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Industry Fellows Program

Our Industry Fellows Program bridges the gap between academic learning and professional practice by pairing seasoned industry professionals with student development teams. Fellows work primarily with graduate students who serve as Tech Leads for capstone projects, while also providing guidance to undergraduate students enrolled in our CS capstone course.

What makes this program unique:​

  • Official University Affiliation: Fellows receive university ID cards, email access, library privileges, and co-working space access on campus
  • Specialized Training: Mentorship training helps both mentors and students get more value from their collaboration
  • Structured Commitment: Clear expectations and regular touchpoints create consistency and accountability
  • Sustained Relationships: Multi-semester partnerships allow for deep, ongoing professional development
  • Mutual Benefit: Fellows gain fresh perspectives, networking opportunities, and the satisfaction of shaping future developers

Program Structure​

The Industry Fellows Program operates on a structured academic calendar designed to support students during key periods of their development. Each fall semester begins with onboarding and training in August, followed by team matching in September that pairs Fellows with graduate Tech Leads and undergraduate capstone teams based on technical expertise and project needs. Throughout the fall, Fellows provide mentorship in technical leadership, architecture decisions, code review practices, and project management through regular online engagement and required on-site events. The spring semester focuses on final project phases as students begin job searching, with Fellows offering career guidance, industry insights, and professional networking opportunities during February and March. The program concludes each spring with student showcase presentations in April and Fellow recognition events in May.

Graduate students serving as Tech Leads receive focused mentorship in developing their leadership capabilities, technical decision-making skills, and professional communication as they guide their undergraduate team members. Undergraduate capstone students gain industry exposure, real-world perspectives on software development practices, career development guidance, and networking connections that support their transition from academic learning to professional practice.

Industry Fellows provide hands-on mentorship to graduate Tech Leads, developing the next generation of technical leaders through collaborative problem-solving and professional guidance. Here, noted speaker, author, and developer relations expert Jessica Kerr reviews code with graduate student Siri Chandana Garimella, a Tech Lead for Open Source with SLU.

An Industry Fellow Profile​

Technical Expertise​

  • Minimum 5 years of professional software development experience
  • Strong background in modern development practices and technologies
  • Experience with software architecture, design patterns, and best practices
  • Familiarity with collaborative development tools and methodologies
  • Knowledge of current industry trends and emerging technologies

Leadership and Communication​

  • Demonstrated ability to guide and mentor junior developers
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience working with diverse teams and stakeholders
  • Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly
  • Patience and enthusiasm for teaching and knowledge sharing

Commitment and Availability​

  • Genuine interest in student development and education
  • Ability to commit to multi-semester partnerships
  • Flexibility to attend regular in-person events on campus
  • Responsiveness to student needs and program requirements
  • Alignment with program values and educational mission

Commitment & Benefits​

What Fellows Provide​

Industry Fellows commit to meaningful engagement through both in-person and online mentorship activities. The core commitment includes attending a minimum of two evening events per semester on SLU campus, participating in orientation and mentorship training, and maintaining regular online engagement with matched student teams through check-ins, code reviews, and technical guidance. Fellows also contribute to program development through peer learning sessions and feedback processes.

What Fellows Receive​

In return for their commitment, Fellows gain official university affiliation including university ID cards, professional @slu.edu email addresses, library access to research databases and collections, and co-working space privileges on campus. The program provides mentorship training that supports leadership and communication skills, creates networking opportunities with industry professionals and university faculty, and offers recognition through program certificates, LinkedIn designations, and university-endorsed reference letters. The program aims to provide Fellows with personal fulfillment from impacting student success, exposure to student projects and academic research, and continued connections with program graduates.