Connecting Socially: Engineers Find Community via Online Spaces
Connecting Socially: Engineers Find Community via Online Spaces
Engineers have exciting ways to connect through national organizations and global online groups
Gone are the days when deals only happened on golf courses. Now, innovation conversations take place on Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms. All industries are doing it, and mechanical engineering is no exception.
According to the latest statistics from the Bureau of Labor, there are almost 300,000 mechanical engineering positions in the U.S. alone. Each of these positions range from entry level to senior vice presidents. With the internet being the global unifier, finding information or community in your specialty areas is no longer a chore.
Community within work spaces has become a top priority for today’s workforce. People want ways to grow their knowledge, network, and ideas. Well, we’ve done some of that work for you. Below, we have uncovered nine groups that all have social media presence, help you build community, share your love of STEM, and are accessible online and for some in person.
If you’re ready to expand your network, we believe you will find a home with one or more of these groups.
ASME.ORG
LinkedIn, FB, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube
ASME, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME’s member community has over 90,000 participants with engineers from over 135 countries worldwide. ASME codes and standards, publications, 40+ conferences, 200+ technical courses and masterclasses, and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world. The member community provides opportunities to connect and volunteer with individuals who share the same passion, interests, as well as guidance throughout your professional journey. ASME membership provides access to a community of engineers, content to stay up to date on industry trends, industry conferences, and more.
https://www.asme.org
SWE.ORG
LinkedIn, FB, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
For more than 70 years, Society of Women Engineers (SWE) has been a nonprofit educational and service organization designed to equip women to succeed, lead, and advance in the engineering industry. The organization is built on four main goals: professional excellence, globalization, advocacy, and diversity. With more than 40,000 collegiate and professional members worldwide, this group endeavors to give women access to STEM opportunities through various youth programming, collegiate scholarships, and professional development. In addition, the organization offers 14 affinity groups allowing members to find, connect, and build community with others who share their interests and backgrounds. Each group has its own social media contacts.
https://swe.org
SHPE.ORG
LinkedIn, FB, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers began in 1973 to diversify the STEM industry as well as be a moving force to empower the Hispanic community to realize its potential in the field by giving the next generation STEM awareness, access, support, and development. For nearly 50 years, this nationwide organization has grown into a membership of more than 11,000 with 375 collegiate chapters. This organization supports its membership from high school through professional advancement through events, webinars, conferences, collegiate engagement, professional development, and so much more.
https://www.shpe.org
NSBE.ORG
LinkedIn, FB, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
The National Society of Black Engineers, now referred to as NSBE Professionals, celebrates 48 years of being an organization built “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.”
NSBE Professionals offers its more than 30,000 collegiate and professional members a place to glean information about career and professional development, educational opportunities, events, and ways to connect locally through one of the more 790 chapters worldwide. The organization also has created K-12 programs and camps designed to expose young people to STEM.
https://www.nsbe.org
AISES.ORG
LinkedIn, FB, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
Formed in 1977, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society is a nonprofit organization designed to substantially increase the presence of Indigenous peoples in North America and the Pacific Islands in STEM education and careers. For the almost 6,000 members, this organization is home to pre-college initiatives; collegiate programming, scholarships, and mentorships; and professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. To ensure that Native peoples are exposed to STEM as a viable career path, AISES supports 230 affiliated pre-college schools, 196-chartered higher education chapters, three tribal chapters, and 18 professional chapters in the U.S. and Canada.
https://www.aises.org
OSTEM.ORG
LinkedIn, FB, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated as a professional society to empower those in the LGBTQ+ community to grow personally and professionally within the STEM industry. Founded in 2005, group organizers wanted to create a safe and supportive environment from which members could connect, share, and advocate for one another. With more than 100 collegiate and professional chapters across the U.S. and abroad. The group volunteers with K-12 groups, offers collegiate programming, mentorships, scholarships, and professional development. It also offers 10 other affinity groups along with resources for crisis help, COVID-19, graduate application help, and more.
https://www.ostem.org
SASE.ORG
LinkedIn, FB, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers is a rather new organization. Just founded in 2007, the group was inspired by the success of the previous affinity engineering societies. Birthed from the desire to provide community, support, and professional development for pan Asian people in the STEM field, SASE has dedicated itself to this and more. The group’s mission is to prepare Asian heritage scientists and engineers for success in a global market, celebrate diversity, and provide opportunities that will impact local communities.
https://www.saseconnect.org
ENGINEERINGCLICKS.COM
LinkedIn, FB, and Twitter
EngineeringClicks began as Mechanical Design Forum in 2009 to be a “simple and efficient online forum where mechanical design engineers could find advice and share knowledge.” The global platform has grown over the years, changed its name, and is now a completely free space offering knowledgeable information, advice, and support about the industry. The site shares the latest industry news through original content, offers information on jobs and CAD software, connects users with suppliers as well as provides a discussion platform where users can ask questions, give advice, and pick the brains of engineers worldwide.
https://www.engineeringclicks.com
In addition to the above organizations that have a Facebook presence, there are myriad online groups created to bring like minds together to talk shop. Here is just one.
INTERESTING ENGINEERING, Facebook Group
12.9M followers, headquartered in San Francisco, Calif.
Interesting Engineering covers the latest scientific breakthroughs, tech innovations, cultural phenomena, and more. This page is dedicated to demystifying engineering by allowing followers to comment, post, explain, connect, and discuss how intricate mechanisms merge to form astounding systems. The owners of this page wanted to help readers better understand how things click.
For more information, please click on the following link.
https://www.facebook.com/interestingengineering
Nichole M. Palmer is an independent writer in Charlotte, N.C.
According to the latest statistics from the Bureau of Labor, there are almost 300,000 mechanical engineering positions in the U.S. alone. Each of these positions range from entry level to senior vice presidents. With the internet being the global unifier, finding information or community in your specialty areas is no longer a chore.
Community within work spaces has become a top priority for today’s workforce. People want ways to grow their knowledge, network, and ideas. Well, we’ve done some of that work for you. Below, we have uncovered nine groups that all have social media presence, help you build community, share your love of STEM, and are accessible online and for some in person.
If you’re ready to expand your network, we believe you will find a home with one or more of these groups.
ASME.ORG
LinkedIn, FB, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube
ASME, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME’s member community has over 90,000 participants with engineers from over 135 countries worldwide. ASME codes and standards, publications, 40+ conferences, 200+ technical courses and masterclasses, and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world. The member community provides opportunities to connect and volunteer with individuals who share the same passion, interests, as well as guidance throughout your professional journey. ASME membership provides access to a community of engineers, content to stay up to date on industry trends, industry conferences, and more.
https://www.asme.org
SWE.ORG
LinkedIn, FB, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
For more than 70 years, Society of Women Engineers (SWE) has been a nonprofit educational and service organization designed to equip women to succeed, lead, and advance in the engineering industry. The organization is built on four main goals: professional excellence, globalization, advocacy, and diversity. With more than 40,000 collegiate and professional members worldwide, this group endeavors to give women access to STEM opportunities through various youth programming, collegiate scholarships, and professional development. In addition, the organization offers 14 affinity groups allowing members to find, connect, and build community with others who share their interests and backgrounds. Each group has its own social media contacts.
https://swe.org
SHPE.ORG
LinkedIn, FB, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers began in 1973 to diversify the STEM industry as well as be a moving force to empower the Hispanic community to realize its potential in the field by giving the next generation STEM awareness, access, support, and development. For nearly 50 years, this nationwide organization has grown into a membership of more than 11,000 with 375 collegiate chapters. This organization supports its membership from high school through professional advancement through events, webinars, conferences, collegiate engagement, professional development, and so much more.
https://www.shpe.org
NSBE.ORG
LinkedIn, FB, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
The National Society of Black Engineers, now referred to as NSBE Professionals, celebrates 48 years of being an organization built “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.”
NSBE Professionals offers its more than 30,000 collegiate and professional members a place to glean information about career and professional development, educational opportunities, events, and ways to connect locally through one of the more 790 chapters worldwide. The organization also has created K-12 programs and camps designed to expose young people to STEM.
https://www.nsbe.org
AISES.ORG
LinkedIn, FB, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
Formed in 1977, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society is a nonprofit organization designed to substantially increase the presence of Indigenous peoples in North America and the Pacific Islands in STEM education and careers. For the almost 6,000 members, this organization is home to pre-college initiatives; collegiate programming, scholarships, and mentorships; and professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. To ensure that Native peoples are exposed to STEM as a viable career path, AISES supports 230 affiliated pre-college schools, 196-chartered higher education chapters, three tribal chapters, and 18 professional chapters in the U.S. and Canada.
https://www.aises.org
OSTEM.ORG
LinkedIn, FB, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated as a professional society to empower those in the LGBTQ+ community to grow personally and professionally within the STEM industry. Founded in 2005, group organizers wanted to create a safe and supportive environment from which members could connect, share, and advocate for one another. With more than 100 collegiate and professional chapters across the U.S. and abroad. The group volunteers with K-12 groups, offers collegiate programming, mentorships, scholarships, and professional development. It also offers 10 other affinity groups along with resources for crisis help, COVID-19, graduate application help, and more.
https://www.ostem.org
SASE.ORG
LinkedIn, FB, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers is a rather new organization. Just founded in 2007, the group was inspired by the success of the previous affinity engineering societies. Birthed from the desire to provide community, support, and professional development for pan Asian people in the STEM field, SASE has dedicated itself to this and more. The group’s mission is to prepare Asian heritage scientists and engineers for success in a global market, celebrate diversity, and provide opportunities that will impact local communities.
https://www.saseconnect.org
ENGINEERINGCLICKS.COM
LinkedIn, FB, and Twitter
EngineeringClicks began as Mechanical Design Forum in 2009 to be a “simple and efficient online forum where mechanical design engineers could find advice and share knowledge.” The global platform has grown over the years, changed its name, and is now a completely free space offering knowledgeable information, advice, and support about the industry. The site shares the latest industry news through original content, offers information on jobs and CAD software, connects users with suppliers as well as provides a discussion platform where users can ask questions, give advice, and pick the brains of engineers worldwide.
https://www.engineeringclicks.com
In addition to the above organizations that have a Facebook presence, there are myriad online groups created to bring like minds together to talk shop. Here is just one.
INTERESTING ENGINEERING, Facebook Group
12.9M followers, headquartered in San Francisco, Calif.
Interesting Engineering covers the latest scientific breakthroughs, tech innovations, cultural phenomena, and more. This page is dedicated to demystifying engineering by allowing followers to comment, post, explain, connect, and discuss how intricate mechanisms merge to form astounding systems. The owners of this page wanted to help readers better understand how things click.
For more information, please click on the following link.
https://www.facebook.com/interestingengineering
Nichole M. Palmer is an independent writer in Charlotte, N.C.
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