Meet Amber Bennett, a Pursuit Volunteer and Software Engineer at BetterCloud, where she lives her dream as a perpetual problem solver.
Amber is passionate about empowering people who are full of raw potential and are hungry to learn the technical and behavioral skills they need to succeed.
At Pursuit, she’s been thrilled to volunteer as a Technical Mentor for our Fellows’ Capstone Projects — a milestone in their training — where she’s been able to share her knowledge and excitement for building software and creating products that have a positive impact.
Check out our Q&A below with Amber, in which she discusses her experience in tech, why she commits herself to helping other people find their place in careers, and more.
Interested in volunteering at Pursuit? Check out our opportunities here, and join alongside Amber and our other amazing and dedicated volunteers — no tech skills required!
How did you find Pursuit and how have you or how are you currently volunteering?
I learned about Pursuit while working at BetterCloud. There was so much excitement about working with them, so I immediately wanted to get involved. I have volunteered with admissions interviews and was also a Technical Mentor for the Capstone projects!
What has been the highlight of your volunteering experience?
I’ve loved being a part of the admission interviews and seeing how excited potential Fellows are, and it’s pretty incredible to be a Capstone Mentor and see that – at the end of their training process – they still have the same excitement.
It’s amazing to experience another’s hunger for and completion of something that requires a substantial amount of time and hard work, particularly for individuals who are balancing the Fellowship with everyday life and other priorities.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by people who relentlessly pursue their passion and follow their heart. I think we all have a purpose in life, and I have a deep respect for those who navigate toward theirs, regardless of circumstance.
What inspired you to start volunteering?
As a woman in engineering, I have encountered some obstacles in my career, and I have also had some amazing people encourage and inspire me. In particular, I have been very supported and encouraged at BetterCloud, and this made me want to help other individuals find this place in their chosen careers as well. I feel honored to be a part of people's journeys in turning their dreams into realities and to support them in having all the skills they need to find themselves at a wonderful company like I did.
How did you start your journey into tech?
In college, I was initially a pre-med student, but then I decided to focus on my love of math! As a result, I had to take an introduction to computer science class – and I was immediately hooked. My professor was a woman, and she strongly encouraged me to consider it as a career.
What advice would you give to women who are considering or already working in tech?
Let your knowledge gaps energize you, even if you feel behind, and never let anyone's opinion of you change your own. You are far more capable and resilient than you realize.