Posted on January 22, 2025 by Rebekah Alegria
The Carlos Alvarez College of Business launched the Career Compass professional development program in fall 2024. It is a requirement for all new freshmen and transfer students who joined the college in fall 2024 or later.
Students gain professional development skills, while also earning points in this gamified platform.
Among the program’s high-achieving participants was December 2024 graduate and information systems major, Annu Paavani Chemata Venkata. With her consistent participation and dedication, she climbed the Career Compass leaderboard and made the most of the program's offerings.
Before walking the stage last semester, UTSA Alvarez caught up with Annu to discuss her academic journey, her experience in Career Compass and how the program prepared her for life after graduation.
What is your name, major and expected graduation date?
Hi, my name is Annu Paavani Chemata Venkata! I am a senior majoring in information systems, and I will graduate in the fall of 2024.
What drew you to major in information systems at the Alvarez College of Business?
I was an electrical engineering major before and was exploring other majors to shift to due to the hectic and rigorous nature of the degree plan. My friend was an information systems major, and I asked them about their experience with the major and got positive feedback. I went ahead and researched more about information systems. I found out that the skills learned with the major are beneficial and required in the job market. I switched majors the next semester, and I still think I have made the best decision for my career.
Can you share some highlights from your internship experiences?
This past summer I was a marketing intern at Onsi Group. I got the internship via Students + Startups and had a wonderful time working. I learned about market research, web design, email newsletters, data management and organization. I got to apply classroom knowledge to real-world applications. I also worked as a tech specialist for UTSA Tech Solutions and gained most of my professional experience from this. Skills include drafting professional emails, navigating the Tech Industry, time management, networking and much more. My perspective on information systems has only gotten more positive because I got to explore the variety of skills I learned in the major!
How has the Career Compass program influenced your journey as an Information Systems student?
The Career Compass program is new to me, along with everyone else, and since I am graduating soon, I didn't get the chance to explore and delve fully into it. But I was fortunate enough to experience all that I could and land on the Career Compass leaderboard! I like the program's point system; it almost feels like a game I am trying to win, and "winning" is professional development! I got to attend some amazing networking events and build a community of mentors, and for that I am grateful.
What advice would you give to students about making the most of the Career Compass program?
I suggest signing up for the career conversations, coffee chats and workshops, as well as attending events and networking. There isn’t a Career Compass event that won’t help you in the long run.
As you approach graduation, what are your next steps? Do you have specific career goal you're excited to pursue?
My next step is to find a job in the tech industry and explore from there. I want to try as many roles as possible to gain new skills and perspectives and expand my network!
To learn how you can advance your professional development skills and put your name on the leaderboard, visit business.utsa.edu/students/career-compass.
— Rebekah Alegria
