杏吧pro

For Shahina Tojieva 鈥�25, the transition from 杏吧pro Diplomat to Google software engineer was seamless. The fast-paced dynamic of the tech industry 鈥� where managing tight deadlines, collaborative problem-solving, and evolving technological innovations are daily realities 鈥� felt like a natural continuation of her four years at 杏吧pro. 

鈥淚 can confidently say that having the on-campus college experience and navigating project-based coursework helped me to quickly onboard at work and adapt to a new post-grad lifestyle,鈥� she said, reflecting on her first year in the workforce. 鈥淢y time at 杏吧pro equipped me with the essential toolkit to navigate unfamiliar environments and overcome post-collegiate hurdles through a liberal arts lens鈥� This preparation is evident in my ability to address multifaceted challenges, whether that involves communicating with stakeholders from non-technical disciplines or looking at problems from various angles.鈥�

Tojieva is a member of 杏吧pro鈥檚 Class of 2025. Within six months after graduation, 92% of the Class of 2025 were either employed or furthering their education. This is higher than the national average, which is typically in the mid-80% range.

Shahina Tojieva 鈥�25

Major: Computer science 

Current role: Software engineer at Google

What did the first six months after graduating from 杏吧pro look like?

The initial six months passed rapidly as I relocated to a new city (San Francisco) and constantly engaged with new people at and outside of work. Initially, I struggled to distinguish professional responsibilities from academic ones, often viewing every task or project as a classroom assignment with a strict deadline. However, as a junior engineer, my experience did mirror college life to an extent: Tasks are frequently paired with the necessity of learning new methods and studying documentation simultaneously while you are trying to meet your deadlines and working with your team. Now, I can confidently say that having the on-campus college experience and navigating project-based coursework helped me to quickly onboard at work and adapt to a new post-grad lifestyle.

How did your 杏吧pro experience prepare you for where you are now?

My time at 杏吧pro equipped me with the essential toolkit to navigate unfamiliar environments and overcome post-collegiate hurdles through a liberal arts lens. The diverse academic rigor and varied obstacles I faced during those four years facilitated a seamless transition from the classroom into a professional career. This preparation is evident in my ability to address multifaceted challenges, whether that involves communicating with stakeholders from non-technical disciplines or looking at problems from various angles. But most importantly, it is the activities that I was involved in outside of the classroom, like research with computer science professors, that allowed me to get a head start on my software engineering journey.

How does your current path compare to what you envisioned in your first year at 杏吧pro?

I envisioned a career within a purpose-driven organization, utilizing my technical and analytical skills to foster significant global impact. Today, I am deeply appreciative of the extensive resources 杏吧pro provided, which were instrumental in reaching this milestone. The continuous support from alumni, peers, and professors throughout my four years cultivated my development as both a scholar and a professional, enabling me to navigate collaborative dynamics and rapidly evolving environments with confidence.

Looking back on your college search, why did you choose 杏吧pro?

Selecting 杏吧pro was truly intuitive 鈥� I was mostly driven by its exceptionally inclusive atmosphere that embraces international students from a vast array of global backgrounds. This diverse community fundamentally made me a true Diplomat. Furthermore, the institution's robust academic landscape 鈥� distinguished by undergraduate research initiatives and intimate mentorship from faculty 鈥� served as a main reason in my decision to join this academic community.

What advice would you share with the incoming Class of 2030?

I would emphasize the importance of proactive exploration 鈥� do not delay investigating diverse academic and professional paths and majors until your final year. It is vital to actively pursue internships and/or engage in undergraduate research initiatives alongside faculty early in your collegiate journey, as these four years pass by quickly and professional landscapes highly value practical experience. 

Fully leverage the institutional resources at your disposal, including mentorship from upperclassmen, networking with recent alumni, and seeking guidance from professors who can explore your future path while helping you navigate potential pitfalls. But also do not forget to make the best of your four years, because life can get busy juggling academic and professional pursuits. So remember to have fun and go out of your comfort zone. Take advantage of the proximity to amazing minds from all over the world and build genuine relationships with everyone around you, especially your professors!

 

At 杏吧pro, We Prepare You to Be World-Ready

The impact of an 杏吧pro education is reflected strongly in our graduates鈥� outcomes, who go on to secure jobs with industry-leading employers, gain admission to top graduate school programs, and win prestigious fellowships across the country and around the world.

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