When I first joined USC, I thought the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) would just be a club that might look good for my resume as a Chemical Engineering major. I was very wrong but pleasantly surprised- AIChE has become a strong community and has supported me socially, professionally, and academically.
As Vice President of Professional Affairs, I’ve helped coordinate industry events and info sessions, bringing recruiters, alumni, and curious undergrads into one room to talk not just about resumes, but about purpose and motivation. We hosted alumni and internship panels, set up hands-on resume sessions, and even co-hosted a networking dinner with the Biomedical Engineering Society.
We also have fun retreats and social events. I’ve been able to explore California when we had our Spring retreat in Lake Arrowhead. Here, I made new friends, bonded with upperclassmen, and heard tips and tricks for navigating the chemical engineering degree. We also have paint nights and game nights, where we encourage new members and Freshmen to come and get to know fellow classmates.
What makes AIChE special to me isn’t just the connections, it’s the leadership growth. I’ve learned to mentor students, align chapter goals with company outreach, and think about how to bring value not just to members but to our industry partners. I’ve become a better communicator and strategic planner, and my skills have transferred to every part of my academic and career journey.
AIChE is about so much more than helping each other study for challenging tests. This club has helped me bridge the gap between engineering theory and the real world, and the reason I feel more confident about my career goals.
