Three insights MIT students gained from connecting with engineers at MathWorks.
MIT students recently visited the MathWorks Lakeside Campus in Natick, MA, for a Women in Tech Trek—an event designed for those exploring careers in technology and engineering. The program introduced the Engineering Development Group (EDG), provided time to meet with MathWorks staff in a Q&A format, offered a tour of the workspace, and concluded with a hands-on MATLAB activity.
Takeaway 1: Explore to shape your career trajectory
The session opened with Engineering Manager Swetha Murali and a panel of women from across MathWorks, who described the varied routes that led them into technical roles. For the students—many still defining their professional direction—the visit reinforced the importance of learning, experimenting, and embracing growth.
Takeaway 2: Growth comes from tackling real-world challenges
Swetha spoke in depth about her journey, highlighting how EDG supported her growth from day one. She recalled her early years learning to code, noting, “I loved finding bugs, breaking that software, and then fixing that software.” Her guidance emphasized openness and persistence: be willing to learn, make mistakes, and keep going. She encouraged students to stay curious and engaged, adding that progress often begins with a single conversation—and that communication and a willingness to learn can open doors.
Students also heard from Ellie Stevens, MIT alum and Manager of EDG, who described how the program supports early-career hires through rotations, training, and a strong cohort model. After sharing her own path, she summed up her philosophy succinctly: “I am invested in people, and MathWorks is a very special place.”
Takeaway 3: Show up for opportunities that build momentum
Students toured the building and wrapped up the visit with a fast-paced software challenge where they used MATLAB to test ideas, troubleshoot, and refine their solutions—offering a clear view of how MathWorks tools support problem-solving in data science and engineering.
MathWorks and MIT have a longstanding partnership dating back to 1985, when MIT became the company’s first customer. For the students on the trek, it was easy to connect with the company’s hands-on and collaborative approach to engineering.
For Salma Bouzit ’27, Course 6, the trek was a chance to keep building momentum. “I knew MathWorks by name, but seeing how their engineers approach their career choices helped me imagine paths I might take,” she said. “I always try to challenge myself and build new skills, so this felt like an opportunity I certainly couldn’t miss.”
As students left the Natick Lakeside campus—where a new building is underway, reflecting the company’s continued growth—they carried a clearer sense of what people-focused, learning-driven engineering can look like in practice.
