Alumni Share Insights for Career Success After Graduation

The transition from student to professional can be daunting, encompassing more than just securing that first job. At a recent alumni mixer, three graduates from Northeastern University’s Silicon Valley campus shared their experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, relationship-building, and continuous learning in the professional world.

Rethinking Work Approaches

For Richard Yue, who completed his degree in computer science in May 2025, the most significant adjustment was not simply learning new technologies at Meta. It involved a fundamental shift in how he approaches work. In academia, assignments have clear deadlines: complete a project, submit it, and move on. “In the professional world, you have to think that there are people who are going to use this,” he noted. His code becomes integral to systems that colleagues rely on, highlighting the need for team-oriented thinking and a commitment to quality.

Similarly, Matthew Vargas, a 2023 computer science graduate currently working in product management, experienced this transformation firsthand. His work is no longer centered around isolated tasks but revolves around ongoing relationships with engineers and clients. “Everything’s just about practice,” he reflected, noting the difference in rhythm between academic deadlines and professional responsibilities.

The Co-op Experience

Michael Harding took a unique path during his time at Northeastern. Initially pursuing accounting, he switched to a dual major in Marketing and International Business after realizing during his co-op experiences that his interests lay elsewhere. By the time he graduated in 1989, he had secured a position in his field, transitioning seamlessly from co-op to full-time employment. “Going from a co-op to full-time wasn’t very different,” he explained, having simply continued with the company where he completed his final co-op.

Now a product manager at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Michael enjoys a varied workday filled with market analysis, meetings, and product requirement documentation. “Fortunately, in my role I can switch it up every day,” he said, contrasting his dynamic responsibilities with the singular focus of student assignments.

Misconceptions about the professional landscape often arise for graduates. Matthew had initially believed product management focused solely on collaboration with engineers, yet he quickly learned the role encompasses leading teams and making decisive choices during challenging situations. “A lot of the work that comes from being a product manager is your ability to lead a team,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Michael’s preconceptions about the tech industry were challenged by the realities of working in Silicon Valley. Contrary to the popular narrative of groundbreaking innovation, he found that much of the work involves established manufacturing processes. “Making servers vs. razors vs. dog food… it’s not all that different,” he candidly stated, emphasizing the need for a balanced perspective in the tech sector.

Lessons for Future Graduates

Reflecting on their journeys, the alumni offered advice to their younger selves. Michael emphasized the importance of confidence. “Don’t be timid just because you don’t know something,” he advised, recognizing that much of business involves ongoing discovery. Richard wished he had engaged more with professionals in software engineering while still in school, while Matthew suggested pursuing internships to better understand the workplace environment before graduation.

Utilizing campus resources effectively is another crucial point they stressed. Richard recommended visiting Career Services “at least once every couple of months” for resume reviews and interview preparation. Matthew, who lacked access to a comprehensive career service during his studies, wished he had such support. “Being able to go to somebody for a mock interview, even for behavioral questions, would have been really helpful,” he noted.

Building professional networks was another theme among the alumni. Michael’s straightforward approach encourages authenticity: “Get out to any event that seems relevant. Then plant yourself by the bar or food, make eye contact and say hello. You will always learn something.”

Richard highlighted the importance of genuine connections over transactional interactions. He suggested finding common interests to build relationships, which can be more beneficial than reaching out solely for referrals. Matthew reinforced this idea by advocating for follow-up messages after initial meetings, noting that many job opportunities arise from personal introductions.

The collective experiences of these alumni, spanning from 1989 to 2025, paint a consistent picture of professional development. Navigating the complexities of workplaces, whether at Meta or in enterprise technology at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, they demonstrate that success relies on embracing learning, fostering authentic relationships, and understanding that professional growth is a continuous journey.

As Richard, Matthew, and Michael continue to advance in their respective fields, they embody the transition from Northeastern University to career success, illustrating that with the right mindset and connections, this leap is not only possible—it is actively happening.