When the spring edition of “Your Future in Tech + Connect” kicked off April 15, more than 100 students gathered in the EMU Crater Lake Rooms. This popular event was co-hosted by the University Career Center and the School of Computer and Data Sciences.
The evening brought together 14 organizations, nearly doubling last year’s employer turnout, and featured a professional panel followed by structured networking. Students had the chance to meet hiring representatives, alumni and mentors in a meaningful, supportive environment.
Launching careers and building relationships
Matt Sayre, Director of External Relations for SCDS, facilitated a panel discussion featuring Selva Haidar of Amazon, Michelle Regotti of HP and Blair Elzinga of Oregon Community Credit Union.
Students then engaged in face-to-face networking with representatives from companies including SentinelOne, Pipeworks, Palo Alto Software, HP, Amazon, Trifoia and SheerID.
Both students and professionals emphasized how valuable the open-format conversations and personal connections were to building confidence and career awareness.
Fulfilling our mission
Inspired by UO’s mission to “become a leader in career preparation,” the event organizers brought employer engagement to campus. Through encouraging real-time conversations, Tech + Connect reinforced the university’s commitment to creating pathways to success.
With both large and small companies attending, the event showed the diversity of Oregon’s tech landscape and made space for every student to find a potential fit.
Growing alumni networks
Students overwhelmingly agreed that the evening provided valuable career insights and resources. Amy Gregg returned after securing a summer internship at SentinelOne through last year’s event. She brought a friend this time, hoping to extend the same opportunity.
Professor Reza Rejaie praised how the wonderful showing built upon last year’s success. He encouraged turning these one-time moments into lasting partnerships with tech industry employers.
Looking ahead
With employer interest high and student satisfaction even higher, the next edition of Tech + Connect is already in the works for the 2025–26 academic year.
This crowd-pleasing event will return as a career launchpad for students and a relationship-builder for the university’s industry and alumni networks.