Virtually connect with technology professionals in WNY.
An opportunity for technology-focused college students to learn what their future in a technical career could entail by interviewing professionals in the Western New York area.
March 31, 2026 and April 1, 2026
Tech Professional Signup Student SignupSpecial Thanks
For supporting our program and helping us match thousands of students to technology leaders in Western New York.
How it Works
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Working professionals share their background and company details and indicate on which day(s) they are available to speak with a student(s) for a one-hour conversation.
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If the professional is open and available for an in-person meeting, or to allow the student to shadow them at work for a longer period of time, the professional will indicate at registration, but arrangements will be made after the match is made.
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Students register on or after March 5th to participate and request their top choices of professionals to virtually interview.
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“Matches” are made between March 12th-25th and a communication is sent to both the professional and student.
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Professionals arrange the time and method (i.e. phone, Zoom, MS Teams, in-person, etc.) for the conversation and communicates with the student(s).
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Students prepare to interview using tools provided.
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The virtual interview or shadow experience happens!
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Students send thank you messages and, ideally, a networking connection has been made, allowing for future interaction if appropriate.
For Tech Professionals
The Western New York technology-focused college students are your future employees, co-workers, vendors and business partners. We are confident that you recognize the importance of educating your future workforce about their career possibilities and your organization.
Employer benefit
- A more educated future talent pool.
- Awareness of your organization (which can directly lead to an increase in candidates for future openings).
- Ability to meet an organization's mission to contribute to the benefit of society and take an active role in improving our community.
Professional benefit
- The best way to improve your own abilities is to teach them to someone else.
- Personal satisfaction of making a difference in a student's professional development.
For Students
College students wanting to discover IT-related career paths are welcome to register and select their professional interests. You will be matched with a professional to interview about their career and company. This is not a recruitment event, but it is an educational and networking opportunity best suited for those in the career exploration phase.
Student Benefits
- Understanding of how your coursework connects to real IT solutions in industry
- Better understand professional expectation, business culture, day-to-day tasks, necessary skill.
- Discover future career opportunities through discussion with professionals.
- Opportunity to impress a potential future employer
- Network with professionals in your field