"It's our version of LinkedIn meets MentorNet and Pinterest," said Dr. Beth M. Holloway, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education, Director of WIEP, and Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering (by courtesy).

Called WiECoNEXTions, this social and professional tool was launched in February and enables its members to share resources, form groups, network, develop mentoring relationships, or just re-connect with fellow Boilers, explained Dr. Suzanne Zurn-Birkhimer, Associate Director of WIEP, who took the lead on getting the social platform up and running.

"WiECoNEXTions was developed for the Purdue Engineering community to take the next step in their careers," she said.

Current participation is 60% students and 40% alumni and industry partners," said Zurn-Birkhimer. "We have seen members post job opportunities, create groups, and share resources such as local events and interviewing tips. We have alumni members from every decade since the 1970s."

Participants can choose to be a mentor, mentee, both or neither. "Our state-of-the-art algorithm will suggest mentoring matches," said Holloway.

"Alumni are a valuable resource for students. They are able to share, firsthand, strategies for career success," added Zurn-Birkhimer. "WiECoNEXTions allows alumni to engage with current students or other alumni from wherever they are, at a level they are comfortable with and in the context of their professional role."