The College of Connected Computing has developed a new speaker series called “Plot Twist” that invites Vanderbilt alumni from various backgrounds to share stories with current students about their paths to becoming technology leaders.
“We strive to find alumni whose career paths have taken interesting twists and turns to bring them to where they are now and will probably continue winding in unconventional ways as they continue pushing the boundaries of technology in the world,” said Julie Johnson, associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Connected Computing.
The inaugural speaker for the series was Blake Hall, co-founder and CEO of ID.me, a digital identity wallet trusted by more than 154 million users. ID.me allows users to transact securely with 21 federal agencies , such as the IRS and Social Security Administration, as well as 45 state government agencies and more than 70 healthcare organizations.
Hall spoke with Matthew Johnson-Roberson, Dean of the College of Connected Computing, in a fireside chat format with students at Alumni Hall on September 25. Hall, a 2004 graduate who double majored in American history and economics, served in the U.S. Army after Vanderbilt and went on to receive two Bronze Star medals. He also earned his MBA from Harvard Business School and is one of five members of the inaugural cohort of National Security Fellows named by Vanderbilt’s Institute of National Security.
In his discussion with students, Hall talked about the importance throughout one’s career of developing a personal network. “If you can find a great mentor who cares about you and is smart in your field and that’s going to take you under their wing, it’s one of the greatest gifts you can have,” he said.
Johnson said one of the key things she hopes students get out of the series is learning that careers, particularly in rapidly shifting areas of technology, don’t often take a straight path. “Technology and computation can be a part of every intellectual pursuit, we just need to start thinking outside of our traditional boxes,” she added.
Johnson said she and others in the College of Connected Computing are developing a lineup of Plot Twist speakers for the remainder of the school year who come from a variety of backgrounds.
To learn more about the Plot Twist series or to inquire about future speaking opportunities, reach out to Julie Johnson.