SWE Pune Affiliate, in collaboration with the Vishwakarma Institute of Technology (VIT), organized this year’s first outreach event — the Campus to Corporate Tech Program. The event kicked off with warm introductions, setting the stage for a day filled with learning and networking. The energy in the room was palpable as students and professionals came together to bridge the gap between academic learning and the corporate tech world.
Introduction to Society of Women Engineers
Affiliate Vice President Aishwarya Dubey, senior inside sales manager at Emerson, welcomed the participants and provided an insightful introduction about the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), explaining its purpose, and how participants can leverage this platform for their advancement.
Keynote Session: The Future Is Equal: Tackling Gender Bias in Tech
The keynote session focused on strategies to overcome gender biases and promote inclusivity within the tech industry. It was inspiring to see participants engaged in conversations about creating an equitable future. One of the key discussions centered around creating a personal brand. Keynote speaker Kavita John, executive director, global HR operations at Air Products, emphasized the importance of self-branding in a competitive industry. She shared practical tips on how to build a strong personal brand, including leveraging social media, networking effectively, and showcasing one’s skills and achievements. The insights provided were invaluable for anyone looking to make their mark in the tech world.
Panel Discussion: Emerging Trends in Technology
Our expert panel shared valuable insights on the latest trends and innovations shaping the tech landscape. The panelists — Sujay Sirur, architect and systems lead at Cummins Technologies India Ltd.; Mandira Bhattacharyya, engineering director, mobility at Eaton; and Suchitra Alurkar, engineering program manager at Honeywell Automation India Ltd. — explored how AI is revolutionizing various sectors and emphasized the importance of understanding AI fundamentals. The panel discussion, skillfully moderated by Outreach Program Manager Sheetal Kenjale, structural lead designer at Black & Veatch, was incredibly informative and inspiring, leaving students with a clear understanding of the emerging trends in technology and the skills needed to succeed.
Fireside Chat: Study Abroad or Start Working?
During the fireside chat, we heard from Shweta Baid, founder & CEO at Shail Digital, who shared her personal journey and provided guidance on making the right career choices. Whether considering further studies or starting a career, her stories resonated with many and offered a wealth of practical advice. The fireside chat was interactive, with students actively participating and asking questions. The candid and honest sharing from the alumni provided clarity and confidence to many who were uncertain about their next steps.
Speed Mentoring Session
The day concluded with a speed mentoring session, where participants had the opportunity to engage in quick, impactful conversations with industry professionals, providing personalized guidance and fostering meaningful connections. Mentors who are leaders in their domains provided mentoring on varied topics like:
- Energy technology – Sheetal Kenjale, Black & Veatch
- Mechanical product engineering Ophelia Fernandes, John Deere
- Robotics – Manisha Revankar, Shreyas Tamboli and Mrunali Ilamkar, Rockwell Automation
- Data science – Pallavi Koti, Rockwell Automation
- Quality and six sigma – Priti Kulkarni, Air Products
Vote of Thanks
The SWE Pune Affiliate’s Outreach Lead Priti Kulkarni, continuous improvement lead at Air Products, thanked the audience for their valuable participation and immensely appreciated the excellent support from the organizing team at VIT including key faculty Priya Shelke, Mukund Kulkarni, and Dr. Vaishali Patil.
The Campus to Corporate Tech Program at VIT was a remarkable event that successfully bridged the gap between academic learning and the corporate tech world. The event provided invaluable insights, practical advice, and networking opportunities, leaving participants inspired and better prepared for their future careers in technology. The program was a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of continuous learning and mentorship in shaping the future of tech.
