Somerville visits Akamai

Somerville High School Enroot students visited Akamai last week to learn about careers in technology. Akamai, one of the largest content delivery networks, is based nearby in Cambridge. After a rainy commute to Kendall, students were greeted with cookies, an engaging tour of Akamai’s workplace, and the opportunity to ask questions.

Students spoke with employees about the many varied paths they had taken to work at a technology company. They learned that many Akamai employees had no formal training in computer science at all, but were rather trained in the specificity of Akamai’s work only after joining the team. Akamai employees stressed the value they see in students with problem solving skills and the appreciation they have for diversity, particularly through their many recruitment programs for applicants of minority backgrounds. Students left with reassurance that behind the intimidating computer screens were smiling, welcoming faces and with a sense of confidence that in just a few years they could be right alongside them.

Students listen and take notes as they toured Akamai’s building and spoke with Akamai employees.

Students Give Back to the Community

Despite the freezing weather, Enroot students came out to serve their community at Many Helping Hands’ Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on January 21st in Cambridge. Enroot students volunteered alongside nearly 3000 members of the Cambridge community including Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Ayanna Pressley, as they made scarves, blankets, and Valentines Day cards. Read more on the day in the Cambridge Chronicle.

Enroot Student Harry pictured with Senator Elizabeth Warren. Picture by the Cambridge Chronicle.

Student Reflection on Visiting Fidelity

By: Adnan, Enroot 12th grade student

On January 17th, we had a special seminar and we went on a field trip to Fidelity. Fidelity is a multinational financial services corporation based in Boston, Massachusetts. It’s one of the largest asset managers, it controls around $2.5 trillion.

We were exploring and admiring the art around the building, led by an employee who worked at Fidelity for 12 years. There was an art which really surprised me, it was called “Eumorph” made by August Ventimiglia. He made it with chalk tape. There was another one which was fascinating. It was made by Thor and Jennifer Bueno called “silver series.” It was made of different shapes of silver droplets and contained a chemical element called Mercury.

We also had some delicious snacks that they offered us. We had an panel where we talked to 3 employees and they were sharing their past with us. They told us how long it took for them in order to be what they are today. They also talked about a rotational program where you can work with different people in different departments, which will help us discover what we want to continue doing. We also talked to different employees who had different majors in college.

I personally think it was a great experience talking to different people and know their opinion about how to succeed. I also added them in linkedin in order to stay connected with them, so I can keep talking to them and in future they can help get a job or internship.