How did you choose your major, program, and/or minor?
I chose my major in Computer Science because I became fascinated with technology and how it impacts our daily lives. Specifically, I love how programming and software development have the power to solve complex problems and create innovative solutions. Initially, I started as a pre-med student at the University of South Florida, but an introduction to coding sparked my passion for Computer Science and prompted me to switch my major. This decision has allowed me to fully explore my interests in technology and engages me with a mix of creativity and problem-solving.
Please share 2 or 3 noteworthy internships, co-curricular activities, volunteer experiences, jobs, programs, or other training acquired (if applicable) that contributed to your current success.
My current internship at SOFWERX has contributed immensely to my professional growth and development. During my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to immerse myself in an innovative environment, connect with and learn from industry experts, and enhance my technical skills in software development. I developed and implemented features for the SOFWERX website using JavaScript and Next.js to enhance user experience and make information more accessible. One of the highlights of this internship was presenting my work and what I learned. This experience improved my communication and public speaking skills as I explained technical information to a diverse audience. Overall, I’ve learned a lot at this internship and it will surely benefit me in my future career.
Additionally, serving as the Senior Marketing Chair for USF Red Cross allowed me to create and execute marketing strategies to boost awareness and engagement on campus. I managed social media campaigns, helped organize fundraising events, and helped coordinate volunteer activities. This role strengthened my leadership and organizational skills and taught me valuable lessons in communication, teamwork, and planning.
What competencies have been essential to your current success?
- Communication
- Technology
- Critical Thinking
- Professionalism
- Career & Self-Development
Have you overcome academic, career preparation, or job search obstacles during your time at USF thus far? How?
One huge challenge I overcame was when I decided to switch my major from Biomedical Sciences to Computer Science to pursue my true passion. The process of switching to Computer Science was very difficult and required navigating various administrative hurdles and meeting new academic requirements. I frequently met with academic advisors to understand the steps for the transition and ensure I was on the right track. I also had to frequently communicate with professors at USF and also HCC to get approval to take classes, for course substitutions, and permits.
After making the switch, I worked very hard to catch up on the prerequisites and foundational courses required for Computer Science. Although the process was very stressful and confusing, the experience taught me a lot about perseverance, determination, and the importance of communication. Looking back, I am glad I overcame these challenges to pursue the path that I was truly passionate about.
What advice would you give to other USF students?
One piece of advice I have for other USF students is to never give up, especially when it comes to job searching. Although it is easy to get discouraged when receiving rejection after rejection, it is important to stay persistent and keep pushing forward because every rejection is an opportunity to learn and improve. I remind myself that staying positive and working hard to continuously improve my skills will eventually lead me to the right opportunity.
Another important piece of advice I have is to always remember to take care of yourself throughout your academic and job search journey. Balancing your studies, job applications, and personal life can be very stressful. So, maintaining your mental and physical health, and balancing school, work, and life is crucial to doing your best every day and handling challenges.