The WIT Network
Date/Time
6/25/2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST
Event Registration
Register for this Event
Event Type(s)
WIT Works Webinars
Event Description

This WIT Works Webinar is open to all members of The WIT Network.

Making the leap from academia to the professional world can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this session, Dona Maria Jose, Senior Software Engineer at Salesforce, will guide students and recent graduates through the essential steps to thrive in their early careers. Covering topics from preparing yourself for the transition and navigating the first days on the job, to building strong networks, managing finances, and prioritizing self-care — this talk offers a holistic approach to launching a successful and sustainable professional journey. Attendees will gain practical strategies, actionable insights, and real-world advice to confidently bridge the gap from student to professional.

You'll walk away with:
 

  • Practical strategies to navigate the early days of a new job, including how to build your brand, understand team dynamics, and find growth opportunities.
  • Actionable tips for managing personal finances, such as budgeting, maximizing company benefits, and understanding ESPP and 401k plans.
  • Guidance on building meaningful networks, including finding mentors, engaging with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and participating in external communities.
  • A mindset shift toward embracing challenges and handling failures, to foster resilience and continuous learning.

Meet Dona Maria Jose

Dona Maria Jose is a Senior Software Engineer at Slack with close to a decade of experience in Product Development. She focuses on fullstack development and her expertise is in developing highly scalable and reliable products. She holds a master's in Computer Science from The University of Texas at Arlington and has contributed to innovative projects at Visa, Microsoft, and Dropbox. As a passionate advocate for diversity, Dona founded the Dallas AnitaB community and is a Global Volunteer Leader for AnitaB.org. She also serves as a Women Tech Makers Ambassador and mentors students, empowering women and international students to pursue tech careers. Her speaking engagements focus on career growth, personal branding, and mentorship.

Wednesday, June 25, 2025            
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Location
Virtual
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