Empowering Women in Tech: Insights from Google’s Kitchener Visit
On April 2, a group of students from Conestoga College had the unique opportunity to tour Google’s innovative workspace in downtown Kitchener. The visit not only featured an exploration of the Google building, originally an old rubber factory, but also included a panel discussion with three accomplished women in computer science, fostering valuable connections between students and industry professionals.
Student Perspectives on Industry Engagement
Arathy Sasankan, a participant from the Software Quality Assurance and Test Engineering program, highlighted the event’s impact: “I feel like it was a great opportunity to connect with people working in the industry.” The panelists provided insights on navigating the competitive landscape of tech careers and the importance of supplementing academic achievements with practical experiences, such as participating in hackathons and community volunteering.
The discussion emphasized that these extracurricular activities not only enrich resumes but also serve as platforms for networking and mentorship. One panelist remarked, “It’s a smaller world than you think,” underscoring the significance of building professional relationships.
Networking for Future Success
Many students, including Sasankan, expressed their eagerness to engage with industry professionals as part of their career development. “I want to connect with more people to get their opinions, their experiences,” she stated, reflecting a common sentiment among attendees.
Julia Jakob, a fellow Software Engineering Technology student, expressed her inspiration from meeting women in a traditionally male-dominated field. She said, “It is very inspirational to see everyone here. It’s good to see the different paths you can take to get into this career.”
Learning from Industry Experts
First-year student Bibi Murwared Enayat Zada was curious about career decisions within programming fields. During the networking session, she took the initiative to gather advice from Google employees, while Sasankan noted the importance of being prepared, bringing a notepad to capture insights.
Tara Campbell, a support services officer within the School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology, pointed out that the event allowed students at varying stages of their education to learn about internships and other opportunities available at Google. “This event was particularly beneficial for students at both the beginning and end of their academic journey,” she commented.
Commitment to Women in Technology
Conestoga College is proactive in enhancing participation and success among women in engineering and technology fields. The college’s ETT4W (Empowering Through Technology for Women) initiative aims to support female and non-binary students through educational programs and networking opportunities.
Jacqueline Smith, program manager and ETT4W committee member, emphasized the collaborative efforts with industry leaders like Google to create career preparedness opportunities. “The high level of engagement from female and non-binary student attendees reflects a positive outlook on their program completion,” she said.
Conclusion
The visit to Google illustrated a commitment to fostering a supportive environment for women entering the tech industry. With initiatives like ETT4W and opportunities for networking and mentorship, Conestoga College continues to inspire the next generation of leaders in technology.
