From Cornell to ThunderSoft: A Journey of Growth and Impact

At ThunderSoft, talent is not only recruited — it’s nurtured and empowered.

My journey from one of the world’s top universities to a fast-paced global tech company has been both humbling and transformative.

Educational Foundation: Cornell ILR and Real-World HR Experience

I graduated from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) with a concentration in Human Resources and Organizations. As one of Cornell’s most prestigious and distinctive colleges, ILR is a global leader in applied social sciences, blending law, economics, management, and policy, all through the lens of work, employment, and labor.

My time at Cornell was both rigorous and rewarding. I had the privilege of serving as a Teaching Assistant to Professor Ileen DeVault for two semesters, focusing on U.S. labor history. I also completed a six-month internship with DJI’s Los Angeles office as a Talent Acquisition Specialist, where I gained a global perspective on HR within the tech industry. These academic and practical experiences sharpened my analytical skills, deepened my passion for people operations, and gave me a strong foundation across multiple HR disciplines and tools.

Why ThunderSoft? A Unique Blend of Innovation and People-Centric Values

I joined ThunderSoft right after graduation last summer. Despite receiving a couple of offers, including from some top tech firm, I chose ThunderSoft because I saw something rare: a combination of innovation, autonomy, and sincere people-centric values.

From the interview process, I was struck by how down-to-earth and logical the team was. Everyone I spoke to genuinely cared about both the company’s vision and each other. Communication was timely, coordination was smooth, and the candidate experience felt personal. That authenticity resonated with me deeply.

Growth and Development: Expanding Impact Across North America

About six months after I joined ThunderSoft, my role expanded from supporting HR and operations for the IoT Business Group in San Diego to supporting across all three North American offices: San Diego (IoT), Detroit (Smart Vehicle), and Toronto (Emerging Markets). This transition brought both challenges and opportunities. When I first took on the broader scope, many processes needed to be clarified, streamlined, or built from scratch. It was definitely a steep learning curve, but the experience pushed me to grow quickly, develop cross-functional skills, and better understand the needs of different teams across regions.

As things shifted from setup to growth, I started getting more involved in shaping how we work—not just executing tasks. I have had the chance to flag potential risks, suggest better ways of doing things, and take part in decision-making. What I really appreciate is that my input is genuinely heard. My managers trust me to take initiative and try new things, but they are also always there to guide and support me when I need it.

Advice & Reflection: Adaptability and Initiative Matter Most

Be open-minded and proactive. Technical skills are important, but adaptability, communication, and critical thinking truly help people stand out and succeed in fast-evolving workplaces. For anyone looking for a place where they can grow quickly, think independently, and make a real impact, ThunderSoft is the right fit.

In one sentence: Here, I’m not just executing tasks — I’m helping shape how a global company operates.

By Stella Zheng