Debugged S4 E8: Rewriting Computer Science Experiences with Anais Lawson

Hello! Welcome back to Debugged, the Congressional App Challenge’s alumni-led podcast that connects the country’s youth with technology by debugging the intricate world of computer science.

In this episode, host Medha Gupta and guest co-host Tushar Mehta welcome Anais Lawson to the show! Anais is a recent graduate from Columbia University with a BS in computer science. She is currently a software engineer at Microsoft on the Xbox team, and was previously an intern there. She is also on the board of Rewriting The Code, an organization she has been involved with since 2019 through their fellowship award and Black Wings program, and is an early career leader in New York City.

Anais talks about her interest in pursuing a career in technology starting in high school, with AP Computer Science. She recalls her experience in a class that she found intimidating, and out of place in. However, through a program she discovered in ninth grade called JADE, she talks about various opportunities that changed how she thought about the field of computer science, and eventually, inspired her to take part in the discipline that was at the forefront of everything in the modern world. Reflecting back on panels hosted by companies, she also discusses not seeing lots of people who looked like her, and wanting to fix this.

Later in the interview, she goes on to describe her experience in specific computer science classes, like those exploring user experience and interfaces (UX and UI), and how they inspired her to focus on frontend development rather than backend or full-stack.

Alongside the electives and experiential learning opportunities that impacted her career, she also goes on to mention the mentors and communities that have helped guide her to where she is today! She talks about the importance of networking, and how the more people you know, the more opportunities you hear about or are referred to.

Finally, for the many student listeners of Debugged, Anais goes on to share advice for balancing many concurrent responsibilities (internship planning, academics, etc.), and setting yourself up for success to secure competitive internships at large tech companies. Tune in to this week’s episode of Debugged to hear more about Anais Lawson’s fascinating career story, and insights from working in technology!

More about Debugged

Founded in 2021 by the Congressional App Challenge’s Alumni Advisory Board, Debugged is a unique podcast experience that seeks to redefine STEM education, shine a light on diverse voices, and further the narrative around a myriad of computer science topics. By highlighting trends in the industry, breaking down complicated concepts, and interviewing high profile guests, listeners are given the opportunity to delve into the world of technology in an analytical yet engaging way.

Debugged is free to stream on your favorite platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more via Anchor.fm! To be the first to know about new episodes, and to learn more about the team of eleven alumni behind every one, follow @cacdebugged on Instagram and X. Thank you so much for your viewership; we hope you enjoy the episode!