In October 2010 we participated in the first-ever Computer Science Night at the College's new Cohen Career Center. About 90 students showed up to hear a panel of employers discuss why they hire W&M CS grads and what they look for when they do. Four of the five representatives were W&M alumni: Jeremy Beker (M.S., '08), Adam Gurson (B.S., '00), Carl Scott (B.S., '07), and Amy Wright ('82, who graduated with a minor in CS).

As our 2010 event was such a success, we participated again in October 2011, inviting five CS alumni to form a slate of panelists: Brian Dewey (B.S., '96), Dave Leichtman (B.S., '00), Nathan Moore (B.S., '97, M.S., '99), Dave Sobel (B.S., '97), and Raelene Wagoner (B.S., '87). Once again the presentation room in the Cohen Career Center was packed with students and alumni. Exchanges during the panel presentation were lively; an informal networking session followed.

Since Computer Science Night has been popular with both students and alumni – students gain useful perspectives on career opportunities and alumni enjoy sharing their experiences – we plan to make Computer Science Night an annual event.

We'll keep alumni posted on future opportunities to participate. Keep in mind that these events, along with others hosted by the Career Center, also provide an opportunity for alumni and their companies to recruit promising young computer scientists.