Get involved and stay connected
HCDE works with alumni, industry professionals, and organizations in many ways, from bringing real-world projects into the classroom to mentoring students, sharing professional expertise, and building connections across our community.
Whether you’re looking to get involved individually or with your organization, explore the opportunities below. Have another idea? We’re always interested in finding new ways to work together.
Opportunities for organizations
Propose a usability study
Partner with HCDE master's students to evaluate how well your website, app, or other tool works for the people you serve. Student teams conduct usability research and share findings and recommendations with your organization.
Projects typically run January–March.
Sponsor a capstone project
Bring HCDE students a real-world challenge they can explore through research, ideation, design, and prototyping. Student teams work closely with sponsors over two quarters, culminating in HCDE's annual Capstone Showcase.
Projects typically run January–June.
Host a Career Trek
Welcome a group of HCDE students to your Seattle-area workplace for a tour and conversation with you and your colleagues. Career Treks give students a behind-the-scenes look at different organizations, industries, and professional roles.
Career Treks typically take place in fall quarter.
Opportunities for individuals
Mentor HCDE students
Share your experience with a small group of current students through HCDE's Mentorship Pods program. Mentors meet with their pod once a month for conversations about portfolios, interviewing, networking, and other career topics.
Pods meet January–May.
Speak to an HCDE class
Share your expertise and professional experience with current HCDE students. Guest speakers may speak with groups ranging from 10 to 75 students, and some talks may be opened to the broader HCDE community or public.
Opportunities are available throughout the year. Depending on the audience, talks may be promoted through our website calendar or internal community channels. Speakers are always asked for permission before a talk is recorded.
Review student portfolios
Provide feedback as HCDE students prepare to enter the professional world. Individuals can participate in portfolio reviews, or organizations can gather a group of colleagues to review student work together.
Portfolio reviews typically take place in winter quarter.
For HCDE alumni
Help review master's applications
HCDE master's alumni can give back from wherever they are by helping review applications to the program. Alumni reviewers bring an important professional perspective to the admissions process.
Application review takes place in January and February.
Connect with fellow HCDE alumni
Find fellow graduates through HCDE's alumni directory, with listings for undergraduate, master's, certificate, and PhD alumni. Add or update your information to stay connected with the HCDE community.
Alumni & industry events
Recruiting and partnerships
Recruit and hire HCDE students
Looking to hire HCDE students for jobs or internships? Learn how to share opportunities with students, participate in professional development events, or coordinate an information session.
Partner with HCDE and the College of Engineering
Interested in research partnerships, corporate engagement, or supporting students and faculty? The College of Engineering's Corporate & Foundation Relations team connects organizations with opportunities across the College.
Have another idea?
We’re always interested in finding new ways to work with our alumni, industry professionals, and community partners. If you have an idea for working with HCDE, or aren’t sure which opportunity is the best fit, contact HCDE Outreach & Strategic Partnerships Manager Melissa Ewing.