For college women, female-majority student clubs can offer empowerment, a support system and professional networking opportunities. Members find that being in the presence of amazing, driven women helps, rather than hurts, their own personal and career ambitions. This act of women supporting other women is known as the “shine theory.” Buoyed by one another’s successes, club members grow more confident in their own abilities and stand out as job applicants.
Here are three of the female-majority student clubs that shine bright at UC Davis:
1. Her Campus
Her Campus at UC Davis is one of many writing organizations on campus. What sets the club apart? It focuses on creating a space for female writers to discuss issues affecting or relating to college women. Nationwide, Her Campus is an online magazine for college women with 360+ campus chapters.
The Davis chapter’s writers have the opportunity to produce and edit blog posts twice a month. They can also gain specialized skills by participating on the club’s social media, events, publicity or editing teams.
At the end of each quarter, writers walk away with a portfolio of at least five published articles, useful as writing samples for potential employers.
Members of Her Campus have access to the resources offered by the national organization, such as internship opportunities, job listings and conferences. Alumni have gone on to work for magazines and other publications.
“Her Campus has shaped my college experience by giving me a platform to say what I want to the world,” says editor in chief, and English and linguistics double major Mariana Huben. “I have grown as a writer, editor, leader and friend with the help of this organization. I have gained so much confidence and created so many amazing memories with Her Campus and the women in it.”
2. Society of Women Engineers
Being a woman in STEM can often be a solitary experience, so many of those in engineering majors rely on the Davis chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) as a place of inclusiveness and camaraderie.
SWE addresses the obstacles and challenges women face in STEM and creates a space for like-minded women to connect and network. The club provides professional development resources like resume workshops and mock interviews with representatives of engineering companies. The annual SWE conference, WE Local, offers professional development and outreach activities.
“SWE has positively shaped my college experience both socially and academically,” says club publicist and chemical engineering major April Reynoso. “I have met fellow SWEsters who have helped me with classes and given me advice on college.”
For more information about student clubs and programs for women in STEM, visit the UC Davis Women in STEM homepage.
3. Davis Women in Business
Davis Women in Business brings together business-minded college women and offers opportunities to grow professionally and personally.
DWIB offers professional development workshops, alumni panels and a platform for its members to develop public speaking skills. Members may present on any topic during “officer reports.”
The club also hosts a career coach mentorship program to helps members identify career interests and plans.
DWIB strives to empower and educate members through friendship and diversity. The club offers a supportive environment for members to discover talents that they can share with the community.
“Serving as president has been an integral experience in helping me develop my own passion for leadership and entrepreneurship," says club president and communication major Nicole Garcia. I plan to launch my own business geared toward many of the same themes I was able to explore through this organization — women empowerment, gender equity and personal development.”
DWIB takes inspiration from Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In, which promotes women empowerment in the workplace. The club hosts “Lean In Circle” events in which members get together to learn and grow from one another in small discussion-style groups.
Maria Akhter ’18, an economics and comparative literature double major, is an intern for UC Davis Strategic Communications. She enjoys using writing to connect with her campus community.