Campus Relations

Sravan Parakala

Relationship Director and Student Mentor

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Michael has come to RPI a couple times and presented to an audience of mostly CS, IT, Computer Systems, and Electrical Engineering students. In an era of growing separation between industry standards and what students learn in school, students struggle to find their way. As a consequence, getting meaningful experience becomes a greater in-semester time commitment.

In his last talk, 'Life After a CS degree', Michael spoke about how hiring teams look at resumes, professionalism in the application process, selecting the right job, alternative sources for job postings, and many more important topics. Michael’s commitment to being available, either for questions or advice, after each talk is also worth noting.

Professor Mark A. Erle, PhD

Computer Science and Engineering Department

Lehigh University

Michael spoke to our Lehigh students about strategies for securing internships and full-time positions. He was very easy to work with leading up to the event and brought a clear, structured message to students about preparing for the recruiting process.

His talk emphasized the pathways and expectations of major tech companies, which was useful context for those targeting highly competitive roles. We appreciated his experience and the practical insights he shared with our students.

Professor Joseph Waclawski, M.S.

Computer Science Department

Syracuse University

I had the pleasure of hosting Michael to speak with my Software Engineering students last fall, and the session went very well. The students were highly engaged throughout the presentation, which speaks to Michael’s ability to connect with the audience and present relevant, practical information.

The resume and interview guidance Michael provided was particularly valuable for students preparing to enter the job market. Additionally, Michael’s insights regarding AI's impact on entry-level Software Engineering positions were both timely and thought-provoking, helping students understand the evolving landscape they'll be navigating.

Michael demonstrated strong industry knowledge and offered practical advice that will benefit my students as they begin their careers. I would welcome Michael back to speak with future classes and highly recommend him to other educators looking for guest speakers.

Professor Pradeep K. Atrey

Professor and Program Director

Department of Computer Science

SUNY ALBANY

I had the pleasure of hosting Michael as a guest speaker in my capstone class, and his presentation was outstanding. He delivered an insightful, engaging, and highly informative talk that resonated strongly with the students.

They found his perspectives particularly valuable as they prepare to enter the job market. I truly appreciate the time and effort Michael invested in sharing his experiences and practical guidance, and I highly recommend him as a speaker and professional who makes a meaningful impact on students and early-career professionals.

Asif Imran

Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Engineering

University of Buffalo

Michael was an outstanding speaker at the Fall 2025 TechTalk Series at the University at Buffalo. As an expert tech recruiter, he brought deep, practical insight into the hiring landscape for new graduates, including what recruiters truly look for in candidates, in-demand technical skill sets, and effective salary negotiation strategies.

His talk was informative, actionable, and highly engaging, and he communicated complex career advice in a clear and relatable way. Michael’s expertise and speaking ability made his session especially valuable for students preparing to enter the tech industry

Dr. Christelle Scharff, PhD

Director of Artifical Intelligence Lab

Pace University

Michael took the time to speak to undergraduate and graduate students in Computer Science and Data Science at Pace University. Michael’s presentation was exceptionally well articulated and provided practical, actionable insights to help students prepare for job applications and interviews. He generously shared resources such as job boards, resume guidance, and interview tips drawn directly from his own professional experience. It was especially encouraging to see several students approach Michael at the end of the talk to seek feedback on their resumes, which clearly demonstrates the strong impact of his presentation. I greatly appreciated Michael’s generosity with his time and his genuine engagement with our students.

Professor Robert Peitsch, PhD

Computer Science Dept

Connecticut College

Michael gave a good solid in-depth talk to our Computer Science students about the hiring / recruiting process and life in industry in general.

The students greatly appreciated the clear, practical, and very useful advice: information that they had not gotten anywhere else.

Michael’s talk was a tremendous resource for the students, and we would be glad to have him talk to our students any time.