Last week, our College and Career Counseling session became a full circle moment! We had the privilege of welcoming back a panel of Genesys Works Bay Area alumni who shared not only where they are now, but also reminded current Young Professionals what’s possible. From navigating their own internships to building confidence in professional spaces, their stories encouraged students to enter the last few months of high school with motivation and excitement.
Interns received valuable, tangible advice from alum who remember being in their shoes. As Kevin Quach, Class of 2018 and previous ServiceNow intern, shared: it’s the connections built through Genesys Works that allow you to step into professional spaces with self-assurance. Peony Yu, Class of 2014 intern at Gensler, echoed that sentiment: “…through Genesys Works, you’re opening doors, building relationships, and learning what it is that you do and don’t like.”
Hilda Sian, Class of 2016 intern at Kirkland & Ellis, offered a reminder that resonated: make the most of your internship and take advantage of every learning lesson. Every assignment, every meeting, every piece of feedback is part of something bigger. Building on that, Peony emphasized the importance of asking questions. “Everything is part of the learning experience,” she said, encouraging interns to stay curious and lean into uncertainty rather than shy away from it.
Kevin continued to reiterate the sentiment that “the work is valuable, but as an intern the thing that makes you stand out the most is making friends and connections,” something that Genesys Works fosters in each and every Young Professional.
This idea of connection came up again and again, with alum emphasizing that help is always there from those around you, and especially within the Genesys Works community. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation, but rather conversation and relationship building that takes effort and dedication.
Nayeli Cortez-Ramos, Class of 2025 Okta intern, reflected on how learning to navigate relationships through Genesys Works has helped her significantly post-high school. Jose Cerda-Vega, Class of 2023 Patelco Intern, summed it up simply: “Genesys Works 100% made everything easier.” The professional exposure, the confidence, and the network continue to build and allow young people to come into their own.
Throughout the conversation, the theme of community continued to come up. The connections built through Genesys Works don’t end when the internship does. They evolve into mentorship, friendships, professional networks, and a lasting sense of confidence. Michael Nguyen, a member of GWBA’s very first cohort and current Board Member, wrapped up our session with a great reminder: “Just being in Genesys Works gives you an advantage most people your age don’t have. Use that!”
To our alumni, thank you for giving back to this community and helping inspire the next generation of leaders. And to the Class of 2026, we can’t wait to see where this journey takes you next.
