5 Career Tips Computer Science Grads Need in the Age of AI
From left to right: Rebecca Fabich, Director of Solutions Developers, Zoot Enterprises; Chris Dull, Director of Software, Zoot Enterprises; Dmitry Bezborodov, M.S. Student, Montana State University and Engineering Intern, Workiva; David Kelly, Senior Software Engineer, Workiva; Rob Irizarry, Senior Director, Oracle Service Cloud Center of Excellence, and Jann Butler, Moderator and Executive Advisor & Coach, onX. On September 15, 2025, the Alliance, Montana Jobs Network, and MSU Gianforte School of Computing hosted the panel “How to Find Computing Jobs & Internships in the Age of AI,” discussing the skills, roles, and opportunities that matter most in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.
October 29, 2025
By Melissa Paulsen
On September 15, 2025, the Montana High Tech Business Alliance, Montana Jobs Network, and the Montana State University Gianforte School of Computing hosted the panel “How to Find Computing Jobs & Internships in the Age of AI.”
Speakers from Zoot Enterprises, Workiva, Oracle, and onX shared practical advice for computer science students launching careers in today’s rapidly changing job market.
Tip #1: Write the Cover Letter
One of the best ways to stand out in a competitive job market is to write a detailed cover letter showcasing who you are and why you’re the right fit for the role.
“It’s important you have a cover letter showing me who you are, that you’re engaging with the role you’re applying for, and that you’re prepared with questions and research about the company,” said Rebecca Fabich, Director of Solutions Developers at Zoot Enterprises. “Show me what you can do to provide lift.”
The panelists shared their best tips for crafting a compelling cover letter:
Align your qualifications and skills to the role you’re targeting
Research the company and share why you want to work there.
Highlight relevant projects or coursework you’re proud of.
Show your personality and what you’re passionate about
Don’t use AI to write your cover letter; recruiters can tell.
Keep it to one page.
Tip #2: Develop a Variety of Skills Without Relying on AI
“Everything's very technical, even quality assurance,” said Chris Dull, Director of Software at Zoot Enterprises. “Being able go in and understand the code, how to test it, and how to interface with clients are all pieces of computer science. That's something we hire for that isn't just pure software engineering.”
Panelists recommended that students:
Build a portfolio of work to show employers.
Contribute to projects on GitHub.
Develop their own product or business idea with the support of the MSU Launch Pad.
Intern or volunteer in their community.
Test code.
The panelists also warned against becoming too reliant on AI tools.
“The worst thing that people can be doing right now is finishing their assignments using the help of AI,” Dull added. “Go through the hard parts of doing your assignments, because you're going to develop critical thinking.”
Fabich agreed: “In any effort of using AI, humans should always be validating the results they're getting back.” You can rely on AI a lot, but you're leaving yourself at a detriment to hone your skill set.”
Tip #3: It’s Never Too Early to Build Your Professional Network
“Genuinely engage and build a network,” said Rob Irizarry, Senior Director at Oracle’s Service Cloud Center of Excellence. “Who knows where it leads? But if you build that network of people that you genuinely have some question for or connection with, you will find that network invaluable. I use mine every day.”
Students can begin building their networks and make a good first impression on hiring managers by attending career fairs and networking events as freshmen and staying in touch with recruiters as they progress through school.
The Montana High Tech Business Alliance and Montana Jobs Network host multiple networking events every year, open to students and professionals alike. Signing up for our monthly high-tech newsletter, frequently checking our online events calendar (updated daily), and following us on social media are all great ways to stay informed about events near you.
Tip #4: Be Eager to Learn as an Intern
According to David Kelly, Senior Software Engineer at Workiva, the most successful interns are those who approach their work with enthusiasm and ownership.
“Don’t think about yourself as temporary,” he said. “How would you look as a new hire, and how would you do your job? Don’t discount yourself. Go all in.”
Dmitry Bezborodov, an MSU master’s student and software engineering intern at Workiva, agreed: “The most valuable thing I learned [as a Workiva intern] was being really resilient, curious about the company, and passionate about technology.”
Tip #5: Stay Informed About AI
AI is transforming the industry, but not replacing human developers.
“I don't think there's really any address to AI replacing human developers anytime soon,” Kelly said. “Workiva as a whole, though, has challenged developers to think about ways to utilize AI in
Moderator Jann Butler, Executive Advisor and Coach at onX, noted that even as companies adopt AI tools, they do so thoughtfully. “Our culture at [onX] is inclusive of AI,” she said. “We’re getting ourselves educated about it, understanding that accuracy is critical.”
Irizarry added, “Take the skills you have now and this window of opportunity to listen to what businesses want to learn. That curiosity, combined with the discipline of engineering, is where the magic lies going forward.”
About the Publisher: Launched in 2014, the Montana High Tech Business Alliance is a nonpartisan nonprofit association of more than 200 high tech and manufacturing companies and affiliates creating high-paying jobs in Montana. For more information, visit MTHighTech.org or subscribe to our biweekly newsletter.
The Montana Jobs Network (MJN), a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit affiliated with the Alliance, empowers Montanans to launch high-paying careers. For more information, visit MTHighTech.org/montana-jobs-network.
About the Author: Melissa Paulsen is the communications coordinator for the Montana High Tech Business Alliance and Montana Jobs Network. She graduated from the University of Montana in 2022 with a BFA in creative writing and a minor in history.
