Tech Connect 2024

A world exists outside of Rowan University! As society presses onwards, computer scientists are constantly and consistently needed—but companies today are more selective than ever. Students entering the workforce need all the help they can get. Knowledge and skill have become just one part of a candidate, with the candidate’s connections being equally important. Having a large social network of hired programmers at different companies increases your chance of getting your foot in the door through word of mouth. If you know an employee at your place of interview, they can move your resume to the top of the pile. But the first stop in making connections—casual conversation with an industry professional—is daunting. That’s where last week’s Tech Connect came in—an event designed to quickstart connections. 

Tech Connect is an event organized by computer science clubs and the CS Alumni Board. The event served to connect current Rowan students with Rowan Alumni. Students chatted with alumni about anything and everything they wanted. They split off into casual groups, and could speak openly without the pressure of a lecture hall.

“[Building networks like this] is important for the student’s experience,” says Coby Totland, president of the Rowan Cyber Security club and event organizer. “Students want to know what the professional world is like, and that's difficult for them to learn, unless they have folks who’ve experienced it firsthand. Tech evolves so quickly, and students are stressed about their ability to perform in the industry. Alumni have walked in their shoes before, and they can be a guiding path for many students.”

The groups’ discussions ranged widely, from recommended courses, or attractive skills to have on a resume. “I got to talk a lot about DevOps, which is a field I’m super passionate about,” says Nihan Uddin, a junior student. 

“I asked questions about what’s important for students to know right now,” says Yana Shah, a freshman student. “As an international student, it’s even more important for me to build a network, to establish connections to people in the industry–and learn the steps I need to take to get there,” she continues.

Alumni were more than happy to speak with the students, and value that connection just as much as a student does.  “I feel like I can teach them things, like I’m expanding their knowledge, or telling them how the job market actually is,” says Chris Clement, a lead platform engineer at SignalWire, and a Rowan grad from the class of ‘06. 

“There’s so much hope and ambition in [student’s] eyes, it rekindles what you feel about your work,” says Daniel Jones, a senior software engineer at XBOX, graduate from the class of ‘05, and current member of the Rowan Alumni board. 

To alumni, returning to Rowan is simply returning the favor to a university that got them started. “I have nothing but good memories of this place,” continues Clement, “so of course I wanted to come back.” 

“I enjoyed my time here,” Jones says, “and I wish there were people who came back to see me when I was here. Students at Rowan deserve an opportunity to learn and network.” 

Overall, the event was a huge success, with students making those first few handshakes leading to future opportunities. Students should look forward to Tech Day, another alumni networking event held in spring.