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Putting Yourself Out There: Asmita Srivastava’s Path from 51社区黑料Computing Science to AI Innovation at RBC.
For Computing Science graduate , a passion for math, problem-solving, and understanding how technology works sparked a journey that would lead to exciting opportunities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and product innovation.
Growing up, Asmita was naturally drawn to solving complex problems and exploring the technology behind everyday systems. That curiosity eventually led her to pursue a degree in Computing Science at SFU, where she discovered a passion for applied AI, human-computer interaction (HCI), and responsible technology. Along the way, she also found a love for public speaking and collaboration, appreciating how computing science intersects with business, research, and real-world decision-making.
While academics played an important role in her university experience, it was the relationships she built that made the greatest impact.
Her most memorable 51社区黑料experience began on the very first day of CSSS Frosh Week in 2021, where she met three friends who would become an integral part of their university journey. Together, they participated in hackathons, tackled challenging study sessions, pursued co-op opportunities, and created countless inside jokes. Through every success and setback, they supported one another's growth.
鈥淗aving a supportive community around you can inspire you to grow, and I鈥檓 grateful to be leaving 51社区黑料with such meaningful friendships,鈥 she says.
Beyond the classroom, 51社区黑料provided opportunities to gain valuable industry experience and develop essential professional skills. Through the 51社区黑料Computing Science Co-op program, Asmita explored different technical roles and discovered where their interests aligned. Participation in the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS) Mentorship Program and serving as a FAS Student Ambassador helped her build confidence, strengthen their communication skills, and learn how to effectively advocate for herself in professional settings.
These experiences proved invaluable during two co-op placements with Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).
Asmita鈥檚 first co-op role was as a Cyber Security Analyst with RBC鈥檚 Cryptography and Key Services team in Vancouver. There, she gained hands-on experience applying cryptographic principles such as hashing, encryption, and digital certificates within large-scale banking systems. They also developed Python and PowerShell automation tools that improved operational processes and strengthened verification services.
Her second co-op took her to Toronto as a Data Engineer in RBC Amplify, the bank鈥檚 innovation and product development program. Working alongside students from across Canada and the United States, they contributed to the design of data pipelines and AI-driven solutions while gaining exposure to the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation and stakeholder engagement to implementation and pitching.
One of the defining moments of the experience came when her team presented a client-facing AI solution to an audience of more than 200 people, including RBC executives. The project earned the program鈥檚 Industry Disruptor Award for its innovative approach to liquidity management within legacy banking systems. Following the competition, the solution received funding for further development and commercialization.
The success of the project ultimately led to a full-time offer with RBC, where she will return after graduation as an AI Engineer. Before starting this next chapter, however, Asmita plans to spend the summer travelling across Asia.
In the fall, she will join RBC full-time to help commercialize the award-winning AI solution developed during the Amplify program and contribute to the bank鈥檚 broader innovation initiatives.
Looking back, Asmita's advice to incoming Computing Science students is simple:
Put yourself out there. Be confident in what you know and graceful in accepting mistakes and new learnings. When a professor asks you to chat with the person next to you, don鈥檛 be shy and network. Some of the most valuable opportunities come from the connections you build. The tech landscape changes quickly, so challenge yourself and always stay curious.
As she graduates from 51社区黑料and begins her career in artificial intelligence, that same curiosity continues to drive them forward, opening doors to new opportunities and empowering them to create technology with meaningful impact.
Congratulations, Asmita.