Creating Connections through Career Catalyst

Early career employees Ankit Narasimhan, Jai Ganesh Iyer, Jhenkar Kallambella Suresh, Sanjukta Sheth, Viraj Ranade, Ishika Bhattacharya, and Kushagra Gupta, hailing from Cadence’s Custom IC & PCB Group (CPG), Silicon Solutions Group (SSG), and Worldwide Field Operations (WFO) spent a recent Global Recharge Day in beautiful Lake Tahoe. Global Recharge Days are pre-designated days that allow Cadence employees to rest and recharge. The goal is for employees to enjoy their free time, whether tending to their gardens, spending time with their children, enjoying a day out on the water with friends, or whatever activity helps them to recharge.  

Lake Tahoe, straddling the border between California and Nevada, is a marvel of nature's beauty. Surrounded by majestic mountains and crystal-clear waters, it offers a unique charm. The group enjoyed kayaking to the breathtaking Fannette Island in Emerald Bay State Park, followed by a picturesque sunset at Sand Harbor Beach. The serene atmosphere and the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Lake Tahoe not only captivated everyone, but the tranquil ambiance provided a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life—a chance to truly connect with nature and one another. All seven early-career employees met through Cadence’s Career Catalyst program.  

Cadence’s Career Catalyst Program  

My name is Dominique Topps, and I’m a Sr. Program Manager on the Employee Diversity and Engagement team. I’ve managed the Career Catalyst program since March 2024. Through my work as a teacher, advising Stanford students, and managing early career programming at Cadence, I've seen firsthand the transformative impact of building strong community ties and fostering relationships among interns and new college graduates.  

The Career Catalyst program offers early career employees a year-long journey (or a condensed three-month version for interns), filled with monthly events that blend fun social gatherings, speaker series, skill development workshops, mentorship opportunities, and opportunities to connect with senior leadership. The goal is to give participants a full picture of Cadence so they can come away with a fulfilling work experience and a deeper understanding of Cadence’s products and technology. Our dedicated intern champions and early career leads support the Career Catalyst program at the local level, ensuring a supportive and enriching experience for new college graduates and interns, whether in Noida, India, or Austin, Texas.  

Sanjukta met Jai and Jhenker at a Career Catalyst Ice Cream Social at our San Jose Headquarters in 2022. Later, they met Ankit and Viraj on Cadence’s basketball court. The group of five then connected with Kushagra and Ishika at a Career Catalyst bowling event this past May. Soon, the group of seven was frequently lunching together, where the plan for a two-day trip to Lake Tahoe was hatched and a long-lasting bond forged. Building connections is one of the top three pillars of the Career Catalyst program (along with culture and career), as socializing with fellow new college graduates at a company plays a critical role in young employees' professional and personal development.  

From Campus to Cadence  

As many know, going from campus to company can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. New college graduates are bridging the gap between understanding the practical aspects of what has been taught in cozy, sometimes monotonous, lecture halls and implementing these aspects in real-world settings, often with much less guidance and direct instruction. However, amidst the hustle of learning, contributing, and making those crucial connections for future endeavors, there lies an underrated aspect of young professionals—the forging of lasting friendships. This year, like many before, saw new college graduates and interns across various business units not just gaining valuable work experience but also crafting friendships that could last a lifetime.  

The Career Catalyst program knows building relationships with peers who are also navigating the early stages of their careers can provide a sense of belonging and community within the workplace. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes with people who understand the specific context of being a new graduate in the workplace can offer emotional support, reduce stress, and enhance job satisfaction. In addition, networking professionally with other new graduates can open up collaboration, innovation, and learning opportunities. It's a chance to exchange knowledge, skills, and ideas that can contribute to personal growth and career advancement. This not only benefits the young professionals but also the company as a whole by driving a positive culture and encouraging the flow of new ideas.  

By focusing on the importance of relationship building, I’m confident we can create a more connected, vibrant, and supportive early career community at Cadence!  

Conclusion  

The trip to Lake Tahoe is a reminder that while career growth is essential, the human connections we forge along the way are equally, if not more, valuable. The memories created, the bonds formed, and the lessons learned about friendship, resilience, and mutual support genuinely enrich the early career experience. As the summer fades into fall, and interns and new college grads across the globe step into the next chapter of their lives, these friendships linger and show us the unforeseen pathways of professional growth. Sanjukta Sheth said it best, “Our Lake Tahoe trip was more than just an adventure—it was a chance to recharge, connect with nature, and bond with one another. We made the most of our Recharge Day, creating memories that will last forever!”