By Dinuka De Silva (Indiana University)

I’m glad I received financial support to attend the PEARC22 conference through the student program. Being an international student from Sri Lanka, and having come for higher studies during the pandemic, it’s not easy to socialize and network with others. So, it was an exciting opportunity for me!

I’m glad I received financial support to attend the PEARC22 conference through the student program. Being an international student from Sri Lanka, and having come for higher studies during the pandemic, it’s not easy to socialize and network with others. So, it was an exciting opportunity for me!

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to Prof. Marlon for encouraging me to submit a poster. That was how it all began, and how I came to apply for the student program. And then I was super excited to hear that I was selected and funded to attend the conference!

The student program had been properly organized and was very smooth. The conference sessions were educational and rich in content. The pitch-it workshop and resume clinic were super helpful to me since I’m just starting my job search. In the past, I have struggled with how to pitch myself to someone. I would get into long, boring speeches. But, the pitch-it workshop taught us how to make it short and sweet. Also, we practiced as teams and received valuable feedback from our peers and the organizers. I would say now I’m able to pitch myself much better. The resume clinic was timely, too. I was assigned to a resume doctor and he pointed out things I should change, and other things that I should expand. I now have a professional-looking resume that is ready to help me land the big job!

All students were assigned a mentor, and I am still in contact with mine – Shava Smallen (San Diego Supercomputer Center). She has provided me with excellent advice for my future goals. I really liked how the mentor dinner was arranged with a three-course meal served at the table so we didn’t have to walk back and forth to a buffet. This gave me more time to talk with my mentor while enjoying the food. There were assigned seats, so we didn’t have to waste time finding a place to sit. The event was extremely well organized.

All students were involved in the conference activities – we learned how to work as a team, effective communication, etc. I would like to express my gratitude to the conference organizing committee and participants for making this a very successful event.

Last but not least, I want to mention that the conference was not only educational but there was plenty of time to see Boston! I hope to attend PEARC again in the future.

Thank you!