College Experiences That Helped A Software Engineering Manager At A Fortune 10 Tech Company Succeed
Sara's undergraduate success stemmed from pursuing diverse coursework beyond electrical engineering and computer science, including peace and conflict studies, driven by inherent curiosity rather than specific career goals. This unexpected academic path equipped Sara with valuable skills in mediation and conflict resolution, proving unexpectedly beneficial in their current role as a Software Engineering Manager and highlighting the value of broad intellectual exploration.
Curiosity, Interdisciplinary Studies, Conflict Resolution, People Management, Leadership Skills
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sara Rahimian
Software Engineering Manager
Fortune 10 Tech Company
University of California, Berkeley
NA
Computer Science, Engineering - Electrical
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness, Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Honors Student, Immigrant, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Explore diverse coursework beyond major requirements to broaden skills and knowledge.
2. Cultivate curiosity and follow it to uncover unexpected strengths and career advantages.
3. Realize that seemingly unrelated subjects, like peace and conflict studies, can be surprisingly valuable in leadership roles.
Transcript
What did you do in your undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
I think the thing I did that I didn't realize how impactful it would be at the time, but has proven to be my secret weapon or secret gift to myself, was taking classes way beyond my major requirements. Even though I was an electrical engineering and computer science student, I took all kinds of other Cal classes and got the best of everything Cal had to offer.
Part of that was taking about five courses in peace and conflict studies. I learned about mediation, arbitration, and the structure of global and organizational conflict, as well as how to resolve it.
I didn't take these classes thinking I'd be a people manager and that it would matter. But many years later, after executive training programs, I realized I already knew all of that stuff. The reason I knew it wasn't tied to a particular outcome; it was because I was just curious.
I followed that curiosity in a meandering way during my undergrad, and it paid off.