Rose-Gaëlle Belinga ’09 and ’12
Software Engineering
Technology Associate, Morgan Stanley
Getting started in software engineering… I have been passionate about technology since early childhood in Yaoundé, Cameroon, as it opens the door to various opportunities to give back to the community. Even though I was not introduced to computers until much later in life, one of my professors noticed my proficiency and mentored me toward a computing-related major, and eventually software engineering.
Choosing Auburn… My undergraduate studies started in the dual-degree program at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia, where I completed a Bachelor of Arts and had to transfer to an engineering school to complete my studies. After receiving several offers from top schools, I visited each campus and immediately fell in love with Auburn University — not only because of its top academic rankings, but also for the myriad of extracurricular opportunities available. This is one of the best decisions of my life to date. In fact, I loved Auburn so much that I stayed for my master’s degree in software engineering as well.
A day in the life… This is a trick question: no two days are alike! At Morgan Stanley, I work in the Mobile Engineering team and also lead several projects in augmented reality as part of our Global Technology Innovation Program. Furthermore, I am involved in various tech philanthropy endeavors throughout the New York City metro area, through which we teach computer science in under-served areas with colleagues from several companies.
Most days are therefore a combination of tech innovation, design, development, testing, production support, mentorship and volunteering.
How Auburn prepared me… The problem solving and collaboration skills learned through the software engineering curriculum at Auburn have prepared me to tackle my daily activities. Most importantly, I learned “how to learn” and this has not only helped me build technical expertise, but also continuously grow on the personal side.
Career aspirations… I am passionate about technology, the arts and making the world a better place; therefore, tech philanthropy is my long-term goal. I am grateful to have an amazing work environment and management team who support this dream and provide me the necessary resources to succeed.
Giving back to Auburn… The guidance and financial contributions of Auburn’s Computer Science and Software Engineering Advisory Council played a significant role while I was a student, which is why I did not hesitate to give back when the college asked. Among many things, the CSSE Business Advisory Council assists with mentorship, scholarship endowment, recruiting, career development and, of course, curriculum review. In addition to that, my personal focus as the council’s chair is to ensure that Auburn University continues to provide a wonderful environment where underrepresented students can succeed.
Encouraging the next generation of women in computing… I love being a mentor as part of the 100+ Women Strong program! Moreover, I have had the opportunity to provide career development guidance and look forward to continuing to do so, through both the Academic Excellence Program sessions and panels with the Association for Computing Machinery student organization.
Outside Auburn, I am quite involved with AnitaB.org as a scholar, interviewer, scholarship reviewer, and tech proposal coach as a domain expert, particularly for the annual Grace Hopper Celebration for Women in Computing. As a member of both the Women TechMakers community, I enjoy coaching and connecting women technologists early in their career with resources and role models in academia, industry, as well as government agencies. Finally, as a member of the F.I.R.E. community — Financial Independence Retire Early — I am a avid advocate for financial literacy, especially for women, because once we manage our personal finances well, we can focus on what brings value to our lives as well as how we can bring value to the world: personal growth, quality time with loved ones, giving back to the community, entrepreneurship, geo-arbitrage, and endless more opportunities!
