Sharmin, Sadia
BSc, 2014
I graduated from UTM in 2014, with a double major in Computer Science and CCIT (Communications, Culture, and Information Technology). Following that, I decided to pursue a Master's degree in Communication and New Media at McMaster University; this was a one year condensed program where I had the opportunity to explore both my interests in coding and communication technology through various course projects and research papers. After finishing this program, I decided to go back to what I loved doing best during my undergraduate years – being a Teaching Assistant. So, I went back to UTM and became a Sessional Instructional Assistant for a few CCIT courses. I applied for that same position in UTM's Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics department as well, but to my surprise, my extremely supportive former professors from the department, encouraged me to instead join them as a Contractually-Appointed Lecturer. So, I agreed to do so, and I loved it! This led me down the career path of pursuing a full-time professor title in Computer Science. I worked on earning my Ph.D. in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning at University of Toronto OISE while simultaneously continuing to teach part-time at UTM from 2016 to 2020, and last year, I officially joined University of Toronto's Computer Science department downtown (St. George campus) as an Assistant Professor (Teaching Stream)!
What advice would give to undergraduate women who are interested in pursuing a career in STEM?
My main piece of advice: Make friends and make connections! You are not alone here! So, talk to everyone who is along for the ride with you. Talk to your peers, your TAs, your professors! You never know where a connection might lead, and what may turn out to be a lifelong friendship. The reason why I am where I am today is largely due to the connections I made during my undergraduate years, and the continuous support of my professors (who have now become my colleagues!).