For junior Aman Jain, attending the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) Career Fair was more than just an opportunity to network with companies—it became the stepping stone to securing an internship with CDIS corporate affiliate Madison Gas and Electric (MGE).
As a Forecasting and Optimization Intern at MGE, Jain spent his summer sharpening his technical abilities while gaining valuable insights into the energy industry
“I learned how to incorporate the knowledge about the industry in my work and was able to polish up my communication and presentation skills. This opportunity helped solidify my interest in data science and analytics. Overall, I had a great experience at MGE and have gained some valuable skills and insight that I hope to apply in my future jobs,” says Jain.
Beyond the hands-on experience at MGE, Jain’s academic journey has also been shaped by the diverse offerings at CDIS. Nearly half of CDIS students pursue double majors, and Jain is no exception, as a double major in Computer Sciences and Data Science.
“I think being able to take classes in both majors of my interest has helped me widen my foundation and also helped me give direction in the fields I want to pursue,” says Jain.
Jain’s ability to adapt and expand his academic focus also translates to his professional growth. Attending career fairs has not only allowed him to network with industry professionals but has also helped him build essential soft skills.
“After attending a couple career fairs I was able to practice how best to sell myself to recruiters and keep them engaged with my skills and what I could potentially bring to the company as an employee. My communication skills were not the strongest but I think events like career fairs help you improve these soft skills greatly,” says Jain.
As for advice to students attending the upcoming career fair, Jain emphasized the importance of a strong, confident introduction.
“Be clear, concise and confident when you are giving your elevator pitch. Along with talking about the skills you can bring to the table, I think being able to show your creativity is very important,” says Jain.
Learn more about the CDIS Fall Career Fair.