Hatem Alkhatib, an undergraduate Computer Science major at the College of Staten Island, was recently selected for the highly competitive Walmart Global Tech Sophomore Summit. Out of thousands of applicants from across the country, Hatem was one of only 100 students nationwide chosen to participate—and one of just two students representing all of CUNY.

This exclusive three-day summit, hosted at Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville, AR, is designed to spotlight and support promising sophomore students pursuing careers in software engineering. Attendees are immersed in a series of professional development workshops, engage in networking opportunities with Walmart leaders, and are given a chance to interview for a coveted 2026 internship with Walmart Global Tech.

“I applied to attend the Walmart conference because I wanted to learn more about how a company of that scale integrates technology into its operations and innovation strategies,” Hatem said. “I was especially interested in networking with professionals in the tech space and exploring how my skills could fit into a company like Walmart.”

The Walmart Global Tech Sophomore Summit emphasizes hands-on learning and exploration of key software engineering tracks, including backend, frontend, and full-stack development. Participants also gain insights into real-world tech challenges, corporate innovation, and the day-to-day work of software engineers at one of the world’s largest companies.

As part of the program, Walmart covers all travel, lodging, meals, and activities, ensuring that every student can focus entirely on learning, connecting, and showcasing their talents.

“I’m extremely proud to have been selected. It felt like recognition of the hard work I’ve been putting into my education and career development,” he said. “The conference gave me access to real-world insights, mentorship, and a chance to see firsthand how Walmart empowers young professionals.”

Hatem’s selection is not only a testament to his academic excellence and technical promise but also a proud moment for the CUNY community. His success highlights the caliber of students in the University system and the growing recognition of the potential of CSI Computer Science students on a national scale.

“Some of my key takeaways were the importance of adaptability in the workplace, how collaboration across departments drives innovation, and the value of personal branding,” Hatem said. “The conference opened my eyes to how many different roles exist within a single company, even for someone with a tech background. Since returning, I’ve felt more focused and motivated. I’ve even started improving how I present my projects and communicate my goals.”

Hatem’s participation in the Walmart Global Tech Sophomore Summit marks not only a personal achievement, but a transformative step in his academic and professional journey. He is hoping for a career as a software engineer, ideally one that values innovation and social impact. From engaging directly with industry leaders to exploring the latest in software engineering practices, the summit offered him an invaluable, real-world experience that few undergraduates ever receive. This opportunity not only broadened his technical perspective but also deepened his confidence and clarity about the future he’s building in tech.

Congratulations to Hatem on being selected to participate and for sharing his story. His experiences should go a long way toward his professional journey in the workplace.