It took me longer than I’d like to admit to truly understand this.
At first, SPE looked like many other student organizations: meetings, events, group photos, certificates, and the occasional technical talk. I showed up, participated when I could, and assumed that was enough.
But somewhere along the line, reality became louder. I noticed a pattern; the students making the most progress weren’t always the ones with the highest GPAs or the busiest schedules. They were the ones with access; Access to conversations, to industry exposure, to people who had already walked the path we were preparing for.
That’s when SPE began to mean something different to me. I realized SPE isn’t powerful because of the events it organizes — it’s powerful because of the proximity it creates; Proximity to industry professionals who think differently. Proximity to opportunities that are rarely advertised. Proximity to perspectives that challenge how you see your career.
Through SPE, I started learning things school doesn’t explicitly teach:
- That visibility often precedes opportunity
- That leadership, even in student spaces, quietly builds decision-making confidence
- That relationships formed early compound over time
- That technical knowledge is important, but context is what gives it value.
My mindset shifted completely. I stopped asking, “What can SPE do for me?” And started asking, “How can I intentionally position myself within this ecosystem?” Because leverage doesn’t come from just being present. It comes from contribution, curiosity, and consistency.
The same organization can either be a social circle or a strategic platform; the difference is how you engage with it.
If you treat SPE like a club, you’ll gain experiences and memories. If you treat it like a leverage point, you’ll gain direction, exposure, and momentum.
I’m still learning. Still experimenting. Still growing.
But one thing is clear to me now: Intentional involvement changes outcomes.
How have you personally leveraged SPE or how do you plan to?
I’d genuinely love to hear your perspective.