November 10, 2025
As students navigate their academic career, one expectation stands out: gaining real-world experience before graduation.
At SCI, one way students can gain this experience is through collaboration with the school’s corporate partners to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and enter the workforce with confidence and purpose. An example of this concept is provided by Pitt alumnus Nate Homitsky.
Homitsky (SCI ’07, KGSB ’16) is a great example of an alum who helps students build those skills. For Homitsky, IT Vice President at Aerotech, partnerships between corporate organizations and the University are much more than professional networking opportunities: they're learning experiences that bring valuable context to students' education. As Homitsky puts it, “Course lectures and projects create the foundations of knowledge and skills that can be applied to the work done in industry.” Corporate sponsors, he says, help bridge that next step by showing students what really matters in the workplace and where their classroom learning fits into the bigger picture.
Homitsky believes these collaborations also open students’ eyes to opportunities they might not have considered.
"Further, students who attend events done in collaboration with corporate sponsors have an opportunity to network with potential hiring managers and learn more about future career paths,” he explains. "There are a wide variety of SCI-related roles for companies and organizations that are not household brand names."
By connecting with professionals across diverse industries, students gain a clearer sense of where they can thrive, and a better chance at finding the right fit as they begin their professional journeys.
Beyond connecting students with companies, alumni involvement plays a key role in building an inclusive and supportive community. Drawing on his experiences as a SCI computer science graduate and former student employee at the School of Nursing, Homitsky strives to make a lasting impact on current students through guest lectures, club events, and discussion panels. What makes his approach stand out is his honesty.
“I share stories about my setbacks and accomplishments over the years in the hopes that students take away something useful that will help them in the future,” he said. By speaking candidly about his own challenges, Homitsky encourages students to see mistakes not as failures, but as learning opportunities and essential steps in both personal and professional growth.
In order to provide that space to improve and learn from their mistakes, Homitsky emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diverse backgrounds students bring with them. He encourages the notion that “diversity of all kinds is an asset that will help teams achieve better outcomes”, and with that lens, that students should be proud of what makes them unique and different.
For transfer students in particular, he highlights how their experiences at different institutions offer valuable perspectives, not just academically, but in demonstrating the initiative it takes to pursue a better fit. Homitsky also urges students to engage with the wider campus community, whether through clubs, student organizations, hobby groups, or even intramural sports as it gives them opportunities to interact with their peers. Even for those who may be introverted, he says, pushing yourself to try something new can lead to unexpected growth and meaningful, supportive connections.
“Everyone can relate to mistakes and struggles, and it’s extremely valuable to have the mindset to look at those honestly, as learning opportunities that can help us learn and grow,” Homitsky notes.
This emphasis on embracing unique backgrounds naturally encompasses Pitt’s community college transfer program and students. Homitsky points out that transferring schools reflects adaptability, initiative, and the courage to seek out the environment that best supports one’s goals. Programs like the Community College Transfer initiative help bridge the gap for students navigating that transition, ensuring they are aware of the opportunities available to them and supported as they continue their education.
As he was preparing to speak at Community College Transfer Day, Homitsky wanted to provide students with a sense of direction as they navigate what can often feel like an overwhelming process. He understands that “better” looks different for every student; for one person, it might mean choosing a major that aligns with their passions, while for another, it could mean finding a work-life balance that allows them to stay grounded. Ultimately, Homitsky wants to help students recognize the options available to them and trust themselves as they make decisions about their futures.
Drawing from his own experiences, Homitsky hopes to offer perspective that might help students with avoidable setbacks or frustration.
“If I provide one tip or lesson-learned that the students find helpful, I’ll consider it a success,” he said. For Homitsky, the most meaningful impact comes not from grand gestures, but from those small moments when a student walks away feeling seen, supported, and more empowered to shape their own journey.
The partnership between corporate organizations, alumni, and SCI is about building pathways that help students discover who they are and what they can contribute to the professional world Whether it’s a student exploring career possibilities through a corporate-sponsored event or a transfer student finding their footing in a new academic community, these initiatives reinforce a shared belief in the potential of every learner. By fostering connections, SCI and its partners continue to invest in the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders.
Sanjana Pejathaya (SCI '27)
Correction (as of Nov. 19, 2025): A previous version of this article featured inaccurate quotes. They are now represented accurately.