In addition to allowing students to develop a feel for a role in a specific area of study and its application on a day-to-day basis, an internship may open new doors and opportunities.  Though this panel will focus on engineering, the content is transferable to other areas of study. 

There are a number of benefits in successfully completing an internship before taking on a full-time role in the field including increased networking opportunities, understanding of the various roles that are filled by engineers in the workplace, the opportunity to build a skillset and develop hands-on experience, which is extremely valuable to employers. This dynamic panel consisting of Penn State Erie engineering interns and local employers will discuss the steps recommended for finding a meaningful internship, what questions to ask a college and a potential employer, and what benefits they have experienced through participating in an internship. 

What is the process to bring a new idea into reality? How long does it take to get an invention to market? What are some inventions that are currently being designed and prototyped?

It is one thing to think of an innovative idea for a new or improved product…it is so much more to bring the idea to market. Steps to consider include: determine whether the idea is unique; determine whether there would be a market for that idea; identify and evaluate the target market; build a team of investors, designers, manufacturers, critics, etc.; create a prototype, secure a patent, test prototype & make necessary revisions; launch to market. 

This session will walk students through the process of bringing an idea to market and introduce a few new inventions that are new or coming soon to market. Did you imagine that hovercrafts, autonomous vehicles or invisibility cloaks could exist in reality? Have you heard of artificial skin for robotic arms, lens free cameras, hybrid driving-flying robots, calorie scanners, or ear print technology? Join us and discover a few of the many new inventions that are being designed, prototyped or launched today.     

During this breakout session you will learn what questions Human Resource managers and company owners, ask when interviewing prospective employees, why they are asking the specific questions, what information they are looking for, and how you should answer them so that they will be able to identify the strengths, skills and attributes you will bring to their company and what will set you apart from your competitors.

With the help of actual HR representatives from local companies, we will simulate an actual interview and stop at teachable moments to emphasize and highlight successful answers. There will be an emphasis on your first impression and personal elevator pitch, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, body language, appropriate dress, and the tricks to always answering a question in a way that will allow you to have an edge on the competition and have the future employer seriously consider hiring you!

U.S.-based manufacturing is due for a renaissance. One that uses technology to empower American potential and ingenuity to build and create stronger, faster, and more powerful than before. One that elevates — not eliminates — the human roles in manufacturing. The key to all this? Robotics.

Integrating robotics in manufacturing requires a more developed, diverse workforce to manage, design and build the future with all the technological advantages that robotics provides. This session will showcase current applications of robotics in key manufacturing sectors such as aerospace, automotive and electronics. It will also highlight future skills necessary for success in an "Industry 4.0" manufacturing work environment.