One year ago, I stepped off a plane into the unknown. I was a new international student in the United States, embarking on a journey filled with excitement and anticipation but also shadowed by fear, worry, and anxiety. Everything felt overwhelming—the unfamiliar environment, the cultural differences, the weather, and even the food. I questioned every decision I made, unsure whether I was on the right path or if I even belong here.
My journey began at the University of Delaware, where I took up a part-time job at the UD catering department. I had no prior experience in catering and often felt out of place, fumbling through tasks and learning on the go. At the same time, I was diving into technical courses, learning SQL, SAS, and Python, despite having no background in programming. The learning curve was steep, and there were many moments when I felt overwhelmed and wondered if I had taken on too much.
The cultural differences added another layer of complexity to my experience. I was adapting to a new way of life, grappling with the unfamiliarity of American customs, the diversity in food that was far from what I was used to, and a climate that was often harsh and unpredictable. It was a constant battle to find my footing, and self-doubt seemed to shadow my every step.
But amid this sea of uncertainty, I found support in unexpected places. Sarah Dix was a constant source of encouragement and comfort. She provided a safe space to share my fears and reassured me that it was okay to feel lost. Jessica Venturi, whose office I nearly burst into tears in during the career fair preparations, became a pillar of strength, reminding me that it was okay to be vulnerable.
Libby Cussack and Dr. Andrea saw things in me that I couldn’t see in myself. Their unwavering belief in me was a beacon of hope during the darkest times. They called out strengths I didn’t know I possessed, challenging me to grow beyond my self-imposed limits. Their friendship and support, along with the camaraderie of Sarah, were vital in transforming my fears into courage. Dr. Andrea’s guidance, in particular, was instrumental in helping me recognize my potential. Learning about Barton in Dr. Andrea’s class, I began to see glimpses of his journey in my own—a series of small steps filled with uncertainty yet leading to growth and self-discovery.
Through all of this, I learned to say “yes” to opportunities that scared me, to raise my hand even when I wasn’t sure of the answer, and to speak up and ask questions even when my voice shook. I learned to give myself and others grace—to accept that it’s okay to not have everything figured out and that we’re all learning as we go.
Now, a year later, I find myself on the other side of the journey. I still have my fears, and there are days when uncertainty grips me, but I am not the same person who arrived a year ago. There has been immense growth—not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and mentally. I am more confident now, not because I have all the answers, but because I have learned to navigate the unknown with a little more grace and a lot more courage.
This year, I had the joy of being part of the BAIM orientation for incoming students as a member of the BAIM GSA Executive Board. It was a full-circle moment, standing there, realizing how much I had grown. I saw myself in the eyes of the new students—scared, unsure, overwhelmed. I was now in a position to offer them the comfort I had once desperately sought. To tell them it’s okay to be scared. To assure them that they are not alone, that there is a community ready to hold their hand and walk with them, one day at a time.
Joining the First Year Seminar (FYS) program team has been a blessing. Dr. Meghan Biery, Michelle Shumate, and Bella—our cool dog manager—have made this new year already amazing as it starts. Their warmth and enthusiasm are infectious, and their support has been invaluable. Working alongside them, I now have the opportunity to share my journey with the incoming class, to tell them it’s okay to be scared, to feel lost, to doubt themselves. But also to remind them that growth happens in these moments of fear and uncertainty. We will figure it out together, step by step.
Reflecting on this past year, I am filled with gratitude for the people who supported me, the challenges that pushed me, and the growth that emerged from it all. I am still learning, still growing, and still facing fears. But I am not where I started. I am stronger, more confident, and more sure that I am on the right path. And that, to me, is the greatest achievement of all.
To every student who has left home for college, I promise you, we all are just stumbling around, finding our way. And that’s perfectly okay. Don’t take yourself out of the room, and don’t take yourself out of the race. Keep showing up Together, we will continue to learn, grow, and support each other through it all.
On the 30th of August BAIM GSA had our first ever event which was the meet and greet for the new student and were joined by some older students and professor Ahmad A Rabaa’i, and professor Anatoliy Anguelov.
The team started by introducing themselves and going through different spots on campus where we went through each of them briefly. After that we presented the Virtual tour of the above named locations to show the new comers where they are located and how they look like.
After the virtual tour we split everyone who attended into groups for an ice breaker event.
It was close race between all teams but team “Dawg” winning the event.
We ended the event with pizza for everyone in the Green and everyone stayed and networked with one another. Overall the first event was successful.
The tech industry is one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving sectors in today’s economy. With its vast array of opportunities, it’s no wonder many people aspire to break into this field. However, entering the tech industry can be daunting, especially for those who are new to the field or transitioning from a different career. This guide will provide you with practical steps and strategies to help you successfully navigate your way into the tech job market.
Before diving into the job hunt, it’s crucial to understand the tech industry’s landscape. The tech sector is broad, encompassing various roles from software development to data analysis, cybersecurity, product management, and more. Each of these roles requires different skills and expertise.
Research the Roles: Start by researching the different roles within the tech industry. Understand what each role entails, the skills required, and the typical career paths associated with them.
Identify Your Interests: Pinpoint which areas of tech align with your interests and strengths. Whether it’s coding, design, analysis, or management, knowing where your passion lies will help you focus your efforts.
Once you’ve identified your area of interest, the next step is to acquire the necessary skills. The tech industry is skills-driven, and having the right technical and soft skills is crucial for landing a job.
Learn the Basics: Start with foundational skills relevant to your chosen field. For instance, if you’re interested in software development, learn programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, or Ruby. If data science intrigues you, focus on statistics, data visualization, and tools like R or SQL.
Take Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer a wide range of courses that can help you learn these skills at your own pace. Many of these courses are taught by industry professionals and offer certificates upon completion.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Theoretical knowledge isn’t enough in tech. Build a portfolio by working on projects, contributing to open-source projects, or developing your own apps or websites.
Experience is a significant factor in tech hiring decisions. Here’s how you can build your experience:
Internships: Look for internships, even if they’re unpaid or part-time. Internships provide valuable hands-on experience and often lead to full-time job offers.
Volunteer Work: Offer your skills to non-profits or startups in exchange for experience. This not only helps you gain experience but also expands your professional network.
Networking is a powerful tool in the tech industry. Many job opportunities arise through personal connections and recommendations rather than job boards.
Attend Industry Events: Join meetups, tech conferences, or webinars where you can meet professionals in the field. Networking events often feature industry leaders who can offer insights and advice.
Leverage Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and GitHub are essential for networking in tech. Follow industry leaders, participate in discussions, and showcase your work.
Join Online Communities: Engage with tech communities on platforms like Reddit, Stack Overflow, or specialized forums related to your field. These communities can provide support, answer your questions, and sometimes even lead to job opportunities
Your resume and portfolio are your marketing tools in the tech job market. Make sure they highlight your skills, experience, and the value you bring to potential employers.
Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Use keywords from the job description to increase the chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Build a Strong Portfolio: A portfolio is crucial in tech, especially for roles like development, design, and data science. Include projects that demonstrate your abilities and show how you’ve applied your skills to solve real problems.
Showcase Soft Skills: While technical skills are essential, don’t forget to showcase your soft skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. These are highly valued in the tech industry.
Once you’ve secured an interview, it’s time to prepare thoroughly. Tech interviews can be challenging, often involving technical tests, coding challenges, and behavioral questions.
Practice Coding Challenges: If you’re applying for a developer role, platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, and Codewars are excellent for practicing coding challenges.
Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with a friend or use platforms like Pramp or Interviewing.io. This will help you get comfortable with the format and receive feedback.
Understand the Company: Research the company’s products, culture, and recent news. Tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to the company’s goals.
Breaking into the tech industry requires dedication, continuous learning, and strategic networking. By understanding the landscape, building relevant skills, gaining experience, and networking effectively, you can position yourself for success in this exciting field. Remember, persistence is key – the tech industry is fast-paced, and those who are willing to put in the effort will find ample opportunities to grow and thrive.
