Main takeaways from SEFI Conference 2023 for BEST and ESTIEM

11-14 September 2023 – TU Dublin

For a student organisation, it was interesting to see people actively contributing to
engineering education today. During the SIG workshops we were able to give input on
different topics such as what students perceive as important skills for engineering education
today or how a student organisation can contribute to the attractiveness of the engineering
field. Next to that it was also relevant to talk during the breaks to professors and discuss
engineering education in today’s world. So, it was inspiring to see that everyone present in
Dublin was passionate to play a part in the improvement of engineering education and to
have fruitful discussions.

One of our highlights was the moderation of the panel discussion with 6 engineering
companies, where we got to not only hear how AI is modifying the industry today, but also to
talk to professionals about what they need from engineering students to be hired in their
companies. Companies are crucial stakeholders for us as student organisations, since we
can collaborate with them on our projects.

It was very motivating to see that everyone wanted our organisations to be even more involved,
to advocate and attend more events and ensure students are represented.

The most valuable time during the SEFI conference was the session we prepared called
“Students perspectives on engineering education and how student organisations can
contribute”. Not only did we get to increase our visibility by presenting the 2 student
organisations BEST and ESTIEM, but also to have a quiz, where we could ask the educators
and company representatives questions and understand how students can contribute to
education. In fact, it was very motivating to see that everyone wanted our organisations to be
even more involved, to advocate and attend more events and ensure students are
represented. Even more, we were glad to see them taking notes during our answers, and
see that they were willing to listen to the students’ needs and adapt their actions.

All in all, we are very happy that we got to participate in SEFI Conference 2023 since we got
valuable information for our projects and hope that we could also give good input to other
participants. The organisers have all our appreciation for the effort put into this experience.
We cannot wait to see the SEFI AC 2024 Lausanne!

Mihai Filimon – President of BEST
Marlene von Steinaecker – Vice President of Education at ESTIEM