Manali DC
Senior University Recruiter at Applied Materials
Managing large-scale university recruitment and internship programs within the semiconductor sector.
Intro
I'm Manali, a Senior University Recruiter at Applied Materials. My career has been dedicated to bridging the gap between academia and industry, with a journey that spans recruiting for giants like Adobe, Walmart, and Deloitte. I specialize in finding the 'wizards' of tech—particularly PhD candidates in AI/ML and Data Science—and helping them find their place in the semiconductor world, which I truly believe is the foundation of modern innovation. Beyond the spreadsheets and ATS, I'm a big advocate for work-life balance and leading with confidence. I’m also a former part-time chef and a fan of international travel. I’m here to support the next generation of innovators and help students navigate their first big career steps while building diverse, high-impact talent pipelines.
Networking
What I can offer
- ›Expertise in transitioning from academia to industry
- ›Insights into semiconductor and tech hiring
- ›Mentorship for university students and PhD candidates
What I'm looking for
- ›expanding my professional network
- ›exploring mutual opportunities in the semiconductor and university recruiting space
Best fit for
Focus
Current interests
Core competencies
Background
Career
Progressed through specialized campus recruiting roles at Deloitte, Walmart eCommerce, Proofpoint, and Adobe, focusing on MBA and PhD (AI/ML) talent before joining Applied Materials.
Education
M.S. in Human Resource Management from Golden Gate University (2014–2016); MBA in HR from Punjab Technical University (2010–2013).
Achievements
- ›Increased diversity hiring by 12% during a Fall season at Proofpoint.
- ›Managed 58 active requisitions simultaneously at Walmart eCommerce.
- ›Supported over 400 aspiring interns concurrently at Applied Materials.
- ›Led 'Applied Innovation Day' at ASU for 300+ students and executive stakeholders.
Opinions
- Work-life balance must be normalized; sacrificing personal space should not be a career requirement.
- Leaders should create safe spaces for questions and challenges.
- Semiconductors are the foundational 'ballroom' where technical creativity comes to life.
Personality
Communication style
Enthusiastic and supportive with a touch of wit; balances corporate advocacy with personal vulnerability.
Formality — 6/10
Vocabulary