CS Industry Day 2026 Brings Innovation, Insight, and Industry Connections

The School of Computing Science successfully hosted our CS Industry Day on Thursday, April 23, 2026, bringing together students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals for an engaging day of learning, connection, and career exploration. The event provided a dynamic platform for students to gain firsthand insights into the evolving tech landscape while building meaningful connections with industry leaders.

The event was expertly emceed by CS Lecturer Victor Cheung, who guided the program and ensured a smooth and engaging experience for all attendees.

The program opened with a keynote on entrepreneurship delivered by Pat Lougheed, Co-Founder and Chief Solutions Officer of Plaid Analytics. His talk offered practical perspectives on innovation, building ventures, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship in the tech sector. The SFU Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship also joined the event, reinforcing the importance of entrepreneurial thinking within computing science.

Following the keynote, attendees engaged in two interactive panel sessions. The Recruiter Panel featured representatives from Electronic Arts, WorkSafeBC, and Absolute Security, who shared insights into hiring practices, candidate expectations, and what it takes to stand out in today’s competitive job market. Panelists emphasized the value of both strong technical foundations and essential soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and teamwork.

The Alumni Panel brought together professionals from Blytheco, Shopify, TELUS, and McAfee. Alumni shared their career journeys, reflecting on their transitions from university to industry, key challenges, and the lessons that shaped their professional growth. Their experiences offered relatable and practical guidance for students preparing to enter the workforce.

A key highlight of the event was the roundtable networking session, where students connected directly with industry professionals and alumni in smaller group settings. These conversations created space for meaningful dialogue, allowing students to ask questions, seek advice, and expand their professional networks in a more personal and interactive environment.

CS Industry Day 2026 highlighted the School of Computing Science’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, the event continues to equip students with the insights, skills, and connections needed to succeed beyond the classroom.

The School extends its sincere thanks to all speakers, panelists, and attendees whose participation contributed to the success of this year’s event.