How On-Campus Jobs Created a Support Network for this Computer Science Graduate
Born and raised in Delhi, India, Anmol Singhal had seen the United States depicted in movies and on TV, and she knew she wanted to experience it for herself someday. After completing her bachelor’s in information technology in India, she began researching universities in the U.S. that catered to her career aspirations in tech, and CU Denver quickly rose to the top of her list. “I looked at the rankings, the courses offered, the research that professors were doing, the city, and my budget,” Singhal said. “All of these things made me chose CU Denver.”
Today, Singhal is earning a master’s degree in computer science, while doing an internship at a startup company and working two on-campus jobs. In addition to the academic and professional skills she’s learned thanks to CU Denver, she’s also made lifelong connections. “This university integrated me into a new society,” Singhal said. “I’ve made wonderful friends from all over.”
Finding Community at On-Campus Jobs
When she arrived at CU Denver, Singhal was determined to immerse herself in all that campus had to offer. For her, that meant finding an on-campus job. On her second day, she visited the Center for Access and Campus Engagement, where she met program director Soyon Bueno, who she now calls a “pillar of support.” Beuno provided her with helpful tips and tools for interviewing and became a friend.
In Singhal’s first month on campus, while she was using the Lola & Rob Salazar Student Wellness Center, she met Assistant Director of Health Promotions Victoria Watson, who also became a friend and helped Singhal land a job as a wellness associate at Milo’s Market, an on-campus food pantry. Through CU Denver’s student employment resource, Handshake, she got another campus job as a peer advisor in the Career Center. She works at both jobs about 10 hours per week, and she said her supervisors always prioritize her education. “I have amazing workplaces,” Singhal said.
What she loves most about her jobs is connecting with other students. At the food pantry, she helps students get essentials and ingredients for meals each week. And at the Career Center, she helps students prepare for job searches by reviewing materials like cover letters and resumes. “I have met so many students from so many different communities,” Singhal said. “When [I can provide] help, you can see the happiness in the students.”
Looking Ahead
Singhal not only works at the Career Center, but she’s also used it for her own professional growth. When she came across a promising internship opportunity, she used the Career Center to help align her resume and cover letter to the posting. The support paid off. She was hired as a software engineer intern at a Virginia-based emerging technologies startup called Agilebeat Inc.
The industry experience she’s gained through the role has helped her plan for her next steps. “An internship is really important because you get to know how well you will like the field and what you need to do to prepare to enter the field,” she said. “You get to connect with people who have more experience and make industry connections.”
After earning her degree on May 17, Singhal will continue her job hunt with an eye toward opportunities in Denver, New Jersey, San Francisco, or Seattle. Someday, she hopes to have her own data-related tech startup.