December 3, 2024
By Jordan Richards
More than 100 Cornell students heard firsthand about the transition from undergraduate studies to professional careers in tech at the annual alumni roundtable event hosted by the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and several student groups.
The event, held Oct. 25 and co-led by the Association of Computer Science Undergraduates (ACSU), Underrepresented Minorities in Computing (URMC), and Women in Computing at Cornell (WICC), featured alumni from leading organizations such as Google, Meta, JPMorgan, and RAMP.
Four alumni panelists shared their experiences navigating the job market, preparing for technical careers, and adapting to full-time roles. Their candid advice inspired students and provided guidance for managing the challenges of recruiting and early career development. The event fostered meaningful dialogue, allowing students to ask questions and gain insights directly from accomplished industry professionals.
"I plan on putting more emphasis on personal projects to encourage myself and others to pursue skills we care about instead of being dependent on learning elsewhere," one student wrote in the post-event survey.
The panelists stressed that students should take advantage of unique opportunities to be curious. Arya Song ‘24 encouraged students to embrace their beginner status. "Because you are new, you have the privilege of asking stupid questions,” she said. “Ask them and learn."
Tise Alatise ‘23 highlighted the importance of seeing interviews as a process of mutual evaluation. "When you're interviewing with a company, you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you," Alatise said.
Elvis Marcelo ‘24 emphasized the value of pursuing passions and being open to connections. He encouraged students to "become involved in what you care about – you never know where you'll meet people."
Equally important was the message that consistent effort is necessary for success. Marcelo stressed the need for practice, advising students to "put in the time, do mock interviews," while acknowledging that outcomes are not always within one's control. Similarly, Ebenezer Eshetu ‘24 encouraged students to treat recruiting objectives with the same dedication as academic work, saying, "Treat it like another class. Be consistent, but also be patient with yourself." Their insights underscored the importance of persistence and balance in the journey toward career readiness.
The event showcased the power of alumni mentorship in bridging the gap between academia and industry. By facilitating connections with leaders in tech, the CIS Office of DEIB continues to support students in building successful, fulfilling careers.
Jordan Richards ‘25 is a communications assistant in the Cornell Bowers CIS Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.