69. What to Look for in a Computer Science Undergrad with Jami Cotler, Professor at Siena College

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Jami Cotler is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Siena College with a research and teaching focus on teamwork, emotional and social intelligence, career readiness, accessibility, UX Design, and empathic software design. She holds a Ph.D. in Informatics from the State University of Albany and has over 27 years of experience in academia and industry.

Jami’s research interests lie at the intersection of computer science and human-computer interaction. Her work focuses on preparing future software engineers to work in Agile Scrum teams to develop software and systems that are accessible to all users, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. Concepts of design thinking, leadership, collaboration, innovation, empathic UX design, and emotional and social intelligence are used to engage students in the analysis and development of complex technological solutions.

Connect with her to learn more.

Here are Five Things We Cover:

1. Importance of Emotional Intelligence: Jamie Cotler emphasized that emotional and social intelligence can often elevate an individual’s perceived technical skills. This is crucial in team environments and for career advancement.
2. Early Career Readiness: Students should start preparing for their careers from their freshman year, including creating resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and networking. Internships and practical experiences are highly encouraged by sophomore year.
3. Diverse Tech Roles: Tech careers are diverse and can include roles in user experience (UX) design, education, and many other areas beyond just coding and engineering. Highlighted was the “CS for All” initiative to increase computer science education in high schools.
4. Professional Development: Colleges often offer professional development courses focused on career readiness. At Siena College, courses like the senior seminar in computer science help students prepare for the job market by developing both technical and interpersonal skills.
5. Networking and Mentorship: Building a professional network and seeking mentorship are critical for career growth. Jamie encouraged students to connect with alumni and participate in local tech meetups to learn from professionals in the field.

Here are Three Actionable Takeaways From This Episode

1. Start Early With Career Readiness:
   • Freshman Year: Begin building your resume and LinkedIn profile. Even if you have minimal experience, it’s crucial to have a professional presence online.
   • Sophomore Year: Seek out internships, whether they’re paid or unpaid, to gain practical experience and understand your preferences in work environments.
   • Junior and Senior Years: Engage in networking opportunities, attend career fairs, and participate in industry events to build connections and improve your chances of landing a job post-graduation.
2. Develop Emotional and Social Intelligence:
   • Empathy: Practice putting yourself in others’ shoes. This can improve teamwork and client relations. Consider exercises like reflective journaling to understand your own emotions and reactions better, which can, in turn, help you understand others.
   • Teamwork: Focus on building synergy within teams. Learn the dynamics of effective team collaboration, such as clear communication, conflict resolution, and role allocation.
   • Self-Awareness: Regularly engage in self-reflection to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Use tools like mood tracking apps or emotional intelligence apps to build an emotional vocabulary and recognize patterns in your responses and interactions.
3. Network and Engage with Industry Professionals:
   • LinkedIn Outreach: Actively reach out to alumni or professionals in your desired field for informational interviews to learn about their career paths and gather insights.
   • Attend Tech Meetups and Events: Go to local tech meetups or industry events. Engage in conversations with professionals, rather than sticking with your peer group. These interactions can lead to mentorship opportunities or job referrals.
   • Participate in Class and Department Activities: Take advantage of any department-sponsored events or contests. For instance, volunteering in events like programming contests can provide exposure and networking opportunities with alumni and industry professionals.