August 14, 2024
SCI offers a range of cutting-edge academic programs that provide learners with hands-on experience and career readiness, and alumnus Jonathan Hanobik (SCI ’18, ’23G) is no exception. Since graduating from SCI with a bachelor’s degree in computer science (CS) in 2018 and a master’s degree in CS in 2023, Hanobik worked in the banking industry before starting his current role as a software engineer at Dick’s Sporting Goods, SCI’s newest corporate partner. A newly appointed member of the SCI Alumni Board, Hanobik is passionate about sharing his wisdom with students and members of the SCI community to find success during and after their academic journeys.
Q: Tell me about your current role as a software engineer at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
A: I joined Dick's Sporting Goods (DSG) as a software engineer in January 2024 after a five-and-a-half-year career in the banking industry following graduation. Because I had always seen DSG at career fairs and knew of their presence within the community, I was eager to join the team and contribute! Currently, I work on the Marketing Technology team that is primarily focused on our web content. Whether it be the images on the homepage or the articles you see below a product, our team works to make sure that both teammates and athletes have access to correct and updated content on the website and mobile application. In this role, I've been able to practice some existing software development skills while evolving new competencies such as content management systems and edge network delivery.
Q: What is one thing you value in your current role at Dick’s Sporting Goods?
A: The culture at DSG has been nothing short of welcoming! One of the key differentiators between prior companies I've worked for and DSG has been the focus on the employee. The company really finds value in work-life balance and cross-teammate collaboration by encouraging personal time and hosting engaging events! I've enjoyed the opportunity to meet others within the organization including some of the summer interns we've welcomed since May!
Q: Tell me about your career journey/involvement in the Pitt community since graduating from SCI.
A: I graduated from SCI with my undergraduate degree in CS back in 2018 as part of the inaugural class from the school. After graduation, I was focused on starting my career and elevating my skills in the industry. I loved my four years at Pitt but was focused on establishing myself within the technology sector in the financial industry. It was only when I was offered to come back for a networking event and career fair in 2019 that I started to consider alumni involvement. Once I returned to campus and got to experience the feeling of giving back to the school, I was immediately interested in getting further involved. I continued volunteering my time at career progression events well into returning to SCI in 2021 for my graduate degree.
At one of the career fairs during grad school, I sat down for lunch and began chatting with Jenn Welton, SCI’s Director of Career Development. Jenn was interested in getting feedback about my experience at these events and as an alumni and current student of SCI. From that impromptu networking lunch, Jenn and I have stayed in touch! I always let her know that I was interested whenever she needed me - whether it be resume reviews, orientation on-sites, or networking nights. I'm thankful to Jenn for including me in the variety of activities, as well as helping me to meet different leaders within SCI.
After I graduated with my master’s in 2023, I was immediately ready to fully focus on alumni activities. Throughout the summer and fall of 2023, I found myself back on campus to facilitate events and mentor students through PittCommons. All my efforts culminated in attending a Pitt football game at Acrisure Stadium with other members of the Alumni Board at SCI. Having the chance to meet and converse with others about their involvement capped off a great night of Pitt camaraderie. As I started my new position at DSG in 2024, I kept in touch with Jenn Welton, Terri Taylor [former Director of Development], and Daniel Mossé [Professor, Department of Computer Science]. In the winter months, I expressed my passion for alumni involvement to the campus recruitment team at DSG and worked to forge a connection between them and the University of Pittsburgh. During this same time, I was approached about my interest in joining the Alumni Board at Pitt. After meeting with former and current chairs of the board, I officially joined in July 2024.
Q: What’s one thing you wish you would have known as an undergraduate and master’s student in CS?
A: One thing I wish I would have known an undergraduate student was the importance of soft skills - primarily communication, teamwork, and empathy. When people think of CS, I imagine they think of hard technical skills like coding, architecture, and theory. While these are important, the best computer scientists are those that can provide value beyond the machine. Often, I witnessed fellow students who were unable to discuss their technical solutions or weary of connecting with peers. Just like any job, CS is not a one-player game. In industry and academia, teams of intelligent professionals must come together for the greater good of the organization. During both of my times as a student, I was aware of the importance of this skillset but only wish myself and others truly grasped that those who get noticed are those who connect with purpose.
Q: As a newly appointed member of the SCI Alumni Board, what are you most looking forward to/excited about?
A: As a new member of the SCI Alumni Board, I'm most excited about getting involved on campus. Pitt's campus holds a special place in my heart, as I've spent nearly a decade growing up and learning there. To be able to relive some of those memories while helping out the next generation of Panthers will be a great way to progress into my next chapter as a technologist and Pitt alum!
Learn more about Jonathan Hanobik!