Application Guide
How to Apply for Qlean Co-Captain
at EngSoc
🏢 About EngSoc
EngSoc is a top 10 global leader advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals through research and innovation, specifically within the Smith Engineering community. What makes it unique is its focus on turning climate passion into tangible projects and partnerships, positioning Qlean as a design club aiming to become a staple of the Engineering Society. Working here offers the chance to directly shape a growing organization with real-world impact on sustainability.
About This Role
As Qlean Co-Captain, you'll steward the club's vision, build technical projects that teach members new skills, and lead project executives logistically and technically. This role is impactful because you'll secure funding through external sponsorships, resolve internal tensions, and network with industry professionals to establish Qlean as a cornerstone of engineering innovation at Smith.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve morning coordination with your Co-Captain partner to align on club vision, followed by meetings with project executives to troubleshoot technical or logistical challenges. Afternoons could include networking with potential sponsors, consulting with faculty advisors, or planning the speaker series with industry professionals, while evenings might focus on interviewing potential project executives or refining organizational structure.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who EngSoc Is Looking For
- A passionate climate advocate within Smith Engineering who wants to build Qlean into a staple design club of the Engineering Society
- A collaborative leader who thrives working with a Co-Captain partner and can foster strong team culture while resolving internal tensions
- Someone with proven networking skills to consult faculty advisors, develop relationships with sponsors/alumni, and secure funding
- An organized visionary who can steward organizational structure, delegate responsibilities effectively, and teach technical skills through projects
📝 Tips for Applying to EngSoc
Submit your application WITH your Co-Captain partner—solo applications will likely be rejected immediately
Demonstrate specific examples of how you've built organizational structure or fostered collaboration in past leadership roles
Highlight any experience with engineering design clubs, Smith Engineering initiatives, or sustainability projects at the university level
Showcase your networking abilities by mentioning specific faculty, alumni, or industry connections relevant to Qlean's mission
Explain your vision for making Qlean a 'staple of the Engineering Society' with concrete, achievable goals for the club
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your shared vision with your Co-Captain partner for Qlean's future and how you'll work together effectively", 'Specific examples of leadership experience stewarding organizations or teams toward a common goal', "Demonstrated passion for climate impact within Smith Engineering and understanding of Qlean's potential role", 'Evidence of relationship-building skills with faculty, sponsors, or industry professionals relevant to securing funding']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Current Qlean projects and their alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals
- → EngSoc's existing design clubs and how Qlean differentiates itself within the Engineering Society
- → Smith Engineering faculty who might serve as advisors and their research interests
- → Previous Qlean sponsors/alumni and potential partnership opportunities for funding
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without a designated Co-Captain partner or showing poor understanding of partnership dynamics
- Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating leadership, networking, or organizational abilities
- Having generic climate passion without specific interest in Smith Engineering or building Qlean as an EngSoc staple
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!