Name: Career Choices and Crossroads by Harvard GSD Spark*
Start: 2024-11-19T18:00:00-05:00
End: 2024-11-19T19:30:00-05:00
Location: Harvard John A. Paulson School Of Engineering And Applied Sciences

Career Choices and Crossroads by Harvard GSD Spark*

Spark* connects academic insights with real-world design applications, exploring how design drives innovation and creates meaningful impact.
About this Event

Spark* is a Harvard student-led initiative that hosts regular events connecting the Harvard and MIT community of builders, innovators, and design thinkers with industry professionals and thought leaders. Our mission is to bridge the gap between academic insights and real-world applications, creating a space for conversations, mutual learning, and exploring how design and technology drive innovation across diverse fields.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, November 19th
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Venue: Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Science and Engineering Complex, 150 Western Ave, Boston, MA

Audience
The event is targeted at Harvard graduate students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those in the Master in Design Engineering (MDE) program and related fields such as business, engineering, and healthcare. Additionally, members of the broader Cambridge community, including MIT students, innovators, and tinkerers, are invited to join and engage.

Event Structure

Speaker Presentations
Three speakers will deliver 8–10 minute PechaKucha-style talks, sharing their career journeys, significant challenges, and key lessons learned.
Focus will be on real-world experiences in the fields of health innovation, product design, and strategic growth in technology.
Panel Discussion & Q&A
A moderated panel will follow, allowing for a deeper exploration of key themes and an interactive Q&A session with the audience.
Networking Session
The event will conclude with an optional 30-minute networking session, offering a unique opportunity for one-on-one interactions with speakers, students, and other attendees.

Speakers

Dr. Parisa Farzam: A healthcare and life sciences leader with over 15 years in med-tech, including roles at IBM, Harvard Med, and Mass General Hospital. Dr. Farzam brings expertise in AI-driven solutions that transform healthcare across the product lifecycle.
Learn more about Dr.Parisa Farzam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parisafarzam
Bryan Dsouza: An accomplished product marketing leader with experience at Aptiv, Microsoft, and Grammarly. Dsouza specializes in driving strategic growth and aligning product strategies with market needs.
Learn more about Bryan Dsouza: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbbryannn

What to Expect
Attendees can anticipate a dynamic event featuring inspiring talks, actionable insights, and the chance to connect with leaders at the forefront of design, technology, and innovation. Spark* fosters an environment of learning and collaboration, encouraging students to think creatively about design’s role in shaping our world.