Alumni Committee Profile

What inspired you to come together and create the alumni committee?

Charis: When I was a student in the program, there wasn’t much direct career support tailored to our unique path—most of the resources came from the general career center. I often wished there was a way to connect with alumni who had been through the same journey and could share their experiences, advice, and encouragement. Knowing that others had faced similar challenges and successfully navigated them would’ve been really motivating—it’s reassuring to know there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
Beyond that, I also saw the potential for building a strong network where alumni and current students could support each other, collaborate, and open new opportunities. That’s what really inspired me to help build the alumni committee: to create the kind of supportive, connected community I wished I had when I was in the program.

Jeffrey: For me, it was about building on the connections and friendships we formed during our time in the program and finding a meaningful way to keep that community alive. I saw a real opportunity for alumni to share their practical experiences from industry, especially since many of us took unique paths blending software engineering with science and research. I wanted current students to have easy access to relatable mentors who understand their journey and can offer targeted insights. Ultimately, creating the alumni committee was about nurturing a space where mutual support and guidance come naturally, benefiting everyone involved.
Sarah: We felt inspired to create this group because we valued how close we became after meeting each other. We were very moved to help the new and upcoming cohorts by offering career guidance and tips.

As students in an online program, how did you forge community in your cohort?

Sarah: In general, we had a massive Discord server for the entering class cohort of 2023, which eventually led to smaller sub-group chats where we planned Zoom study sessions. I believe we naturally seek out and build our own communities by not being afraid to reach out and ask guiding questions.

What excites you about the alumni committee’s upcoming or past events and projects?

Jeffrey: Even though we were spread out geographically, our cohort was proactive about connecting through regular video calls and virtual hangouts, which allowed us to build real friendships despite the distance. We made it a point to collaborate on group projects and assignments, creating a strong sense of teamwork and shared purpose. Over time, these interactions extended beyond coursework—chatting casually, sharing advice, and checking in on each other. It showed me that community isn’t defined by physical proximity, but rather by the willingness to engage, support, and genuinely care for one another.

Sarah: What excites me specifically is the hope that each event brings insight and inspiration to the students. We understand how challenging the courses are, and if students are encouraged by seeing that others in their shoes have made it, they’ll believe they can too.

How has having an alumni network benefitted you or your fellow alumni?

Jeffrey: Having an alumni network has given me and my fellow alumni great friendships and a supportive community where we regularly share career tips and resources. Staying connected has also opened doors to new opportunities and made navigating career choices easier. Overall, the network has boosted our careers and strengthened our friendships.

Sarah: Personally, having a strong alumni network not only helps us find potential job opportunities elsewhere, but also exposes us to interesting topics and projects. It helps us build a strong community of like-minded people.

hat do you see as the future direction of the alumni committee?

Jeffrey: I see the alumni committee growing into a long-term support system that bridges every generation of MSSE students and grads. I’d love to see more mentorship programs, industry panels, and cross-cohort collaborations that make it easier for alumni to give back and for students to thrive. As we grow, I also hope we can spotlight alumni achievements and create more opportunities for professional and personal connections. The goal is to build something lasting—something that keeps evolving with the community’s needs.

Sarah: In general, we hope to inspire and pass down this committee to future generations of alumni, helping to further expand the alumni network.