“Why I Was Inspired to Join LCC Right Out of College” is written by Haley Barnes, a new LCC coach under Lead Coach, Nikita. She is a proud Mean Green graduate of University of North Texas and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Pharmacy to specialize in drug delivery design
The SWE Leadership Coaching Committee (LCC) is a trained group of experienced SWE members who work with SWE membership at all levels of the Society.
As a recent graduate from my alma mater, University of North Texas, this description was a scary thing to read when I was first referred to LCC. One of my greatest SWE mentors and legendary LCC member, Carol Raburn, was the first person to approach me about joining LCC. Experienced SWE member? All levels of the Society? Me??
When first being recruited to join LCC, I was 23, a new graduate, and had minimal experience with all levels of the Society higher than the collegiate level. I was a SWE Future Leader (SWEFL) in FY16 just prior to the dissolution of regions, so my SWEFL experience felt moot. What could I bring to the table as an LLC? Thankfully, as all great mentors do, Carol built up my confidence by reminding me of all the lessons I experienced in my collegiate leadership positions. Other North Texas officers (whom I lovingly call SWEsters) also came to my rescue in letting me know of my strengths in social media, conflict management, and crafting connections amongst membership. These strengths aside, I was overwhelmed at how my SWE network believed in me.
This investment spurred my confidence to apply to LCC. I may have limited experience in higher levels of the Society but that does not detract from my unique qualifications to assist the collegiate sections of the Society. I argue the same for any recent alumna! As recent college graduates and early professionals, we are in a unique position to connect with collegiate sections. LCC is a great opportunity for us to shift our qualifications to the next generation while gaining experience with other SWE levels. Joining LCC right out of college can be summarized in three words: perspective, position, potential.
Perspective. As a recent college graduate, you were just in a collegiate member’s shoes! You understand the current difficulties a collegiate section might experience. You also just graduated, meaning that you overcame those difficulties and gained vital experience in how to overcome them. Your perspective can make a great impact on collegiate sections requesting a LCC!
Position. The vast majority of the LCC role is remote. In my opinion, this is a great position for new professionals. After graduating college, you may be debating graduate school, industry, or academia– all of which can have you moving in an instant. A vast majority of entry-level industrial roles include training rotations across different geographical locations. A remote SWE position is perfect for the recent college graduate who may be uncertain of where her roots will set.
Potential. LCC is by no means a light commitment, but it can be a stepping stone to other Society positions. An LCC is considered a Society leadership role, and with that responsibility, you are connected with leaders at all levels of the Society. Personally, it is really cool to begin developing professional relationships with SWEsters who have inspired me at WEs and WELocals for the last 4 years. It is equally as cool to begin grasping the greater picture of what SWE stands for outside of the collegiate level. LCC is a light to your leadership potential in the Society.
In short, don’t let your age, your professional experience, or that sneaky Impostor Syndrome persuade you away from applying to LCC. Your experience as a recent college graduate is necessary, and you can be a unique asset to the Leadership Coaching Committee! In the same way my SWE community empowered me to apply, I encourage you to apply as well. It is guaranteed to be a rewarding experience for yourself and the collegiate SWEsters you will invest in.
Inspired to apply? The LCC accepts applications in two cycles each year: June and December. The next application deadline is June 1st, so reach out to LCC_apply@swe.org for a copy of the most current application!
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