How have the courses offered on the Advance Learning Center assisted you with any career transitions or achieving your career goals?
From the Leadership Competency Model, I identified courses that would strengthen my leadership, communication, and technical knowledge. Courses like 5 Steps to Remove Yourself from Drama, A Daily Reset: Mindfulness and Stress Reduction, and Attract Advocacy of Influential Sponsors helped me grow as a leader, while Applications of Integrating Physics and Chemistry with AI and Changes to Title IX Implementation broadened my understanding of technology and inclusion.
These experiences prepared me for new leadership opportunities within SWE, including my board role with SWE Columbia River Section, the Early Career Professionals Affinity Group, the Member Engagement Working Group, and the Ignite Leadership Program for early-career engineers. Beyond SWE, I’ve gained confidence as a mentor and mentee, learned new communication strategies, and developed a deeper appreciation for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in professional environments.
How do you measure your progress in your learning journey, and how do you set goals for yourself?
I measure progress through deliverables and collaboration. In SWE, my teammates and I hold each other accountable for advancing process efficiency, creating DEIB content, and analyzing membership data. At work, I track projects under ISO 9001 standards, and in my personal life, I reevaluate to-do lists weekly to reprioritize based on goals and timelines. Oftentimes, my goals develop organically through feedback loops with peers who share similar missions. I know I’ve made progress when I can produce tangible results, such as creating a presentation, a new data insight, or a stronger professional relationship with my mentors, peers, and mentees. The Advance Learning Center helps me connect these experiences and reflect on my growth more intentionally.
How do you balance your learning with other priorities in your life, such as work or family obligations?
I integrate learning into my existing routines. I often listen to Advance Learning Center courses in place of YouTube videos in the background while working, which lets me immediately apply communication and technical strategies in real time. For deeper learning, like preparing for my Fundamentals of Engineering exam, I block focused study sessions on my calendar. When work becomes busier and I step back from learning, my SWE teammates help me re-engage through shared accountability, oftentimes calling upon the Advance Learning Center’s modules to refresh concepts we may not interface with during our day jobs. Treating learning as a rhythm rather than a separate task makes it sustainable and more rewarding.
Which courses on the Advance Learning Center did you find most valuable or would recommend?
Several courses stood out to me. The Gift of Feedback reshaped my leadership and communication style, while Fund Development for Your SWE Section strengthened my understanding of nonprofit financial management to support events and initiatives. Practical Approaches to Responsible AI helped me approach emerging technologies with curiosity instead of fear. Halloween may be coming up, but new technologies don’t have to be spooky! Courses like Breaking Barriers Together and Balancing Career and Caregiving gave me tools and language to discuss workplace relationships and well-being with confidence. For new SWE members, I recommend starting with the Leadership Competency Model to identify areas for growth and choose courses that align with their personal and professional goals.
In your opinion, what are the benefits of being a lifelong learner, and how can it enhance one’s personal and professional growth?
Continuous learning can feel like a challenge at times. After all, there are only so many hours in a day. But like a muscle, your learning skills can weaken without use. We need to powerlift our learning by staying curious! For me, lifelong learning builds confidence, creativity, and adaptability while connecting every part of my life, including SWE, FIRST Robotics, and my engineering career. I see it like a mind map — the more nodes and neural pathways you create, the more innovative and intuitive your thinking becomes. Lifelong learning isn’t just about gaining knowledge; it’s about cultivating curiosity, confidence, and community.
Want to be next quarter’s Advance Power User and receive a free WE26 registration grant and a Credly badge to display your accomplishment? Complete as many courses in the Advance Learning Center by Dec. 31 to win. The winner will be notified by Jan. 11. Refer to the rules and regulations online.
