CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Google welcomes female students in computer science and technology programs

Conestoga's ETT4W (Engineering, Technology, and Trades for Women), in partnership with Google, hosted an exclusive event for women in Computer Science and Computer Engineering programs.

Students toured the Google building in downtown Kitchener on April 2, followed by a panel discussion of three women working in computer science, and networking with the Google team.

"I feel like it was a great opportunity to connect with people working in the industry," said Arathy Sasankan, a student in the Software Quality Assurance and Test Engineering program.

The panel shared practical tips, from how to get into the industry in general to approaching the highly competitive process for securing a student placement or permanent job at Google. Hearing about the value of adding experiences to resumes beyond educational credentials, such as joining hackathons and volunteering in the community, inspired Sasankan to look for other opportunities demonstrating her interest in the field.

As a bonus, the students heard that's also a great way to meet others in the industry and cultivate relationships, including finding a female mentor who can offer information and support at the beginning of their career. One panelist stressed the importance of networking, saying "it's a smaller world than you think."

Sasankan is keen now to get more involved and learn from people in the industry as she considers how to reach her goal of working for a big tech company like Google. "I want to connect with more and more people to get their opinions, their experiences."

The Google team welcomed the student visitors into their unique workspace converted from an old rubber factory on Breithaupt Street. Conestoga is ideally located in the Toronto-Waterloo tech corridor and the college has strong ties to the local innovation sector.

"All the Googlers enjoyed sharing their experiences and loved the student's participation and engagement. Through this event we wanted to provide students with the opportunity to learn firsthand about various careers in the tech industry, demystifying what it's like working in these fields, and build valuable connections through the networking session," said Urvi Patel, software developer.

"I hope this event was able to foster a sense of community and belonging, and inspire the students, particularly as women entering historically male-dominated fields, to be empowered and excited about the career paths ahead of them."

That's exactly how Julia Jakob, a student in the Software Engineering Technology program, felt about the Google visit knowing women are under-represented in the field.

"It is very inspirational to see everyone here," Jakob said. "It's good to see the different paths you can take to get into this career."

Bibi Murwared Enayat Zada, who is in her first year of the Software Engineering Technology program, is unsure which field to pursue in programming and wanted to ask how the Google employees decided. Enayat Zada and the other students gathered around the employees during the networking time to ask a host of questions and absorb all their advice. Sasankan came prepared with a notepad to jot down the valuable insights.

"It's really encouraging for most of us," Sasankan said.

Tara Campbell, support services officer in the School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology, said the visit was chance to learn about internships and other opportunities available to students in technology and at Google.

"This event was particularly beneficial for students at both the beginning and end of their academic journey. It provided a unique opportunity to learn from women in the industry and served as a source of motivation for these young women as they progress in their studies," Campbell said.

"Networking events can be challenging, but this casual setting allowed students to stretch their networking abilities, which will serve them well as they look to start their career and once they're working in the industry."

Conestoga is committed to fostering and enhancing women's participation, persistence, and academic and career success in engineering, technology and trades. Educational programs, outreach and events, and student supports reinforce this commitment as part of the ETT4W initiative, which has helped many women pursue rewarding, in-demand and secure careers in those traditionally male-dominated fields. 

"Conestoga ETT4W continues to collaborate with industry leaders like Google to offer female and non-binary students valuable career networking and career preparedness opportunities before graduation," said Jacqueline Smith, program manager in the School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology and ETT4W committee member.

"The high level of engagement from female and non-binary student attendees at the event reflects a positive outlook on their program completion, instilling confidence in their readiness for successful and inclusive careers in computer science and information technology."

ETT4W programming includes Teens Try Trades, Girls with Tools and Toast, student mixers, Go ENG Girl and Go CODE Girl. ETT4W also supports Jill of all Trades and the Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) program at Conestoga.

The college's School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology offers a 21st-century education with leading-edge programs that will prepare students for an exciting career in the innovative world of Information and Communications Technology.