Alumni Corner

Since our founding in 2005 there have been many women who have passed through MSU WIC. One of our recent goals is to bridge the distance between one WIC generation and the next. Introducing the Alumni Corner! If you are an alumni and would like to be added to the database, please fill out the Alumni Registration form.

Name: Stephanie Emelander Major: Computer Science Year Graduated: Spring 2008 Current Activities: I am currently a software engineering working at Lockheed Martin in Colorado Springs, CO. I am pursing my masters degree in Engineering Management with a concentration in Software Engineering. Advice: Get an internship as fast as you can. Sometimes, if you get your first one early enough you can graduate with two internships under your belt. Internships are the best thing you can do to prepare yourself for success after graduation.

Name: Kirsten Otting Major: Computer Science Year Graduated: Spring 2008 Current Activities: I'm currently a programmer/analyst for General Mills in Minneapolis. Advice: I know that this is something that students hear a lot, but make sure you get involved with organizations on campus or in your community. Leadership experience really makes your resume stand out.

Name: Meghan McNeil Major: Computer Science Year Graduated: Fall 2010 Current Activities: I am currently a developer at Microsoft on the DMX team in Windows Live. The DMX team focuses on Photo Gallery and Movie Maker. Advice: -Being a good interviewee takes practice. Take advantage of interview prep (from the Center, classmates, alums, etc) and get comfortable with the process. The more you do it, the more it becomes second nature. -Be honest with what you want out of a job. If you are honest with the type of job you want, it's more likely you'll be happy doing it. -Don't be afraid of talking to people. Making connections is essential in the real world and something that shouldn't be put off. You never know where your next opportunity will come from. -Work hard, but have fun!! College doesn't last (sadly). You have to face the real world sooner than you think, so make your time at Michigan State count!! Study hard, perfect your projects, get a part time job in the computing field, but make sure you stop and smell the wonderful MSU roses every once in a while =)

Name: Maurice Wong Major: Computer Science Year Graduated: Spring 2011 Current Activities: Working at Dow Chemical full-time. Advice: Work: Get a job relating to your major as soon as possible. Get expose to career fairs and job interviews, even if you are not qualified, it will help years later. School: You have to work as a team with your classmates. College is supposed to be hard, so make it easier and stick together. Everybody wins. In general: You must pay for everything in this world, one way and another. There is nothing free except the grace of God.

Name: Cassi Miller Major: Computer Science Year Graduated: Spring 2011 Current Activities: I'm working as an SDET for OneNote at Microsoft. Advice: The one most important piece of advice would be to join WIC, but since you may already be in WIC, I guess I should give you other advice. I would say other than being prepared for interviewing by practicing with your peers, don't be too intimidated to apply to those big companies that you dream of working at but don't feel you'll be able to get a job there. You are smarter than you think you are, and the recruiters will see your potential even if you don't :)

Name: Caitlin Russ Major: Computer Science Year Graduated: Spring 2011 Current Activities: I am currently working as a software developer at Sircon in Okemos, MI. Advice: Definitely work on applying your programming skills as soon as possible outside of classes. Whether it is a part-time job or even side projects that you do on your own, having that kind of experience early on is invaluable when seeking full-time jobs. Also, the most important ability to develop that people often forget is teamwork. It is critical to every single job in the computer science field, so don't forget to work on your communication and teamwork skills! :o)

Name: Gina Chernoby Major: Computer Science Year Graduated: Spring 2009 Current Activities: I\'m currently a software development engineer in test at Microsoft on the SkyDrive team. Advice: Get involved with organizations at school. They are great for networking and will help you gain valuable leadership experience. Also, it is never too early to start looking for internships or other related work experience. You pick up skills on the job that you wouldn't during class and employers love to see that you have prior work experience. Finally, have fun and try to enjoy college :)

Name: Marie Buckner Major: Computer Science Year Graduated: Fall 2010 Current Activities: I am currently working at Freddie Mac in McLean, VA. Advice: Go to as many recruiting events as you can. Especially if a student group (like WIC) is hosting a company representative. Getting to meet and talk to a recruiter in an informal setting can give you a big advantage when you interview with that recruiter later on.

Name: Dianna Kay Major: Computer Science Year Graduated: Fall 2011 Current Activities: Working at Microsoft as a tester for the Windows Phone Communications team. Advice: 1) If you have some idea of what you want to do with your life, tell someone. Tell everyone. You'd be surprised how many people will be willing to help you if they just knew what you were aiming for. 2) Don't make a life decision based on nerves. Odds are you're stronger than you think and it will all work out in the end anyway. 3) Have fun! MSU is an awesome place to spend your college years :)