On March 13, 2025, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) School of Computing successfully hosted its much-anticipated annual Tech Industry Panel, bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to share their experiences and insights with students and the broader tech community. The theme for this year’s panel was “Navigating Tech Careers – From Academia to Industry and Entrepreneurship,” offering participants a rich dialogue on how to thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
The initiative to organize this impactful panel was driven with support from Mr. Meer Anwar, CEO of PixelPaddle and Advisory Board Member at UFV. Recognizing the importance of bridging the gap between academia and the real-world demands of the technology sector, Mr. Anwar worked closely with UFV to constitute a diverse and dynamic panel of experts. Leveraging his industry network, he reached out to thought leaders across various domains, ensuring students and participants could benefit from a well-rounded discussion spanning entrepreneurship, corporate careers, innovation, and community-building.
The Panelists: Leaders Who Inspire
The 2025 Tech Industry Panel featured a distinguished lineup of voices, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives:
- Prashant Agrawal – Founder of Be Pacific, a multi-venture entrepreneur passionate about building businesses that create real impact.
- Raza Mirza – Software Development Manager and Engineering Coach at Amazon, who shared deep insights into leadership, engineering culture, and what global tech giants value in emerging talent.
- Isabelle Schmidt – Fractional CIO at improvingIT., guiding startups and SMEs to harness technology for sustainable growth.
- Jason Wong – Founder of Beta Collective and Co-founder of the Coworking BC Society, championing innovation through collaborative workspaces and community-driven ecosystems.
Key Insights and Takeaways
The conversation delved into critical themes that resonated with students, researchers, and aspiring founders alike:
- Career Pathways in Tech – Panelists emphasized that careers in technology are rarely linear. From research labs to entrepreneurial ventures to executive leadership, each journey underscored the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and resilience.
- Skills That Matter – The panelists highlighted both hard skills (such as technical proficiency, data literacy, and problem-solving) and soft skills (such as communication, teamwork, and leadership) as key differentiators in today’s competitive market.
- Entrepreneurship: Challenges & Opportunities – Real-world lessons were shared about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, encouraging students to view challenges as learning opportunities and to embrace risk-taking as part of innovation.
- The Future of Tech – Predictions centered on emerging trends like AI, blockchain, immersive technologies, and the importance of lifelong learning to remain agile in a fast-moving industry.
Impact on Students and the Community
The event was more than just a panel—it was a learning and networking experience for UFV students and participants from the community. Attendees left with a clearer understanding of how to align their academic pursuits with industry expectations, how to prepare for diverse career pathways, and how to explore entrepreneurship with confidence.
Looking Ahead
The success of the 2025 Tech Industry Panel reflects UFV’s commitment to fostering innovation, mentorship, and career readiness among its students. Industry Chair Dr. Faisal Naeem added whilst thanking Board Member Mr. Meer Anwar, “With the continued support of Advisory Board members like Mr. Meer Anwar and the participation of leading industry voices, UFV is shaping a learning environment where academic knowledge seamlessly connects with industry relevance.“
This event stands as a testament to the power of collaboration—between academia, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs—to guide students on their journey from the classroom to boardrooms, startups, and beyond.
