On Friday, September 27, the College of Computing & Informatics’ (CCI) hosted “Navigating Your Career in Tech,” a frank and informative discussion about the journey to a successful career in technology. The event helped to kick off a new academic year and introduce a new class of students to the unique opportunities offered to them as members of a rapidly expanding and diverse College. The panel was hosted by CCI’s Corporate Partners Program and the Women in Tech Initiative, formerly known as the Women in Computing Initiative, which was recently re-named to reflect a broader effort to improve gender diversity in information and technology fields at a large scale.
The event opened with a welcome from Dean & Isaac L. Auerbach Professor Yi Deng, PhD and Associate Professor of Information Science and Women in Tech Initiative Director Michelle Rogers, PhD. Representatives from Drexel student groups including CyberDragons, Drexel Blockchain, Drexel University Onyx Valley, Innovative Drexel Entrepreneurship Association, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Drexel Women in Computing Society were then invited to give an elevator pitch for their respective organizations.
The panel and question and answer session were moderated by Srirashmi Gudur (information systems, ’22) with special guests Meeta Stocum (Senior Director, Digital & Consumer Tech at Aramark), Samantha Bewley (Software Engineer Supervisor, eMoney Advisor), and Angelita Fasnacht (Principal Product Manager, Environmental and Operational Excellence, American Water). Panelists shared their own stories about breaking into the tech field, spoke openly about their career paths and ever-evolving professional goals, and provided advice for how new students might make the most of their time at Drexel. The panelists also discussed diversity and inclusion initiatives at their respective companies. Audience members had the chance to ask their own questions before the conclusion of the panel.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of moderating the panel because I was able to inquire about each of the panelists' unique backgrounds and learn from their paths to success,” said Gudur. “The women of the panel are incredibly accomplished, and I hope to hold some of the same positions one day, so it was helpful for me to ask them questions about their journey. Also, from a student's perspective, I thought it was beneficial to understand how your career can evolve after you graduate."
The event wrapped up with a lively networking session between students, faculty, industry members and panelists. The panel was broadcast live for students who could not join in person, and the recording can be viewed on CCI’s Facebook page.
To learn more about how CCI is utilizing its industry ties to close the talent gap in technology, check out our Women in Tech Initiative and Corporate Partners Program. You can also read a recent interview with panelist and CCI alumna Samantha Bewley (BS Mathematics and Computer Science, ’17) at this link.