An interview with Illinois Tech Graduate Student, Adiba Akter on her experiences at the world’s largest gathering of women technologists. Brought to You By Career Services | Illinois Institute of Technology
When Adiba Akter, a Master’s student in Computer Science at Illinois Tech, recently attended the Grace Hopper Celebration in Chicago, she knew it would be a significant experience. What she didn’t expect was just how transformative it would be for her career trajectory and professional network.
As an Elevate Student Success Coach with Career Services, Adiba mentors first-year and sophomore students in building career readiness skills. We sat down with her to learn about her GHC experience and gather insights for students considering attending similar conferences.
About the Experience
What was the most valuable insight or lesson you gained from attending the Grace Hopper Conference?
“The most valuable lesson I gained was the importance of intentional networking and understanding company culture. Building genuine connections and knowing how to reach out to professionals can open doors not just for immediate opportunities, but also for long-term career growth and role transitions.”
What was one piece of advice from industry professionals that resonated with you most?
“One piece of advice that resonated with me was to focus on projects that create real-world impact and solve meaningful problems. Industry professionals emphasized not being afraid to reach out, even if there is no response, and staying active in networking events to keep up with industry changes.”
Can you describe a meaningful connection you made at the conference?
“I connected with a cybersecurity engineer from Bank of America during the Bank of America breakfast session. She encouraged me to reach out for mentorship and guidance, and I plan to nurture this relationship by staying in touch, seeking advice, and sharing my academic and career progress.”
Professional Growth
How did attending workshops and company recruitment events shift your perspective on career opportunities in tech?
“Attending workshops and recruitment events helped me see that tech careers are not limited to just traditional software roles. I gained a better understanding of diverse paths like cybersecurity, data, cloud, and product-focused roles, and how different company cultures shape career growth.”
What skills or competencies did you realize you need to develop further?
“Through conversations with industry professionals, I realized the importance of strengthening my communication skills, especially in explaining technical work clearly. I also identified the need to continue building impactful projects that demonstrate problem-solving, real-world application, and adaptability to evolving technologies.”
Have your career goals evolved or become clearer after this experience?
“Yes, my career goals became much clearer. I am now more focused on pursuing roles that combine strong technical skills with real-world impact, while actively investing in networking and mentorship to stay aligned with industry trends and long-term growth opportunities.”
Practical Applications
What’s one actionable step you’re taking immediately based on what you learned?
“One actionable step I am taking is actively reaching out to professionals I met at the Grace Hopper Celebration to maintain those connections. I am also refining my projects and resume to better highlight real-world impact and problem-solving. I’m also keeping in regular touch with the networks I made at the event via Discord and LinkedIn.”
What did you learn about what employers in tech are looking for in candidates?
“I learned that employers value candidates who combine strong technical foundations with communication skills, adaptability, and demonstrated impact. I am positioning myself by building meaningful projects, improving how I present my work, and staying engaged through networking and industry events.”
Advice for Illinois Tech Students
What advice would you give to students considering attending Grace Hopper or similar conferences?
“I would strongly encourage Illinois Tech students to attend at least one conference a year, such as the Grace Hopper Celebration, Society of Women Engineers, or Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers conferences. These events are key for building industry connections, learning about real-world trends, and understanding what employers truly look for beyond coursework.”
If you could do one thing differently to maximize your conference experience, what would it be?
“If I could do one thing differently, I would plan even more intentionally by researching companies, speakers, and attendees in advance and reaching out on LinkedIn before the conference. Arriving early, updating LinkedIn to reflect attendance, and proactively networking would help maximize every opportunity. Look out for company events — sign-up sheets can be found a month before the conference date. Keep your profile up to date on the GHC website.”
Adiba’s Top Tips for Professional Conference Success
- Arrive early — Lines for the career fair and company booths are long. Arrive two to three hours before the tech expo opens.
- Prioritize your target companies — Find the top company booths that interest you most on the first day.
- Attend workshops — Try to attend at least two workshops; they offer great learning experiences.
- Look for invite-only events — Sign up early for company breakfasts and networking events via LinkedIn.
- Manage your time strategically — Opportunities move very quickly; prioritize what matters most.
- Collect the goodies — Don’t forget to visit company booths for swag and materials.
- Document the experience — Take memorable pictures and enjoy the moment.
What’s Next for Adiba?
Adiba plans to attend the Society of Women Engineers Conference in 2026 and continue participating in industry and diversity-focused conferences to stay connected, informed, and competitive in the tech industry.
Adiba Akter is a Master’s student in Computer Science at Illinois Institute of Technology and serves as an Elevate Student Success Coach with Career Services. She is a member of Rewriting the Code, Google Developers Club, and the Society of Women Engineers. Connect with her on LinkedIn or view her portfolio at adiba-portfolio.com.
Want to connect with Adiba? Illinois Tech students and alumni are encouraged to reach out to her directly on LinkedIn and follow her journey. Go, Adiba, Go! linkedin.com/in/adiba-akter-9b025222b
Interested in attending a professional conference? Contact Career Services to learn about funding opportunities and how conference attendance can boost your professional career.
