Two Generations of SJNY Under One Roof
On April 15, students gathered in Tuohy Hall for the Computer Club’s Spring Tech Talk panel, “Navigating the Modern Tech Landscape.” As part of SJNY’s annual Giving Day, the event was hosted to bring together Computer Science and Mathematics students with several SJNY alumni currently working in the tech industry.
The panel included alumni working at major companies including Bloomberg, KKR and Softheon, giving students the opportunity to hear from graduates who once sat in the same classrooms and are now working in leadership positions across the field. The auditorium was filled with students ready to ask questions about artificial intelligence, software engineering and the realities of the current tech job market.
AI’s Growing Role in Tech
One of the biggest topics discussed throughout the evening was the growing role of AI in software engineering. The alumni acknowledged that while AI is becoming more common in coding workflows, strong technical foundations and critical thinking skills are still extremely important. Students learned that although AI can help engineers work more efficiently, it does not replace the ability to fully understand software systems and architecture. Students were encouraged to continue strengthening their skills rather than relying too heavily on automated tools.
Alumni Advice
Another major focus of the discussion was communication and leadership within the technology field. Kevin Deutsch ’14, Chief Growth Officer at Softheon, shared that technical ability alone is not what separates candidates during the hiring process.
“When I’m hiring, I’m not just looking for the best coder,” Deutsch said. “I’m looking for someone who can communicate their point, work through problems and collaborate with others.”
The alumni also gave students an honest perspective on the current state of the tech job market and the amount of rejection many graduates face early in their careers. Rather than depending only on online applications, students were told to build relationships and take advantage of the SJNY alumni community.
The Importance of Networking
One of the highlights of the night was when Deutsch shared that the reason he was sitting on the panel was because of connections he built through the SJNY Mentor Program. His story shed light on the impact mentorship and networking opportunities can have on students long after graduation.
The panel acted as both a networking opportunity and a reflection of the strength of SJNY’s Computer Science and Mathematics alumni network. Students left the event with the understanding of navigating the modern tech industry while also seeing firsthand how SJNY graduates continue to succeed in the field.
Photos from this Year’s Event
