Message to women engineers: Time to ‘Rethink Reno’

Participants in the world’s largest conference for women engineers this week are hearing about the abundant professional opportunities in Northern Nevada.

A team that includes executives from the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN), recruitment specialists from Tesla and engineering students at the University of Nevada, Reno, will spread the message during WE16, the annual conference of the Society of Women Engineers. The conference in Philadelphia is expected to draw more than 9,000 women at all stages of their engineering careers.

“The delegation from Northern Nevada wants to ensure those engineers hear about the region’s professional opportunities, affordable cost of living and attractive outdoors-oriented lifestyle,” said Nancy McCormick, EDAWN Vice President of Retention, Expansion and Workforce Development in a press release.

Valerie Cotta, who works closely with McCormick as an EDAWN program manager, noted that 260 engineering positions currently are open in the Reno area, and engineers are No. 1 on the list of professionals that are most sought by employers in the region.

McCormick and Cotta will be joined at the Philadelphia event by members of the student chapter of the Society of Women Engineers at UNR as well as recruiters and engineers from Tesla. While the Tesla brand is certain to draw attention during the conference, McCormick noted that the demand for engineering talent encompasses a wide range of companies in northern Nevada.

“The demand has grown as the region attracts more companies in the advanced manufacturing and technology sectors,” said McCormick.

The region’s presence at the Society of Women Engineers conference is supported by RethinkReno.com, a newly launched website that highlights Reno as a thriving place for young professionals to build a career and a life.

“We’re getting onto a lot of radar screens around the country,” said McCormick. “But we want to spread the word that Reno is one of the 35 best cities in the country for Millennials to work and has been ranked among the 14 best cities in America for startups. Career opportunities abound in Northern Nevada and we are looking forward to taking that message on the road.”