Sun Devils share how they started careers with Uber, Handshake and Autodesk

The vast world of technology is accessible at the tips of our fingers — request a car ride, order a meal or video call a friend who lives a thousand miles away all in a matter of seconds. 

But what’s happening behind the scenes at the companies that develop the technology that fuels our world, and how can Sun Devils start careers in the technology hubs of Silicon Valley and beyond?ASU alumni and online students have been gathering for a series of events called Tech Trek, in person and now virtual, based around the San Francisco Bay Area, where participants tour major companies and connect with ASU alumni who work there — the first were Uber, Handshake and Autodesk — giving Sun Devils the chance to connect and explore opportunities in the technology industry.

At Autodesk’s headquarters in San Rafael, Calif., participants had the opportunity early in 2020 to explore the company’s first floor exhibit, which displays work done for clients in the engineering, architecture, film and product design industries. Afterward, Kyle Seyler, an ASU alum, held a Q&A and talked about his role as marketing manager for Autodesk’s Lifecycle.

ASU alumni and online students gathered for the series of events called Tech Trek.

Seyler, who earned a degree in business and philosophy from ASU, said the university is becoming a hub for individuals interested in entering the technology industry. 

“At ASU in particular, I know there’s a lot of engineers and entrepreneurs, so it’s a natural place for people to go,” Seyler said. 

His advice for professionals who want to get into the tech industry is to prioritize connecting with and being of service to others.

 “Expand your network as much as possible and be open to helping people and coming in, hat-in-hand, when others need help,” he said.

Alison Scott Dean, the associate director for corporate engagements and partnerships with ASU Career and Professional Development Services, said that the Tech Trek efforts are unique because the tech field is so interdisciplinary by nature. Dean said it was encouraging that students and alumni from different fields have embraced the events.

“It really was inspired by an opportunity to engage our alumni and our online students to provide opportunities for them that they might not get otherwise,” Dean said. 

Seyler’s own career path is an example of finding one’s way into the tech industry from an unexpected starting point. After graduating from ASU, Seyler began working in tourism, but after a few years felt that transitioning to the tech industry would help develop his passion for marketing. 

He noted that while it can be a competitive industry, you can find your way in with a plan. 

“I reached out to folks in the industry, especially places I was applying for,” Seyler said. “I applied four or five times and was turned down by all of them. The takeaway was I connected with someone in that company and had conversations about what success looks like in those companies. I was able to build a profile for the role I wanted in tech. So even if you’re reaching out and you don’t believe you have a shot, having conversations with folks in those fields is really beneficial because you gain a feel for what is required.”

While the Tech Trek events have been a place to discover more about the tech industry, it was even more a point of connection for the ASU Online and alumni community.

ASU Online digital audiences major Ian Gibb, who is part of the ASU and Uber Education Partnership and created the YouTube channel Stories from the Bay, said Tech Trek was valuable because he got to meet other online students, including podcasters and other video content creators, who made him feel more connected to the Sun Devil community.