From high school drop-out to data science leader, Sundas Khalid knows how difficult it can be to break into the world of tech and data science. That’s why Khalid started CareerPy. Her career guidance business helps women and individuals from underrepresented groups land their dream jobs.
The first woman in her family to graduate from university, Khalid won the Women Empowerment Award in 2019 from the Pakistani Association of Greater Seattle. She has also earned features on Forbes, People of Color in Tech, and Boss Women Pakistan, among others.
“[I have been] mentoring young women who are entering tech and helping them shape their future,” she says. Like other successful women in STEM Alfia Ilicheva and Ayesha Khanna, Khalid uses her own inspirational journey to build a support system for people of color and women in tech.
Sundas Khalid impresses at Amazon and Google
In college Khalid interned as a financial analyst. Specifically, she worked with databases for Amazon. There, she won first place among the intern presentations, scoring her a full-time position. Five and a half years later, she went on to work in search engine analytics for Google.
Khalid participates in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts with Google’s IAmRemarkable initiative. This initiative celebrates the achievements of women and underrepresented groups in the workforce. Outside of work, Khalid volunteers on advisory boards for the company. She also volunteers with local nonprofits that focus on outreach and recruitment to build diversity and allyship.
“There are many ways organizations can create an equitable workplace,” says Khalid. “This includes providing educational training…and encouraging allyship and sponsorship among privileged groups, so the burden does not lie on underprivileged individuals.”
Sundas Khalid pushes past Expectations
Khalid, an immigrant from Faisalabad, Pakistan, came from a conservative family that had life plans already laid out for her. “It wasn’t until after I got married, immigrated to the USA, and had a near-death experience, that I felt pushed to get out of my comfort zone and pursue my passion for learning,” she told Forbes Magazine. Khalid recalls lying in a hospital bed as a result of a life threatening illness in the six-year gap between high school and college.
A high school drop-out and mother of two young children, Khalid began taking online classes at North Seattle College before transferring to the University of Washington. Soon, she discovered her passion for tech during an internship at Amazon. She went on to take a database management certification course in the last few months before graduation.
Khalid graduated as Valedictorian with a degree in Business Administration and Information Management Systems in 2014. As President of the student-led Business Information Technology Society, she received a leadership award for her hard work and dedication.
Sundas Khalid helps the next Generation of Women achieve their Career Goals
Khalid’s current work as a career coach helps women of color in tech negotiate job offers, salaries, and build resumes. “I have gotten so much more clarity after speaking to her, and got so many great, practical tips for my resume and job search,” reads a client testimonial on her website, CareerPy.
QuickStart and CodeGirls invited Khalid to speak at the kickoff of their Data Science Master Bootcamp. This 6-month educational program helps kickstart careers in data science for women and girls. Khalid discussed challenges and opportunities with the participants as a role model in the field.
“Don’t compare yourself to other people because everyone has different journeys.” Khalid tells Wogrammer in an interview. She takes her leadership and inspiration to social media, where she shares resources and posts helpful tips on TikTok and Instagram.
Visit her website to learn more about Khalid and receive career coaching at SundasKhalid.com.
