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Camille Crittenden, Ph.D., is the executive director of CITRIS and the Banatao Institute and co-founder of the CITRIS Policy Lab and EDGE (Expanding Diversity and Gender Equity) in Tech at UC. She served as chair of the California Blockchain Working Group in 2019–20 and co-chaired the Student Experience subcommittee of the University of California’s Presidential Working Group on Artificial Intelligence. She continues to serve on the UC AI Council.
Prior to coming to CITRIS in 2012, she was executive director of the Human Rights Center at Berkeley Law, where she helped to develop its program in human rights, technology and digital media. She has written and spoken widely on these topics, as well as AI governance and applications in higher education and technology applications for civic engagement, digital equity, and government transparency and accountability. She held positions as assistant dean for development with International and Area Studies at UC Berkeley and in development and public relations at University of California Press and San Francisco Opera. She earned an M.A. and Ph.D. from Duke University.
Connect with her to learn more.
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Here are Five Things We Cover:
1. You Don’t Need a STEM Degree to Succeed in Tech: Many students feel pressured to major in computer science or engineering to land a job in tech. However, Camille emphasized that humanities students bring valuable skills, such as communication, critical thinking, and adaptability. Employers are looking for problem-solvers who can collaborate and contribute diverse perspectives.
2. Internships Are a Must—And So Is Exploring Different Roles: Landing your first internship can be challenging, but it’s crucial for gaining real-world experience and understanding what areas of tech interest you. Camille highlighted the importance of internships in testing out different roles and industries.
3. AI Can Help Your Job Search—But Authenticity Matters: Generative AI tools can streamline cover letters and resumes, but Camille cautioned against relying on them too much. Hiring managers can spot AI-generated text, so it’s important to infuse your personality and unique experiences into your application.
4. Your Online Presence Matters More Than You Think: Recruiters often check candidates’ LinkedIn, TikTok, and other social media profiles. While it’s okay to have fun online, Camille advised students to be mindful of what’s public and ensure their professional presence is polished.
5. Stay Curious and Keep LearningBreaking into tech isn’t just about getting your first job—it’s about building a career. Camille emphasized the importance of continuous learning, whether through online courses, networking, or hands-on projects.
Here are Three Actionable Takeaways From This Episode
- Translate Your Skills for Tech Roles: If you’re a humanities student, identify how your skills—such as writing, public speaking, and problem-solving—can be applied to roles in tech. For example, strong communication skills are valuable in UX writing, marketing, and tech policy roles.
- Optimize Your Internship Search: Look beyond traditional tech internships and explore roles in operations, marketing, or policy within tech companies. Apply early, tailor your resume for each position, and leverage campus career centers and LinkedIn connections to find opportunities.
- Leverage AI Thoughtfully in Job Applications: Use AI tools like ChatGPT to help draft cover letters and resumes, but personalize them to reflect your experiences authentically. Hiring managers can spot generic AI-generated content, so ensure your applications stand out with specific achievements and personal insights.