5 answers
Fidel
Student
Castroville, CA
5
Questions
Asked
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1: Did you do any jobs during college and university related to your career? 2: What college/training program did you go to and what influenced your choice?
9th grade interview assignment
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5 answers
Jo Ann Hill
Technology Advocate
19
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jo Ann’s Answer
Hello Fidel, I appreciate your inquiries! Throughout my four-year university experience, I mainly worked as a tutor for fellow Computer Science students on campus. Before completing my degree, I had the opportunity to intern at IBM during the summer of my last year, where I gained hands-on experience in my field of study.
As for my choice of program, I initially enrolled as an Accounting major at my university. However, after one semester, my counselor suggested that I switch to Computer Science. He believed that my passion for numbers, solving complex math problems, and general curiosity about how things function would make this field a perfect fit for me.
I attended an HBCU (Historically Black College and University), where students receive additional support and personalized career guidance. I am grateful for the encouragement to pursue Computer Science, as it has led to a fulfilling career where I continue to enjoy learning about new technology and advancements.
As for my choice of program, I initially enrolled as an Accounting major at my university. However, after one semester, my counselor suggested that I switch to Computer Science. He believed that my passion for numbers, solving complex math problems, and general curiosity about how things function would make this field a perfect fit for me.
I attended an HBCU (Historically Black College and University), where students receive additional support and personalized career guidance. I am grateful for the encouragement to pursue Computer Science, as it has led to a fulfilling career where I continue to enjoy learning about new technology and advancements.
Taryn Donaldson
Security Strategy Consultant
26
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Taryn’s Answer
1: Did you do any jobs during college and university related to your career?
-No, I was a waitress while I took my 2 semesters of college. Instead I joined clubs, started clubs, attended conferences, attended events and researched companies and roles I wanted.
2: What college/training program did you go to and what influenced your choice?
-I took 2 semesters at my local tech school before I started looking for jobs in my field. I found an amazing job and stopped college. I am thankful for that because I realized there are 2 ways to approach your career and one involves a lot of debt. If you are truly passionate and practice at home, join the clubs, go to events, speak to professionals where youre interested in working at, complete certs, and meet people at conferences it holds just as much impressions as a degree. I got my job because the interviewer knew me from multiple events. They werent impressed with my degree (because I didnt have one) but they were impressed with the fact that I started a club at my school, I was President of WIT at my campus, attended 10 conferences so far that year and I had studied IBM and knew all about their technologies. I had also been to an IBM event at their office. And to this day I only paid 3,000 for college classes that kicked off my learning enough to show me where to self-study
-No, I was a waitress while I took my 2 semesters of college. Instead I joined clubs, started clubs, attended conferences, attended events and researched companies and roles I wanted.
2: What college/training program did you go to and what influenced your choice?
-I took 2 semesters at my local tech school before I started looking for jobs in my field. I found an amazing job and stopped college. I am thankful for that because I realized there are 2 ways to approach your career and one involves a lot of debt. If you are truly passionate and practice at home, join the clubs, go to events, speak to professionals where youre interested in working at, complete certs, and meet people at conferences it holds just as much impressions as a degree. I got my job because the interviewer knew me from multiple events. They werent impressed with my degree (because I didnt have one) but they were impressed with the fact that I started a club at my school, I was President of WIT at my campus, attended 10 conferences so far that year and I had studied IBM and knew all about their technologies. I had also been to an IBM event at their office. And to this day I only paid 3,000 for college classes that kicked off my learning enough to show me where to self-study
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
234
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Fidel,
I'm happy to answer these questions. :)
1. Yes, I needed money, and I was always the guy at home to fix computer stuff, so I ended up getting a job doing desktop support near my college as a part-time job. My future career plan was to use my degree to get a job, but due to my low-gpa, I was unable to secure one. Instead, I ended up getting a full time job using my computer fixing skills. Then, a year into the job, I was able to leverage the web development experience that I picked up doing research projects in college into a full time job doing web development at the same company. Since then I've either been doing web development, working on infrastructure, or managing people to do either. I've recently transitioned into a site reliability role, which leverages the lessons I've learned in both development and system administration to help make large heaps of servers more reliable and resilient.
2. I went to UC Berkeley and my degree was in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science with a specialization in analog design. I ended up not enjoying the classes and instead went into desktop support, then web development. Web development built on top of the computer science courses that I took in college, so I feel really lucky that I chose the major that I ended up picking. If I didn't have the web development experience, I think I'd had a fine career, but it wouldn't have been the one I had, and I have no regrets about my career. Oh and I chose UC Berkeley because it was much less expensive compared to a private college; I got into Berkeley as an undeclared engineer, but then ended up choosing Electrical Engineering and Computer Science as it was the hardest program that they had (as a way to prove myself... to myself). It probably wasn't the best choice (as it was difficult and my GPA was low), but it ended up working out. Sometimes, I feel like I'm a super lucky guy, but then again, I tend to think things that happen to me as positive things.
Anyways, I hope that was helpful! I wish you the best.
--
Dexter
I'm happy to answer these questions. :)
1. Yes, I needed money, and I was always the guy at home to fix computer stuff, so I ended up getting a job doing desktop support near my college as a part-time job. My future career plan was to use my degree to get a job, but due to my low-gpa, I was unable to secure one. Instead, I ended up getting a full time job using my computer fixing skills. Then, a year into the job, I was able to leverage the web development experience that I picked up doing research projects in college into a full time job doing web development at the same company. Since then I've either been doing web development, working on infrastructure, or managing people to do either. I've recently transitioned into a site reliability role, which leverages the lessons I've learned in both development and system administration to help make large heaps of servers more reliable and resilient.
2. I went to UC Berkeley and my degree was in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science with a specialization in analog design. I ended up not enjoying the classes and instead went into desktop support, then web development. Web development built on top of the computer science courses that I took in college, so I feel really lucky that I chose the major that I ended up picking. If I didn't have the web development experience, I think I'd had a fine career, but it wouldn't have been the one I had, and I have no regrets about my career. Oh and I chose UC Berkeley because it was much less expensive compared to a private college; I got into Berkeley as an undeclared engineer, but then ended up choosing Electrical Engineering and Computer Science as it was the hardest program that they had (as a way to prove myself... to myself). It probably wasn't the best choice (as it was difficult and my GPA was low), but it ended up working out. Sometimes, I feel like I'm a super lucky guy, but then again, I tend to think things that happen to me as positive things.
Anyways, I hope that was helpful! I wish you the best.
--
Dexter
Mack Bailey
Manufacturing quality technical management
42
Answers
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Updated
Mack’s Answer
Hello Fidel,
Wow, it's really amazing to see someone as proactive as you, being a ninth grader and already thinking about gaining career-related experience during your college years! I must say, you're off to a fantastic start.
I was incredibly lucky that my school had strong ties with various industries, which opened up numerous opportunities to receive scholarships as well as secure summer jobs. I pursued a major in Pulp and Paper Technology, which allowed me to work at paper mills during my summer breaks, equipping me with invaluable hands-on experience while also helping finance my education.
The real-world exposure I gained during those summers truly enriched my understanding of the classroom and laboratory studies. I chose NC State University for multiple reasons – its connection to my family, the enticing scholarship, and my innate passion for math and science.
The Pulp and Paper Technology major I pursued had substantial commonalities with Chemical Engineering, and even offered an additional BS degree with just one extra year of study. However, I opted for graduate school in Chemical Engineering instead.
I highly encourage you to keep an eye out for job opportunities within your desired career field while attending college. Don't hesitate to tap into the resources your school offers to assist you in this process. Some institutions even provide a "co-op" program, which schedules alternating semesters of work and study. While this may affect your class schedules, working in summers has proven to be a brilliant way to gain experience and earn some money.
As for me, I chose not to work part-time along with my classes, since I considered education to be my primary "job" at that time. However, if your career path allows for after-school or weekend work, it may be a great idea to explore those opportunities.
Believe in yourself, Fidel, and remember that your determination and forward-thinking attitude are the pillars of your success. Wishing you the best of luck in your journey!
Warm regards,
Mack
Wow, it's really amazing to see someone as proactive as you, being a ninth grader and already thinking about gaining career-related experience during your college years! I must say, you're off to a fantastic start.
I was incredibly lucky that my school had strong ties with various industries, which opened up numerous opportunities to receive scholarships as well as secure summer jobs. I pursued a major in Pulp and Paper Technology, which allowed me to work at paper mills during my summer breaks, equipping me with invaluable hands-on experience while also helping finance my education.
The real-world exposure I gained during those summers truly enriched my understanding of the classroom and laboratory studies. I chose NC State University for multiple reasons – its connection to my family, the enticing scholarship, and my innate passion for math and science.
The Pulp and Paper Technology major I pursued had substantial commonalities with Chemical Engineering, and even offered an additional BS degree with just one extra year of study. However, I opted for graduate school in Chemical Engineering instead.
I highly encourage you to keep an eye out for job opportunities within your desired career field while attending college. Don't hesitate to tap into the resources your school offers to assist you in this process. Some institutions even provide a "co-op" program, which schedules alternating semesters of work and study. While this may affect your class schedules, working in summers has proven to be a brilliant way to gain experience and earn some money.
As for me, I chose not to work part-time along with my classes, since I considered education to be my primary "job" at that time. However, if your career path allows for after-school or weekend work, it may be a great idea to explore those opportunities.
Believe in yourself, Fidel, and remember that your determination and forward-thinking attitude are the pillars of your success. Wishing you the best of luck in your journey!
Warm regards,
Mack
Sanaz Ebriani
Operations Program Mgr, Experimentation @ Microsoft
8
Answers
Redmond, Washington
Updated
Sanaz’s Answer
From an amalgam of Director and Senior level folks in Digital Stores Marketing Dept:
BF
Yes! I had several jobs during collect. I recommended you try many different experiences to find what you enjoy most. 2. I minored in professional writing program in college which allowed great mentorship opportunities. I learned I loved working in technology, but didn't love working as a writer. This helped me pick alternative career paths. I also had an internship in an arts organization, and discovered that I enjoyed the environment in tech roles more - the passion and innovation captivated me!
JC
I worked in retail, specifically visual merchandising which was not actually in my related career, but it did teach me to think both critically and creatively. I studied computer science and communications at Fordham University and later got certification in Arts and Illustration at Pratt Institute. All of that experience has led me to be pretty versatile with the ability to work both logically and creatively while communicating effectively.
KW
I did computer science at University of North Texas as my major and was fortunate to find an internship that closely matches my interests. This opportunity gave me a lot of insight into my future career and helped make great professional relationships that benefited after the college completion. So, I highly recommend doing internships early on to help figure out possible career paths.
BF
Yes! I had several jobs during collect. I recommended you try many different experiences to find what you enjoy most. 2. I minored in professional writing program in college which allowed great mentorship opportunities. I learned I loved working in technology, but didn't love working as a writer. This helped me pick alternative career paths. I also had an internship in an arts organization, and discovered that I enjoyed the environment in tech roles more - the passion and innovation captivated me!
JC
I worked in retail, specifically visual merchandising which was not actually in my related career, but it did teach me to think both critically and creatively. I studied computer science and communications at Fordham University and later got certification in Arts and Illustration at Pratt Institute. All of that experience has led me to be pretty versatile with the ability to work both logically and creatively while communicating effectively.
KW
I did computer science at University of North Texas as my major and was fortunate to find an internship that closely matches my interests. This opportunity gave me a lot of insight into my future career and helped make great professional relationships that benefited after the college completion. So, I highly recommend doing internships early on to help figure out possible career paths.