Unbound in Chicago: How Stepping into the Tech World Transformed My Perspective as a Business Student

Stepping off the plane in Chicago, I felt a shift in the air. Coming from India, I’ve seen bustling cities, but Chicago hit differently. It wasn’t just the size; it was the energy. As I looked up at the towering skyscrapers piercing the night sky, illuminated like Gotham City, I realized I wasn’t just in a new city, I was standing at the threshold of a new chapter. I am incredibly honored and humbled to be one of the ten women sponsored by Saunders College of Business to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) 2025. For a week, I traded my RIT routine for a front-row seat to the world’s largest gathering of women technologists. Here is a glimpse into my "Unbound" journey.

Day 1: The City of Big Shoulders

My room on the 10th floor offered a cinematic view of the Chicago skyline, with the Chicago River winding below and the majestic Trump Tower reflecting the city lights - a view I could never tire of.

That evening, we gathered for dinner with three Saunders alumni at a cozy downtown spot. Listening to their transition from RIT co-ops to real-world impact was grounding. If I could offer actionable advice to other RIT grad students attending conferences, it would be to actively seek out these alumni connections early. These interactions help build a supportive "tribe" and professional network that will sustain you long after graduation.

Their advice wasn’t about coding languages or software; it boiled down to three timeless virtues: stay humble, stay curious, and stay motivated. We ended the night with a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk. With the city lights dancing on the water and the cool November breeze on our faces, I felt a profound sense of gratitude; I was exactly where I wanted to be.

Day 2: The Energy of 20,000

The next morning began with a balance familiar to every grad student: completing an assignment before the day truly started! With my submission in, I hopped on the shuttle to McCormick Place for the Opening Plenary.

Nothing prepares you for the sight of 20,000+ women technologists under one roof. From students to CEOs, the room was electric. Brenda Darden Wilkerson, President & CEO of AnitaB.org, opened with words that became my mantra for the week: “The world needs an unbound self.” She reminded us that inclusion is the architecture of innovation and that technology can never replace human courage.

We also heard from Adam Cheyer, the co-founder of Siri. He tackled the elephant in the room - "Will AI replace us?" with a powerful reframing: it’s not Humans vs. AI, but Humans with AI that will change the world. And then there was Vivian Tu ("Your Rich BFF"), who gave us a masterclass on financial empowerment. I walked back to my hotel that night feeling truly unbound, convinced that if we pour our heart and soul into our work, limits cease to exist.

Day 3: Finding Finance in a Tech World

I started Day 3 at the Talent Expo, a sprawling landscape of innovation. While the booths for Google, Amazon, and NVIDIA were buzzing with engineers, I walked in with a different story: I’m a Business student who loves to walk the line between finance and analytics.

To make the best out of these opportunities, you must embrace your unique background as a strength rather than a mismatch; doing so opens doors you didn't know existed. I was pleasantly surprised by the reception as recruiters from Meta, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America didn’t just look at my resume; they looked at me. We spoke about how every tech giant needs a "finance brain" behind its "tech muscle". It was validating to hear that companies aren’t just looking for Python skills, they are looking for curiosity, commitment, and cultural fit.

One of the day's highlights was the Braindate lounge. I hosted two small group discussions on the intersection of AI and financial auditing. Exchanging ideas with brilliant strangers who are actively rethinking how we live, and work was energizing.

And of course, no trip to Chicago is complete without the food! That night, we dug into authentic deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an event - layers of cheese and sauce that tasted yum!

Day 4: Tech Expo – Why stepping out of your Echo Chamber matters

The interactive energy of the Tech Expo from Obtiva’s puzzles to LinkedIn’s storytelling stations, I realized that connecting with strangers is like running exploratory analysis on human potential. We all face different variables, but we optimize for the same growth. This is exactly why attending conferences is vital for RIT grad students; it bridges the gap between classroom theory and the industry's heartbeat, proving that our struggles with imposter syndrome aren't unique. It is the best way to understand the energy of the industry, network with professionals and see the "bigger picture" of your future career.

Always look out for such opportunities and be ready to explore. To make the best of these opportunities, preparation is your algorithm for success. Scour the website and LinkedIn beforehand, pack smartly (comfortable clothes are non-negotiable!), and prioritize your schedule, knowing you can’t cover every data point. But don't filter out the fun; some of the best networking happens over a coffee or while sightseeing. Embrace your unique "outlier" status – be proud of your unique story and skillset. Finally, prioritize connection and always follow up. When you step back to listen to patterns you weren't looking for, you don't just find a job; you find your perspective.

Day 5: To Infinity and Beyond

The Closing Plenary was the perfect finale. We heard from Kellie Gerardi, an astronaut and researcher who embodies the "fearless" spirit. Her journey into space served as a metaphor for our own careers: there is no gravity that can hold down a determined woman. We also heard from Angelica Ross, whose resilience was a masterclass in leadership. Leaving the conference, I didn't just feel motivated; I felt expanded.

This trip was more than just a conference; it was a bridge. I saw the bigger picture - I witnessed firsthand how technology drives business decisions, deepening my perspective as a future finance leader. I found my tribe - I built friendships and connections that will support my journey long after graduation. I learned to be fearless - The world welcomes our contributions if we are brave enough to offer them. I returned to Rochester not just as a student, but as a fearless, grateful, and "unbound" professional ready to make my mark.