At Pace University, Go-Getters don’t just learn—they lead. And Riya Golani (MS in Computer Science ’25) is no exception. As a master’s student at the Seidenberg School, she’s turning challenges into milestones, passion into purpose, and a dream of NYC into a career at Amazon.

From a Dream to a Decision

“New York City was always a far-fetched dream for me—I never thought it would actually be possible,” Riya recalls. But a desire for growth and a feeling of stagnation at her former job sparked a realization: she needed to upskill, and NYC became the symbol of that next step. “I wanted a place where I could grow, learn, and push myself further.”

During her search for schools with strong computer science programs, Pace stood out. “I chose Pace without hesitation. It wasn’t just about NYC anymore—it was about the experience and education that would truly be worth something,” she says. Seidenberg’s wide range of electives and flexible curriculum sealed the deal.

That flexibility made me feel comfortable, like I belonged. It was the right decision then, and looking back now, I know it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

A Class That Changed Everything

For Riya, one particular Seidenberg course the trajectory of her technical path: Enterprise Computing with Professor Baik Doosan. “Before that, I struggled to grasp even the most basic concepts like APIs or Git. But Professor Baik didn’t just teach—he immersed us in real-world applications, pouring his industry experiences into every lecture.”

Guided by his mentorship, Riya’s class tackled an event exploration project, one that challenged and empowered her. “This was my first full MERN stack project—before that, I had only worked on backend solutions. That class gave me the confidence to start developing my own MERN stack projects, and it completely changed the direction of my technical journey.”

Professor Baik didn’t just stay in the classroom. He became a mentor beyond it—supporting Riya through her job search, interview prep, and career decisions.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

From the Data Science Club and the Google Developer Group to Women in Tech and the Art Club, Riya also dove into the University’s extracurricular scene with enthusiasm.

Pace has an incredibly inclusive culture, and that has allowed me to explore so much beyond just academics.

One major milestone? Representing the Pace AI Lab at the Grace Hopper Celebration. “That experience gave me a huge confidence boost and taught me the invaluable skill of networking and expressing my work effectively.”

She also played a big role in organizing community and cultural events, including the Diwali Celebration and various tech talks. “What’s special about Seidenberg is the accessibility of the faculty and administration. Dean Chen is always reachable—I can literally walk up to her, and if she has even a few minutes, she’ll make time to listen.”

Among all of these extracurricular leadership positions and activities, Riya also had the time to work as a graduate assistant at Seidenberg. “Even though I’m a Computer Science student, I wasn’t limited to just CS work. I had the chance to work on Seidenberg’s social media, thanks to Pace AI Lab’s co-director Katie Todd, who believed in my skills and gave me that opportunity.”

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A Supportive Community Like No Other

When asked to briefly describe her Seidenberg experience, Riya said that there are three things that stand out to her:

Inclusivity – “Seidenberg welcomes everyone with open arms.”

Access to Resources – “From career services to faculty mentorship, support is everywhere.”

Immense Support – “The people here genuinely care, and that makes all the difference.”

From starting as a student assistant at Lubin to now being a graduate assistant at Seidenberg and working in the Pace AI Lab, Riya’s Pace opportunities have shaped her career. “Seidenberg is a place that made me feel at home in a new city, in a new phase of life. The professors, administration, and career counselors were always there for me.”

Whenever I needed guidance, I just had to ask, and I received so much love and support.

And the result of all Riya’s incredible determination and experiences? “I got into Amazon as an SDE1 before graduating. That wouldn’t have been possible without Seidenberg. I owe it to this school.”

Riya Golani’s story is more than a student’s journey—it embodies the spirit of Pace: opportunity, empowerment, transformation, and most importantly, a community that truly cares.