Chicago Corporate Retreat 2024

Written By: Srushti Nerkar

What is the Chicago Retreat?

Every year, the corporate committee organizes the Women in Computer Science Chicago Retreat to go to Chicago to visit two companies and allow members to gain insight into opportunities and learn more about potential fields people can go into.

Motorola Solutions

The first company we visited was Motorola Solutions, a company not just known for its phone production, but also for its vital role in providing telecommunication services during emergencies. We began the visit by gathering in a large conference room, where a former Illinois alum who works at Motorola presented their latest advancements in 911 call technology. These innovations are focused on enhancing usability for a broader range of users, including individuals who are not proficient in English and younger children. They discussed new functionalities, such as the ability to communicate via text and a light system designed to indicate the urgency of an emergency. Following the presentation, we were divided into smaller groups, each led by an Illinois alumni currently employed at Motorola Solutions. In these settings, we engaged in meaningful discussions about the transition from being a student to working full-time, delving into the challenges encountered along the way. These conversations provided us with valuable insights into the supportive and nurturing work culture at Motorola Solutions, while also emphasizing the dynamic and challenging nature of the environment where leaving is an ongoing process.

Water Tower Place

Before heading to the next company visit, we took a short break to go visit the Water Tower Place. The glass elevator at the center of the mall caught everyone’s eye. With just thirty minutes to explore, we all browsed through various stores. Our brief small adventure concluded with a stop at Teamoji, where we enjoyed some vibrant boba drinks, adding a touch of sweetness to our day before continuing with our itinerary.

IMC Trading

Our final destination was IMC Trading, where we were greeted by an impressive entrance, with the building’s dazzling lights leaving us in awe. Upon arrival, we were gathered in a conference room on the 50th floor with stocked refreshments and snacks in the bins. The presentation featured two speakers: an Illinois alumni with a background in software engineering and a Harvard alumni who specialized in quantitative trading. They provided deep insights into the unique challenges of their respective fields and how these roles contribute within the company. Notably, one speaker shared her journey from an intern to a full-time employee, offering a valuable perspective on her career background. After the presentation, we were given IMC crewnecks and an engaging tour of the office. Observing software engineers and quant traders immersed in their work, managing multiple monitors filled with complex algorithms and market charts was truly fascinating. This visit was not only enlightening but also answered many questions about the intriguing field of quant, which was a topic of keen interest amongst everyone.