What is ConnectED?
The ConnectED program empowers members to engage directly with alumni, offering opportunities to seek advice and career guidance from experienced graduates. By connecting with seasoned professionals, members gain access to valuable insights that can significantly influence and shape their individual career paths.
ConnectED Talk with
Aamina Taskeen
Date: 12-12-2025
Background: Aamina Taskeen, a CS Engineer & Data Specialist at AstraZeneca and a BITS Pilani Dubai alumna, led an insightful ConnectED session for 27 participants. She shared her transition from student to industry professional, drawing on her background in machine learning and computer vision to highlight the growing intersection of healthcare and AI.
Key Takeaways:
-
Offered actionable advice on navigating the Practice School (PS) journey and leveraging it for career growth.
-
Shared relatable stories about her transition from BITS Pilani Dubai to a global biopharmaceutical leader.
-
Emphasized the importance of specialized skills in data science and computer vision within the healthcare sector.
-
Provided valuable insights into the daily responsibilities and expectations of a Data Specialist.
-
Facilitated an engaging Q&A session, offering direct guidance on career planning and skill development.
ConnectED Talk with
Meganaa Reddy
Date: 08-11-2025
Background: Meganaa Reddy, a Software Engineer at Amazon and a distinguished BITS Pilani Hyderabad alumna, led an insightful ConnectED session focused on her career in Machine Learning and Data Science. She shared her transition from student to industry professional, blending her technical journey with practical advice on navigating the tech landscape.
Key Takeaways:
-
Offered actionable advice on navigating various internship opportunities and mastering the interview process for top-tier tech firms.
-
Shared relatable stories from her professional journey, providing a personal look into the evolution of a career in Data Science.
-
Emphasized the importance of proactive career planning and identifying the right skill sets for the current market.
-
Provided valuable insights into the daily realities and expectations of working within the global tech industry.
-
Highlighted the role of continuous learning and curiosity in staying ahead in the fields of ML and Software Engineering.
ConnectED Talk with
Abirami Sozharajan
Date: 08-10-2025
Background: Abirami Sozharajan, an Operations Analyst at L’Oréal and a proud BITS Pilani Dubai alumna, led the first ConnectED session of the year. Drawing from her journey of merging data analytics with business operations, she offered students a roadmap for transitioning from university life to the corporate world, blending professional insights with her own experiences as a former student.
Key Takeaways:
-
Offered actionable advice on bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world business operations.
-
Shared relatable stories from her time at BITS Pilani Dubai, providing a personal and encouraging perspective on career growth.
-
Emphasized the importance of adaptability, technical proficiency, and strong communication skills in the modern industry.
ConnectED Talk with Niyati Parameswaran
Date: 05-05-2025
Background: Niyati is a key contributor to Google’s Core Machine Learning (CoreML) team. With a strong foundation in ML research and real-world applications, she shared her journey from academia to impactful industry work, blending technical expertise with personal experiences.
Key Takeaways:
-
Offered actionable advice on translating ML research into practical applications.
-
Shared relatable stories from her university days, adding a personal touch to the session.
-
Emphasized the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and collaboration in the tech industry.
ConnectED Talk with Sakshi Priyadarshini
Date: 07-03-2025
.png)
Meeting Highlights:
The Alumni Talk highlighted:
-
Machine Learning in Business: Companies use ML for customer segmentation, promotions, and supply chain optimization.
-
AI & Data Science Trends: Agent AI, ethical AI, and tools like CrewAI & Hugging Face are gaining traction.
-
L'Oréal’s ML Initiatives: A centralized data team uses K-means clustering and object detection.
-
Career Advice: Networking is key; internships and certifications help but don’t guarantee jobs.
-
Standing Out: Build a strong personal brand and showcase skills through projects.
-
Women in Tech: Overcome challenges by asserting ideas and creating visibility.
-
AI & Relevance: AI enhances human skills; staying updated is essential.
-
Opportunities at L'Oréal: Internships open in Jan & July; strong technical and communication skills are valued.
For detailed insights and resources, check out our GitHub!
ConnectED Talk with Vijaya Gajanan
Date: 15-12-2023
The Alumni Talk by Vijaya Gajanan covered essential aspects such as:
-
Importance of crafting a strong, one-page resume
-
Tips for effective resume building (e.g., avoiding Canva, highlighting skills)
-
The significance of internships and hands-on projects for career growth
-
How to leverage certifications effectively by pairing them with projects
-
The critical role of networking in building professional connections
-
Guidance on choosing between entering the job market or pursuing a master's degree
-
The necessity of DSA preparation, maintaining a strong CGPA, and early exam prep (TOEFL, GRE, GMAT)
For more detailed, exact summary and to find resources mentioned in the event, take a look at our GitHub!
ConnectED Talk with Himanshi Bali
Date: 11-10-2024
Meeting Notes:
-
Technical Skills: Learn Python, SQL, Excel, data visualization (e.g., Tableau), and cloud platforms.
-
Project Portfolio: Build diverse projects and share on GitHub or a website.
-
Business Understanding: Focus on interpreting data for stakeholders.
-
Corporate Experience: Develop problem-solving and resilience; ask for help when needed.
-
Applications: Prepare for multi-step data role applications
-
Networking: Connect with alumni on LinkedIn; join hackathons.
-
Experience: Pursue internships; use career services.
-
Further Education: Consider a master’s for specialization or field change.
-
Soft Skills: Develop communication and teamwork.
-
Continuous Learning: Use LinkedIn and courses to stay updated.
ConnectED Talk with Karishma Chandnani
Date: 15-09-2024
Meeting Highlights:
-
Show dedication, be proactive, and take on challenging projects during internships.
-
Work at Esri involved cloud removal in satellite imagery and deep learning for crop health, with radar imagery posing challenges.
-
Be honest in your CV and tailor your skills to fit the role; master one language (C#, Python, JavaScript).
-
College projects build teamwork; explore new technologies and master at least one language early.
-
Learn cloud technologies (AWS), version control (Git), and keep your resume clear and structured.
-
Stay updated through certifications and networking with professionals.
-
Consider work experience to decide between entering the job market or pursuing a master's degree.