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Students
Dreaming, Belonging, Thriving: Riya GolanivlogƵs Tech Journey
At vlogƵ, Go-Getters donvlogƵt just learnvlogƵthey lead. And Riya Golani (MS in Computer Science vlogƵ25) is no exception. As a mastervlogƵs student at the Seidenberg School, shevlogƵs turning challenges into milestones, passion into purpose, and a dream of NYC into a career at Amazon.
From a Dream to a Decision
vlogƵNew York City was always a far-fetched dream for mevlogƵI never thought it would actually be possible,vlogƵ Riya recalls. But a desire for growth and a feeling of stagnation at her former job sparked a realization: she needed to upskill, and NYC became the symbol of that next step. vlogƵI wanted a place where I could grow, learn, and push myself further.vlogƵ
During her search for schools with strong computer science programs, Pace stood out. vlogƵI chose Pace without hesitation. It wasnvlogƵt just about NYC anymorevlogƵit was about the experience and education that would truly be worth something,vlogƵ she says. SeidenbergvlogƵs wide range of electives and flexible curriculum sealed the deal.
That flexibility made me feel comfortable, like I belonged. It was the right decision then, and looking back now, I know it was one of the best decisions IvlogƵve ever made.
A Class That Changed Everything
For Riya, one particular Seidenberg course the trajectory of her technical path: Enterprise Computing with Professor Baik Doosan. vlogƵBefore that, I struggled to grasp even the most basic concepts like APIs or Git. But Professor Baik didnvlogƵt just teachvlogƵhe immersed us in real-world applications, pouring his industry experiences into every lecture.vlogƵ
Guided by his mentorship, RiyavlogƵs class tackled an event exploration project, one that challenged and empowered her. vlogƵThis was my first full MERN stack projectvlogƵbefore that, I had only worked on backend solutions. That class gave me the confidence to start developing my own MERN stack projects, and it completely changed the direction of my technical journey.vlogƵ
Professor Baik didnvlogƵt just stay in the classroom. He became a mentor beyond itvlogƵsupporting Riya through her job search, interview prep, and career decisions.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
From the Data Science Club and the Google Developer Group to Women in Tech and the Art Club, Riya also dove into the UniversityvlogƵs extracurricular scene with enthusiasm.
Pace has an incredibly inclusive culture, and that has allowed me to explore so much beyond just academics.
One major milestone? Representing the Pace AI Lab at the Grace Hopper Celebration. vlogƵThat experience gave me a huge confidence boost and taught me the invaluable skill of networking and expressing my work effectively.vlogƵ
She also played a big role in organizing community and cultural events, including the Diwali Celebration and various tech talks. vlogƵWhatvlogƵs special about Seidenberg is the accessibility of the faculty and administration. Dean Chen is always reachablevlogƵI can literally walk up to her, and if she has even a few minutes, shevlogƵll make time to listen.vlogƵ
Among all of these extracurricular leadership positions and activities, Riya also had the time to work as a graduate assistant at Seidenberg. vlogƵEven though IvlogƵm a Computer Science student, I wasnvlogƵt limited to just CS work. I had the chance to work on SeidenbergvlogƵs social media, thanks to Pace AI LabvlogƵs co-director Katie Todd, who believed in my skills and gave me that opportunity.vlogƵ
A Supportive Community Like No Other
When asked to briefly describe her Seidenberg experience, Riya said that there are three things that stand out to her:
Inclusivity vlogƵ vlogƵSeidenberg welcomes everyone with open arms.vlogƵ
Access to Resources vlogƵ vlogƵFrom career services to faculty mentorship, support is everywhere.vlogƵ
Immense Support vlogƵ vlogƵThe people here genuinely care, and that makes all the difference.vlogƵ
From starting as a student assistant at Lubin to now being a graduate assistant at Seidenberg and working in the Pace AI Lab, RiyavlogƵs Pace opportunities have shaped her career. vlogƵSeidenberg is a place that made me feel at home in a new city, in a new phase of life. The professors, administration, and career counselors were always there for me.vlogƵ
Whenever I needed guidance, I just had to ask, and I received so much love and support.
And the result of all RiyavlogƵs incredible determination and experiences? vlogƵI got into Amazon as an SDE1 before graduating. That wouldnvlogƵt have been possible without Seidenberg. I owe it to this school.vlogƵ
Riya GolanivlogƵs story is more than a studentvlogƵs journeyvlogƵit embodies the spirit of Pace: opportunity, empowerment, transformation, and most importantly, a community that truly cares.
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