Tell us about yourself! What is your story?

My name is Mansi Patel, and I am an undergraduate senior majoring in software engineering at UT Dallas, as well as a software engineering Fast Track student. After graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in software engineering at the university. I am from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and have been a Texas resident my entire life! I enjoy painting, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family in my free time.

What made you choose to study at UTD for your master’s?

I chose to study software engineering for my master’s at UTD because I appreciated and preferred the different curriculum provided for software engineering compared to computer science. … Many universities combine software engineering and computer science into one program, whereas UTD excels in differentiating the two.

What is your favorite field of computer science, and why?

With the graduate courses I have completed as a Fast Track student, I became fascinated with the field of data science. One particularly interesting area of data science is machine learning because it is quite new to me, and my unfamiliarity makes me eager to learn more. In my undergraduate degree, I explored courses that addressed various areas of computer science; however, the graduate-level Machine Learning course has been one of the most interesting courses I have taken thus far.

Can you share more about the Fast Track program and why you chose it?

The Fast Track program at UTD allows students to complete graduate coursework for their undergraduate and graduate degrees simultaneously, so they could ideally complete a master’s degree in one year after completing their undergraduate degree. … I decided I wanted to pursue the Fast Track program in my freshman year, because I knew I ultimately wanted a master’s degree, and the Fast Track program would allow me to earn it in one year instead of two. The Fast Track program has allowed me to challenge myself academically while saving time and money in the long term.

Are you a part of any organizations or extracurricular activities at UTD, and if so, can you share some of the things you have done while being a part of this student organization?

I am the co-director of WEHack and a member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). WEHack is a hackathon organization focusing on empowering women, non-binary identities, and other underrepresented groups in STEM so that they can gain the skills and confidence to participate in future hackathons. I have been a part of WEHack for three years, and it has been one of my most fulfilling university experiences. WEHack’s mission is important to me as a woman of color in a male-dominated field, and the aim of creating a safe space for underrepresented groups in STEM has led me to stay in WEHack for the past three years. One goal as co-director of WEHack has been to expand the organization to support more underrepresented groups, especially those outside of UT Dallas.

Can you share a little more about the hackathons you help organize?

I am the co-director of the 2024-25 iteration of WEHack. Throughout this time, WEHack organizers (including myself) host fun socials and technical workshops for students, volunteer at HackUTD and other hackathons in Texas, and help to organize the annual Axxess Hackathon. The outreach of WEHack is important to me as a former Experience team coordinator, and it is an area that I hope to grow during my time as co-director.

Do you have any study tips for students who want to make the most of their college experience?

One study tip I recommend to students is to make study groups for courses! It may seem odd to reach out to your peers and ask to meet once a week to study, but it can help in understanding concepts from other students’ perspectives and sharing your knowledge with them.

During your time at UTD, what have been some of your favorite memories?

Some of my favorite memories at UT Dallas are associated with the meaningful friendships I made here. My first year of university was fully virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was difficult to forge relationships with people that could extend to an in-person environment. Two friendships persisting through the virtual era were my friendships with my former roommate, Avery Johnson, and this year’s SWE president, Esha Bansal. Another area of favorite memories is my time in WEHack, specifically during the weekend of the hackathon. WEHack is a special time for not only the hackers to bond but for the organizers to bond as well. One special memory of WEHack 2024 for me was our Just Dance event, in which hackers, WEHack organizers, and HackUTD organizers danced to classic hits as the first day of the hackathon ended.

Did you always know that working in technology was what you wanted to do? Women in the field of technology are in the minority, so what made you interested in getting a computer science/software engineering degree?

I always knew that technology was an area I would like to work in, but I did not know where or how I would work in technology. In my first semester at UTD, I took an introductory programming course with a great professor. His lectures furthered my interest and confidence in programming because it was in his class I realized I enjoyed the problem-solving and critical thinking aspects of coding. After my first year, I came to appreciate that I enjoyed the challenges that came with the software engineering field. Additionally, I was involved in the Society of Women Engineers chapter at my high school, so I received exposure to female-oriented organizations before coming to university. The Society of Women Engineers chapter became one of the first organizations I joined at UTD, and it allowed me to learn more about the technology field as a freshman.

What advice would you give to women looking to break into the field of computer technology?

One piece of advice I would give to women looking to break into computer technology is to be resilient. Resilience can mean advocating for yourself and others, pushing through challenges, and the like. By exercising resilience, you may open opportunities for yourself and others that come after you. … Although there may be challenges along the way, I recommend continuing to be resilient in making your mark. We can use the efforts of women who came before us as stellar examples to keep going.

Is there one piece of advice you wish somebody would have given you at the beginning of your college career?

One piece of advice I wish someone had given me at the beginning of my college career was to have more faith in myself. At the beginning of my journey, I struggled with imposter syndrome. Even with imposter syndrome, I slowly challenged myself with new experiences by becoming involved in student organizations and exercising resilience in job searches and coursework. Although it was difficult, I am thankful for the motivation I received back then from myself and others in my inner circle. I wish that I had more faith in my potential back then.

What advice would you have for those who may not feel like they can advocate for themselves and/or don’t have a solid support system for varying circumstances?

The advice I would give to those who feel like they cannot advocate for themselves and/or don’t have a solid support system for circumstances is to build a strong relationship with yourself as a foundation. This can include exercising confidence, positive self-talk, and mentally healthy practices. Although confidence is a characteristic that is easier said than done, it is nonetheless beneficial to work towards and maintain. Building a strong relationship with yourself can ease you into being able to advocate for yourself in certain circumstances and provide a support system for yourself internally.

In your academic or work career, have there been any mentors who have helped you grow along the way? If so, how useful was it to have a mentor?

Yes, multiple mentors have helped me grow along the way. I discovered mentors through my academic experiences and first-year summer internship. It is very useful to have a mentor because it provides a support system that can guide you through different phases of life. I connect with my mentors every semester to catch up and talk about life changes. … If it is possible to have a mentor or to be a mentor, I would recommend it as it is a rewarding experience from both directions.

Can you tell me about a role model who has inspired you over your career and life?

Role models that inspired me over my career and life were my parents. I am a first-generation college student as my parents immigrated to America in the ‘90s. My parents are small business owners, and I grew up seeing them manage businesses while adapting to a new environment with little to no support. My parents are primary examples of strong work ethic and resilience, and I continue to carry those values in my career and life today. My achievements in college and the future are because of them.