Finding Her Place in Tech: Meet Lindsay Lai

As a first-year computer science student at UC Berkeley, Lindsay Lai is learning that success in technology isn't about having all the answers. It's about staying curious, adaptable, and open to new opportunities. In this Q&A, she reflects on her experience as a high school student in our Intro to Quantum Computing course, navigating college, and preparing for a future shaped by rapid technological change.

Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your interests?

Hi! My name is Lindsay Lai, and I’m a first-year computer science student at UC Berkeley. I was born and raised in Northern Virginia, and outside of academics, I enjoy volleyball, beach volleyball, and dance.

Academically, I’m still exploring my options, but I’m excited by all the possibilities that technology creates. I’m definitely interested in pursuing a career in the tech industry, whether that’s software engineering or machine learning engineering.

How did you first become interested in technology and emerging tech?

My parents both work in the tech industry, so that definitely influenced me growing up. I also always felt like my strengths aligned with the types of skills that technology careers require.

Since arriving at Berkeley, though, my interests have been shaped just as much by the people around me. Being in the Bay Area means you're constantly surrounded by innovation and people building incredible things, so that’s been incredibly inspiring and motivating. This environment simply makes you want to keep learning and growing.

What specifically excites you most about studying technology in the Bay Area?

One of the most exciting things is being in the heart of where so many new technologies are emerging from. You get exposed to new ideas and innovations very early, and it feels like you're constantly getting a first-look at what's coming next.

For me, it's really about exploring the unknown and seeing how technology continues to evolve.

“What excites me most is exploring the unknown and seeing what comes next.”

How did your experience with FTI help shape your journey?

I participated in FTI's Intro to Quantum Computing course as a high schooler, and one of the things I found most fascinating was seeing how concepts I was learning in my math and science classes could be applied to real-world technologies.

The course helped me understand topics like linear algebra, vectors, and superposition in a completely different way. Once I learned those concepts through the lens of quantum computing, I started seeing their applications everywhere. It made me much more curious about technology and reinforced my interest in pursuing STEM.

What excites you most about the future of tech?

Technology is making so many things more accessible, efficient, and interconnected.

What excites me most, though, is how quickly everything is evolving. Everyone says how they didn’t expect things to move this fast, and I keep asking myself, “How much faster is it going to get?” Right now, it’s all about AI, but I’m curious about what comes next and what future breakthroughs will look like.

What challenges have you faced on your technology journey?

The biggest challenge for me has been avoiding comparisons to other people, especially in such a highly competitive environment like Berkeley.

It’s so easy to look at classmates who seem more experienced or further along in their careers and feel like you're falling behind. But over time, I've learned that it's more productive to focus on just improving compared to my previous self rather than comparing myself to everyone else.

Another challenge is that the technology industry is just incredibly competitive right now. While technology has made opportunities more accessible, it's also made it easier for more people to compete for the same positions.

One thing that's helped me combat this is learning from mentors and older students who have recently gone through the process themselves.

“I’ve learned to focus on becoming better than my previous self, not comparing myself to everyone around me.”

Who inspires you most?

The people around me inspire me every day.

Many of my friends, mentors, and older students work so hard, and seeing their dedication and accomplishments motivates me to keep pushing myself.

My parents are also a major inspiration. They came to the U.S. with very little and built successful careers and lives through hard work and perseverance.

What advice would you give students interested in emerging technologies?

Stay open-minded.

Technology is changing so quickly that it's impossible to predict exactly what jobs, industries, or technologies will exist five years from now. Being flexible and willing to learn new things is, by far, the most important.

The students who succeed will be the ones who can adapt alongside the technology.

“Stay open-minded. The technologies and opportunities of tomorrow may not even exist yet.”

Lindsay's journey is a reminder that building a career in technology isn't about having every step planned out from the beginning. Rather than comparing herself to those around her, she has learned to focus on her own growth, seek guidance from mentors, and embrace each challenge as an opportunity to learn. Her advice to future students is simple: stay open-minded, trust your journey, and remember that progress is measured by how far you've come—not by how you compare to others.