Silicon Valley Team Feature: Hannah Kang

Hannah Kang is the Experiential Learning Specialist at Northeastern University’s Silicon Valley campus, a role that places her at the unique intersection of career services and strategic partnerships. Her work involves sourcing opportunities and creating programs that help students bridge the gap between academic learning and the demands of the professional world. In the dynamic Silicon Valley market, this means understanding student aspirations, analyzing market trends, and addressing workforce needs—an intricate and ever-evolving challenge she navigates with dedication and purpose. 

Hannah’s path to higher education was both unexpected and transformative. After being laid off from her previous organization, she took the opportunity to reflect deeply on her strengths and career path. This period of transition gave her clarity and confidence, ultimately leading her to a role where she could leverage her experience and passion for empowering others. 

Among her proudest accomplishments is the successful launch of Makers Week, a campus-wide initiative designed to enhance student engagement and provide diverse learning experiences. By integrating various departments and curating activities such as hackathons, guest speaker sessions, and networking events, she created a cohesive program that encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones and engage with industry professionals. The initiative also addressed key student concerns, such as maximizing the value of on-campus events, ensuring it was as impactful as it was inclusive. While Hannah is already envisioning improvements for the future, she celebrates the success of the event as a step toward deeper student engagement and experiential learning. 

Hannah’s professional background includes nonprofit work supporting young adult learners, coupled with a retail stint during the pandemic while pursuing her Master of Business Administration. This mix of experiences has shaped her empathetic and pragmatic approach to her work, allowing her to connect with students and partners effectively. Currently pursuing her Doctorate of Education at Northeastern, her research focuses on higher education institutions, career decision-making, and sociocultural influences, perfectly aligning with her professional mission. 

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys traveling and has found unexpected joy in the transformative process of her doctoral journey. She draws inspiration from Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy, a book that has profoundly influenced her career values by highlighting the power of social justice, resilience, and meaningful impact. For Hannah, it underscores the importance of promoting equity, inclusion, and the empowerment of individuals. 

When asked for career advice, Hannah offers a heartfelt reminder: “As much as you show up for others, remember to show up for yourself and prioritize filling your cup.” A coffee enthusiast and extroverted introvert, Hannah embodies the spirit of growth, connection, and purpose that defines Northeastern’s community. Through her innovative work, she continues to create opportunities that prepare students to thrive in the workforce while fostering a culture of belonging and discovery.