Engineering to make the world a better place
Inspiring young women for engineering sciences: That is the goal of the taster day for schoolgirls. More than 40 girls participated in the online event on 23 November to find out more about studying at the Departments of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) and Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (D-ITET).
Even though the eighth taster day for schoolgirls had to take place online for the first time due to the coronavirus pandemic, LIMES, the Women's Commission of the Academic Mechanical and Electrical Engineers Association, was able to prepare a varied program. More than 40 schoolgirls from all over Switzerland and neighboring countries participated. In addition to lectures on the study program, there was a panel discussion, question and answer sessions and a quiz to conclude the event. In addition, all participants received further information by post.
The event was kicked off by Caroline Dick, Bachelor’s student at D-ITET and organizer of the event for LIMES. "Women are still in the minority in the engineering sciences, but as a woman you don't feel alone here." This was her core message that ran through many of the presentations.
After a short introduction to electrical engineering by Master’s student Nina Mörgeli and to mechanical engineering by Bachelor’s student Michèle Strzelecki, the two professors Gabriele Hug (D-ITET) and Inge Herrmann (D-MAVT) talked about their career and research. As motivation for her decision to study mechanical engineering, Inge Herrmann mentioned that she wanted to make the world a better place. Nowadays, she particularly appreciates the interdisciplinary cooperation in her research projects and strongly advised the young participants to build networks and to choose a course of study that inspires them.
During the panel discussion, ETH alumni and students gave insights into their experiences as students, followed by breakout sessions in which the girls had the opportunity to ask questionsThe program was complemented by videos about the study programs and various projects as well as a concluding quiz.