Manali DC

Senior University Recruiter at Applied Materials

University RecruitingPhD Recruiting (AI/ML)Campus EngagementDiversity & Inclusion HiringTechnical SourcingInternship Program Management

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About

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

Looking for

›expanding my professional network
›exploring mutual opportunities in the semiconductor and university recruiting space

Best fit for

University studentsPhD candidates in AI/MLAcademic career centersHiring managers

Current Interests

Semiconductor industryAI/ML and IoTSTEM education advocacyInternational travel (Japan)Culinary arts

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.