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112 I-CONNECT007 I REAL TIME WITH... IPC APEX EXPO 2022 SHOW & TELL MAGAZINE While at APEX EXPO, I was given so many new opportunities to expand my own horizons. I was given a mentor, Jason Keeping, who gave me several opportunities to expand my net- work and help me learn more about what goes into the industry. He encouraged me to attend events that were meant specifically for net- working, such as Trivia Networking Night and the ice cream social on the show floor. I also attended the Women in Electronics networking event. is event gave me the opportunity to connect with several other strong women in the industry and learn that I was not alone—they are or have experienced similar issues in their own careers. I was even given the opportunity to attend the STEM education event, where I taught high school seniors how to solder. At this event, I was able to give my own experi- ence in the industry and saw the excitement in their eyes. rough these events I learned that I want to help encourage more women not only in college but as young as middle school to get involved in the STEM field. Overall, this experience changed me not only in a professional sense, but also as an individual. Just as Dr. John W. Mitchell had said, I need to surround myself with good people to grow in this industry. I learned that through hard work and putting yourself out there you will be able to prove yourself and fight for what you want in your own career path. I also learned through Nilesh Naik not to undersell my worth in the industry. e most important thing I learned was to treat employees and employers like they are real people. I have always felt like it was difficult to talk to these people, but aer having dinner with the Board of Directors. I soon learned that the CEOs of these diverse companies are not only known for their dedi- cation to the industry but also for being gen- uine individuals. ey welcomed me at their table and supported me in my future endeav- ors. APEX EXPO has taught me that I have the opportunity to bridge the gap between engi- neering school and the workforce. I can bring more employers to schools not only around me but around the world, and I can help students thrive in their future careers. Hannah Nelson attends Valparaiso University as a presidential scholar, where she is pursuing