September 24, 2024
UNC Computer Science is putting resources into long-term plans to make sure that its grads are not only technically skilled but also ready for their post-Carolina lives. Responding to growth, the department increased its services to make the most of the experiences of its now 1,800 graduate and undergraduate students.
Stephanie Johnson, recently promoted to Director of Career Services, and Azubeze Uzoma, the new Student Experience Manager, are two important staff members who are at the heart of these initiatives. Their collective work helps computer science majors be better prepared and engaged.
Department Chair James Anderson stressed how important these new services are. “Tech skills alone are not enough in today’s rapidly changing tech world,” Anderson said. “We need folks who are well-rounded, creative, and collaborative.”
Career development outside the classroom
Stephanie Johnson, in her new position as director, works to create intentional co-curricular programming that meets students where they are in their career journey. Moving beyond a career fair model, she offers interactive workshops, panel events, mock interviewing, and career planning for students. Johnson considers a multi-channel approach, embedding content into curriculum sites, in-class presentations, and events, all while working with alumni and industry recruiters to amplify her reach.
“We know that students are more concerned than ever about being industry-ready,” she said. “Understanding how to articulate your skills and how to navigate the working world is a critical skill set that our students develop during their time here in the department.”
Her approach leans on best practices in higher education, emphasizing experiential learning opportunities and assisting students in translating academic experiences into workplace competencies.
Johnson’s background includes career counseling and project management roles at Duke University, North Carolina State University, as well as Innovate Carolina and UNC-Chapel Hill. Today, she serves as the university’s tech career development expert, collaborating with the recently launched School of Data Science and Society, Honors Carolina, and University Career Services.
Improving the experience of students
Azubeze Uzoma, the department’s new Student Experience Manager, will work to manage and organize the co-curricular community, complementing students’ academic careers.
“Our mission is to support and retain students and build community while they are here at Carolina,” Uzoma explained. “We support students’ exploration and professional development by creating and implementing initiatives that promote student success, engagement, and well-being.”
Uzoma’s responsibilities include increasing student involvement, broadening participation in computer science, creating programs for an inclusive environment, and leading student organizations. The work follows the best practices of the National Science Foundation’s Broadening Participation in Computing initiative. The department’s thriving student club culture (supporting nearly 20 clubs) and student ambassador program are vital to this objective. These groups build smaller, interest-based, and/or identity-based communities within the greater computer science population, allowing students to apply classroom learning in real-world settings and work together to network and collaborate.
Associate Chair for Student Experience Brent Munsell noted, “By focusing on the full student journey, we are developing a pipeline of well-prepared computer scientists. Our student organizations and student experience ambassadors play an important part in this by providing a forum for peer-to-peer learning and professional growth.”
Uzoma brings his extensive experience in student affairs and communications from UNC-Chapel Hill, University of Iowa, and UNC-Charlotte to the role. He has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from UNC-Charlotte.
Making an impact
As the department grows and creates new programs and projects, it also looks at impact, including student retention rates, outcomes, and engagement, both as students and alumni.
Anderson added, “As we grow, we will always be focused on student success. We are not only getting students ready for their first job, but also for success in a field that is ever-changing.”
UNC Computer Science invites alumni, industry partners, and community members to participate in these new activities. To get involved with student experience opportunities, please email er@cs.unc.edu.