September 27, 2022
The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Computing and Information’s annual SCI Week has had another successful year! Between Monday, September 12 to Friday, September 16, a total of seventeen corporate partners hosted events and joined SCI for daily events for students. Events included panels with industry-professional speakers, resume reviews, networking opportunities with companies actively looking to hire, and events hosted by SCI’s student organizations.
Throughout the five days of events, students had access to both in-person, real-time opportunities as well as remote, no-contact options, allowing everyone to take full advantage of the week.
The Women in Computer Science (WiCS) club hosted panels throughout the week. President of WiCS Anita Kaul served as the moderator for a panel event featuring successful women in technology called “Navigating Your Journey in Tech.” About the impact of the speakers, Kaul said “…we had panelists that were Bioengineers and English majors and now work in tech in great positions. It really goes to show how you can take whatever path you’d like and still end up where you want to be.”
The panelists were also able to offer career- and personal-growth advice. “I found that really inspiring, and they had so much great advice to offer about dealing with imposter syndrome in a very male-dominated environment,” Kaul said. “They helped to build confidence as well.”
Resume reviews were available throughout the week. In addition to submitting resumes at panel events, students were able to receive feedback from technical recruiters and hiring managers from companies including UPMC, DLC, Deloitte, CGI, PNC, SAP, and Aerotech.
SCI Week was designed to facilitate connections between students and professionals in the computing and information fields. While this primarily prepares students with the connections, resources, and confidence to enter their fields, SCI’s corporate partners also benefit from the week of events and the opportunity to connect with students.
“SCI Week gives our corporate sponsors the opportunity to meet our students well before the career fair,” said Jennifer Welton, SCI’s Director of Corporate Relations. “It allows those companies to help prepare the next generation of technical professionals, and to bridge the gap between academia and industry.”
Tao Wei, an Information Sciences graduate student attended numerous SCI Week events, including “Brand Building for Your Future Employer” hosted by Aerotech.
“I think the benefit to me is that I can learn not just how to apply to the job or internship that I want, but also to get to know the companies that come here, and know what kind of candidate they want and how I can prepare to fit into those jobs,” Wei said.
Read more about SCI Week 2022 events and corporate partners
