AGES

Reflecting on a Year of Dynamic Leadership at AGES

I am delighted to share reflections from my term as President of the Association for Graduate Engineering Students (AGES) at Washington University in St. Louis. Elected in 2022, I lead the transition of our activities from virtual back to in-person, significantly enhancing our community engagement in the post-COVID era.

From organizing professional development events and workshops to establishing outreach initiatives with local schools and groups, and participating in university governance, my role has also involved hosting social gatherings to strengthen the WashU student community. This experience has been incredibly rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have made a significant impact.

Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement

A major highlight was to bring our annual networking reception back, where we hosted around 15 industry professionals and 80 graduate students. This well-attended event facilitated valuable interactions, providing attendees with the opportunity to gain firsthand insights from industry leaders on making the transition from academia to the professional world and exploring various career paths. Participants also enjoyed personal stories from the panelists about their own career trajectories, enriching the experience and offering practical guidance for navigating the job market.

Over the year, we organized numerous social gatherings, both on and off campus. Our incoming student welcome event was particularly successful, setting a new attendance record with over 300 participants. This event provided a wonderful opportunity for new students to meet with their peers and integrate into the graduate student community. We also introduced a formal off-campus dance event, enhancing social interaction and connections among WashU Engineering Graduate Students.

Leadership and Advocacy

My presidency at AGES allowed me to fundamentally improve my leadership skills. I prioritized empowering our executive board members to take initiative and address challenges creatively. By providing strategic guidance, I ensured that our team’s efforts were aligned with our objectives, budget, and timelines, fostering an environment of proactive problem-solving and effective project management.

My role also extended to representing graduate engineering students on the Graduate Professional Student Council and the Graduate Student Senate, where I advocated for policies that enhance student experiences and participated in the ProGrads committee, influencing governance processes that impact student life.

Outcomes and Personal Growth

My time as president has been profoundly rewarding. I gained invaluable experience in project management, strategic planning, and collaborative leadership. Engaging with peers across various departments and participating in university governance has greatly enhanced my understanding of effective leadership and community building.

Thanks to the amazing people on the board, that made this to such a rewarding expierence!