Shadow an Engineer: A Meaningful Connection with SJSU Society of Women Engineers

Sleep in or wake up early on the last day of winter break? For most, the choice is obvious—enjoy a few more hours of rest before the semester kicks off. But for 11 students from the San Jose State University Society of Women Engineers (SJSU SWE), the decision was clear: they chose to spend the morning at Cadence, shadowing engineers and getting a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work in tech.

I remember what it was like to be in their shoes—just a few months ago, I was sitting in the same position, curious about careers in tech and wondering where to get started in such a competitive field. My journey to Cadence began at the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) National Conference in Houston, Texas, in October 2022. There, I connected with Cadence, which ultimately led to a summer internship in 2023. After graduating from the University of Iowa with degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Engineering, I returned to Cadence as a full-time employee in the summer of 2024, joining the Worldwide Field Operations (WFO) Rotational Program.

As someone who’s experienced both the challenges of starting out in tech and the support of organizations like SWE, I was excited to offer these students the same opportunity to learn and grow.

The day was packed with a Cadence overview, office tours, panel discussions, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. The students came prepared, diving into topics ranging from job searches and internships to navigating their studies and choosing a focus for their careers. It felt like I was right there with them, reflecting on the questions I had in my own last year of school.

What stood out most to me, though, was how engaged the students remained throughout the day. Several even stayed afterward to continue learning about internship opportunities, exchanging LinkedIn info, and chatting about what they want to do in the future. One student even followed up with a resume to apply for open positions.

“The experience was truly enriching and gave me valuable insights into the innovative work happening at Cadence. Thank you to the SWE@SJSU team and Cadence for organizing such an inspiring event!” - Mrunmayee (MD) Dhapre, San Jose State University

For me, it was a full-circle moment—getting to talk with students about their future while reflecting on my own journey. These kinds of connections are exactly why Cadence hosts events like this for many groups—creating an opportunity for all students to learn, grow, and get inspired. As employees, we not only get the chance to mentor the next generation but also benefit from their fresh perspectives and excitement.

Interested in exploring a career at Cadence? Check out our intern and new grad positions.