In a first for Yeshiva University, Amazon recruiters and senior technology leaders came to campus on Oct. 20 for Yeshiva University x Amazon: Insider Tips and Tools to Launch Your Career. Held on the Wilf Campus and drawing nearly 90 computer science majors from Yeshiva College and Stern College for Women, the event offered a firsthand look at career opportunities at one of the world's leading technology companies.
The catalyst was Professor Judah Diament, chair of the Computer Science Department at Yeshiva College, whose introduction to an Amazon executive earlier this year set the stage for the company's first recruiting event at YU. Working alongside Diament, Professor Akiva Sacknovitz played a key role in organizing the event and coordinating its logistics.
For Diament, the visit marked an important milestone. “Amazon made a deliberate decision to invest its time and resources in recruiting YU students,” he said. “That's a strong endorsement of the quality of our undergraduate computer science programs.”
Seven Amazon representatives participated, including three recruiters, two senior technology leaders and two engineers. A fireside chat featuring Diament, David Goodman, director of research science for Amazon Ads, and Brian Ross, a senior manager at Amazon Web Services, tackled some of the most pressing questions facing aspiring technology professionals.
Among them: How is artificial intelligence reshaping the industry, and what skills will students need to succeed?
The message was encouraging. While AI is rapidly transforming the technology landscape, strong problem-solving abilities remain indispensable. Equally important are communication, writing and collaboration skills — qualities employers value alongside technical expertise.
Following the discussion, Amazon recruiters offered an insider's guide to navigating the application and interview process, with detailed guidance on what it takes to land internships and full-time positions. But the conversation didn't end when the formal program did. Students gathered in small groups and met one-on-one with recruiters and engineers for personalized advice. Many stayed well beyond the scheduled 9 p.m. conclusion, eager to keep the dialogue going and the ideas flowing.
For Stern student Miriam Hochberg, the chance to get candid feedback on her resume was a potential game changer. "It was really beneficial to meet one-on-one with recruiters who reviewed my resume and offered great feedback," she said, adding that she also appreciated hearing from Amazon engineers about their experiences.
Meir Hass, who is nearing graduation with a degree in computer science, came away with a broader view of the industry, particularly after hearing directly from Amazon’s senior tech leaders about the challenges and opportunities shaping the technology sector.
The enthusiasm was mutual. Jonathan Wegner '24YC, a software development engineer at Amazon Web Services and one of the visiting representatives, was impressed by YU students' curiosity and drive.
"Their motivation and eagerness to learn really stood out," he said. "I hope this event is just one of many opportunities to strengthen the relationship between Amazon and Yeshiva University for years to come."
It's a prospect Diament is eager to build on. For upperclassmen, the event offered practical insights into landing that first job. For freshmen, it provided an early look at how to build the skills and credentials that catch a recruiter's eye.
And in a fiercely competitive job market, having someone on the inside who knows your name and recognizes your potential could make all the difference.
