UGA School of Computing Hosts Alumni Mentor Panel to Provide Insights Into Computer Science Career Paths

The University of Georgia’s School of Computing and the UGA Mentor Program, recently brought together four distinguished alumni for an engaging Zoom panel, offering students invaluable insight into the realities of launching a tech career in a rapidly evolving industry. Moderated by Melissa Rackley, career consultant for computer science and MIS majors, the panel featured Grant Cooksey, staff engineer at Salesforce (BS Computer Science, ‘16); Arash Jalalzadeh Fard, senior software engineer at Roku (PhD Computer Science, UGA ‘14); Danny Lee, software engineer at Google (BS Computer Science, ‘18); and Sudhan Chitgopkar, forward deployed engineer at Palantir Technologies (BS Computer Science, UGA ‘23; MS Applied Math & Computer Science, Harvard ‘24).

The discussion opened with a topic that resonated with every student entering the workforce: “what did you learn, and what mistakes did you make?” Cooksey and Lee emphasized that errors are not only inevitable; they are essential. 

“Mistakes are unavoidable,” Cooksey said. “Be open to making them, learn from them, and grow.” 

Lee agreed and advised students to embrace understanding over memorization. Both highlighted that early-career professionals are often not evaluated by perfection, but by their ability to learn, adapt, and contribute. For students, this underscores a vital mindset: cultivating resilience and curiosity is more valuable than fearing failure. Chitgopkar said with the unavoidable rise of artificial intelligence, it is even more important for students to prepare proactively as the technology impacts early-career roles.

“AI won’t replace the conceptual understanding you develop, it will augment it,” he said. 

Fard added that AI applications are poised to transform daily life, much like the internet did in previous decades, but Lee and Cooksey cautioned against over-reliance on AI tools. The discussion illuminated a crucial principle: while AI can speed up repetitive tasks, it is human judgment, creativity, and critical thinking that remain irreplaceable. This means students should invest in deep understanding, problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply tools thoughtfully in a fast-changing landscape.

Panelists also highlighted the importance of building professional relationships. Lee said  relationships flourish when one genuinely understands teammates’ backgrounds, motivations, and perspectives, which can enable collaboration that transcends technical tasks. 

By thinking of professional relationships as reciprocal, students can build connections that are meaningful and enduring. This advice highlights a subtle but vital truth: technical ability alone isn’t enough. Emotional intelligence, curiosity, and collaborative instincts are equally critical in career success.

When asked about emerging technologies, the panel offered a blend of caution and encouragement. Cooksey acknowledged the prominence of AI but noted that foundational technologies, networking, algorithms, and lower-level systems remain timeless. Chitgopkar said while AI may have peaked in novelty, understanding low-level computing and efficiency is increasingly important as hardware approaches physical limits. 

Beyond trends, the alumni stressed following personal curiosity when building careers. By pursuing areas that genuinely intrigue them, students can achieve deeper mastery, long-term satisfaction, and innovation that might influence the industry. 

Panelists recommended diverse strategies for lifelong learning and staying informed in a field that is constantly changing. The mentors emphasized that staying current isn’t optional – it’s foundational. Lee advised that if one isn’t learning at their job, it may be time to seek new opportunities. 

Lee highlighted the importance of leadership opportunities and soft skills through involvement in student organizations. Cooksey stressed that early-career evaluations often prioritize curiosity, teamwork, and the ability to grow alongside technical competence. Students were encouraged to not just master technical skills, but also to cultivate leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to distinguish themselves in interviews and on the job. The panel illustrated that success in tech is not just about what you know, but how you approach challenges, collaborate with others, and navigate complex, real-world problems.

The UGA School of Computing’s mentor panel provided a roadmap for thriving in a technology-driven world. From embracing mistakes and leveraging AI to building authentic relationships and committing to lifelong learning, the discussion highlighted the skills, mindset, and resilience needed for career readiness and success. For students preparing to enter a field that is simultaneously exhilarating and unpredictable, the lessons shared by these alumni are not only practical but transformative, reinforcing the value of curiosity, persistence, and a thoughtful approach to one’s career journey.