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Tech TalkCareerNetworkingPanel

Tech Talk 2026

April 15, 20266:00 PM - 8:00 PMSt. Joseph’s University, Brooklyn Campus (Tuohy Hall Auditorium)

Navigating the Modern Tech Landscape: From Code to C-Suite. A panel discussion featuring alumni from different stages and sectors of the tech industry.

Tech Talk 2026

Theme: Navigating the Modern Tech Landscape: From Code to C-Suite

The Vision

The goal of this "Tech Talk" is to move beyond textbook theory and provide Computer Science and Mathematics majors with a realistic look at the industry. By bringing together alumni from different stages and sectors, we aim to show students the wide diversity of career paths available to them.

The Panelists

  • Abdoul Barry: Software Engineer at Bloomberg (SJNY ’21).

- Perspective: Large-scale engineering, technical excellence, and early-career growth

  • Brian Cerra: Manager of Information Services at EndoSec (SJNY ’25).

- Perspective: Rapid advancement from intern to management, IT infrastructure, and the defense/security sector

  • Dhiraj K. Chaudhary: Senior Associate Engineer at KKR (SJNY ’22).

- Perspective: FinTech, data pipelines, and navigating the industry as an international student (F1 OPT to H1-B transition)

  • Kevin Deutsch: Chief Growth Officer at Softheon (SJNY ’14).

- Perspective: Executive leadership, the business of technology, and scaling organizations

  • Christopher Stewart: Software Engineer 2 at Avalon Healthcare Solutions (SJNY ‘23).

- Perspective: Corporate software engineering, healthcare tech, and leveraging high-level internships (Microsoft) for career progression.

Discussion Roadmap

The session will be a moderated "fireside chat" style conversation focusing on three key pillars:

  • Pillar 1: The Transition (SJNY to Industry): Reflecting on how your time at St. Joseph’s prepared you and what the biggest "culture shocks" were when entering the workforce.
  • Pillar 2: The Skillset of 2026: Beyond writing clean code, what makes a candidate stand out today? (e.g., AI literacy, communication, business acumen).
  • Pillar 3: Growth & Sustainability: How to navigate a long-term career in an industry that moves as fast as technology.

Event Agenda

  • 6:00 PM: Introductions: Welcome by Dr. Elizabeth Zollinger & Speaker intros.
  • 6:15 PM: Moderated Panel: Focused questions on the three pillars above.
  • 7:00 PM: Audience Q&A: Open floor for student questions.
  • 7:30 PM: Closing & Networking: Informal meet-and-greet with students.