The following account was shared by Artilya Key, Classified Cybersecurity Staff at Lockheed Martin, and CodePath Resume Review Week Volunteer.
As a Classified Cybersecurity Staff at Lockheed Martin, my job is to oversee all of the processes and procedures set forth by the government and ensure compliance. So when I came across CodePath’s volunteer opportunities—some of which are non-technical—it was a refreshing change from my day-to-day. What I didn’t realize was how incredibly rewarding the experience would be.
This past summer, I volunteered for CodePath’s Resume Review Week, where I mentored three students. Each student had unique needs, and I had to tailor my approach based on the individual. With one student, we focused on alleviating their nerves by reviewing their resume line by line and practicing their elevator pitch. Another student asked such insightful questions, and I was enjoying the conversation so much that we ended up going over the allotted time voluntarily. The third student sought career path advice, so we reviewed their resume and I offered guidance on their next steps.
The common theme across every session was transforming each student’s attributes from bullet points into content that is ready for HR or recruiters. I appreciated how CodePath provided us with resumes ahead of time, allowing me time to prepare in advance.
I’ll be on vacation during the next Resume Review Week and won’t be able to attend, but I’m eagerly looking forward to future volunteering opportunities with CodePath. The experience is not just about giving back; it’s about bridging the gap between the older and newer generations in tech. As seasoned professionals retire, we need a new generation to take over in fields like cybersecurity and programming. CodePath’s programs are vital in equipping students with the skills necessary to fill these critical roles.
Volunteering with CodePath is not just beneficial for the students—it’s also advantageous for companies like Lockheed Martin. By mentoring these students, I’m helping to shape the future workforce, potentially meeting future colleagues along the way. CodePath’s thorough preparation and support make it easy for busy professionals to contribute meaningfully, and the impact that these programs have on the students is undeniable.
In the end, it's more than just reviewing resumes; it’s about setting students up for success in the real world. I’m proud to be part of a program that is bridging the generational gap in tech and helping students reach their career goals.