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On March 21, 2024, Break Through Tech Mason hosted a panel of tech industry professionals titled "A Day in the Life: Tech Jobs Unveiled." Each panelist discussed their path in the tech industry, as well as the advice they would offer students just starting out.
“Yesterday, we had the privilege of diving deep into the world of tech with Jamie Bowers, site reliability engineer at Microsoft, Veeraj Modi, security analyst at Microsoft, and Cassandra Rothrauff, senior computer engineer at Booz Allen Hamilton,” said Shahnaz Kamberi, a professor of computer science and leader of Break Through Tech Mason. “Their insights illuminated the varied paths to success in the tech industry and the importance of resilience, mentorship, and teamwork along the way.”
Each speaker also shared what a typical day looks like in their current role. Then students were able to ask questions.
Break Through Tech works at the intersection of academia and industry to propel women and underrepresented communities into computing degrees and tech careers. George Mason University's partnership with Break Through Tech began in 2019 and includes curriculum innovation, career access, and community building.
Kamberi noted that the speakers exemplified the fact that there is no “one-size-fits-all approach” to a career in tech. “From overcoming academic challenges to leveraging mentorship, their stories emphasized the multitude of avenues available to aspiring tech professionals,” she said. “Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just embarking on your journey, their stories serve as a beacon of inspiration for anyone aspiring to make their mark in the tech industry.”
Bowers, Modi, and Rothrauff described how their roles are dynamic to respond to the changing nature of tech. “Whether it’s troubleshooting complex systems, analyzing security threats, or designing innovative solutions, their workdays are marked by diversity and excitement,” said Kamberi.
Kamberi reflected on the main takeaways for students who attended the event, including the importance of work-life balance, learning from mistakes, and collaborating well with colleagues.
In light of the exciting nature of their industry, speakers emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. “From setting boundaries to prioritizing self-care, they emphasized that success in tech goes hand in hand with personal well-being,” said Kamberi. "The panelists candidly discussed the inevitability of making mistakes and the invaluable lessons gleaned from them. Rather than viewing failures as setbacks, they encouraged embracing them as opportunities for growth and learning,” she added.
Bowers, Modi, and Rothrauff also underscored the power of effective teamwork, noting that synergy is a driving force behind innovation and success.
“‘A Day in the Life: Tech Jobs Unveiled’ provided invaluable insights into the multifaceted world of tech, reaffirming that with passion, perseverance, and a supportive community, anything is possible in this dynamic field,” said Kamberi.