Computer Science and Computer Information Technology at ACC

How long have you been at ACC?
I have been a student with ACC since 2012 when I was taking classes while I was in high school. I have been a full-time student perusing my degrees here since the fall of 2016.

What degree are you pursuing?
I am currently pursuing two degrees at ACC, the CIS AAS in LAN System Administration, and the CIS AAS in LAN System Security. I will graduate in the spring of 2018 with both degrees, and I could not be happier with how my advisors helped me to achieve this goal.

What do you plan to do after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on continuing my education with UNT. In the spring 2018 semester, I started my Bachelors in Information Technology through their online school. I plan to attend full time after I graduate from ACC. After that I would like to work as a system administrator here in Austin, using what I have learned here at ACC.

What obstacles did you have to overcome while pursuing your degree?
One of the largest obstacles I have faced while at ACC was working while I was a student full time. I am fortunate enough to be able to work in the IT field while I pursue an IT degree, but it could be stressful at times. I am very thankful for how forgiving and understanding my professors have been throughout the course of my degree. Without them, I would not be able to graduate on time.

What is your best advice for someone considering enrolling in Computer Science & Information Technology?
I would say to enroll as soon as you can! This program is a growing one, in a growing field, in a growing city. What you will learn here will be applicable to almost every computer-based career, which spans over 50 different types of jobs in a field that is growing substantially every year. I suggest you get started with classes that pique your interest and choose a degree in Computer Science & Technology that lines up with what you enjoy.

What are some of your hobbies?
Other than computer-based hobbies such as gaming and design, I love to read and be musical! Whether that be listening to music, or playing my clarinet, being musical scratches an itch that sometimes using a computer just doesn’t itch. Reading is a great way to enjoy a more creative side of me as well and can keep me from always being in a technical mindset, which can be tiring.

Can you tell us anything else that is unique about your experience at ACC?
One of the most unique things about my time at ACC are the professors I have had the privilege to learn under. I was previously enrolled at a large state university, and while some professors did make an effort to know me, most of the time I felt like a single person in a sea of students. Here at ACC, I feel like I am my own individual, who can form a bond with almost every professor that I have had, especially in this degree program. Professors like Dr. Macleod and Professor Wade both create a rapport with almost every student that comes through their classroom doors, and that is something that has resonated with me during my time here. Along with this feeling of camaraderie with my professors and fellow students, I felt like my professors truly understood what they were teaching us. I had many professors who had 20+ years of experience in their fields and were able to offer real-world examples and solutions to different problems we faced, along with career advice that I have taken to heart. My time at ACC has been spent making friends I will not forget and learning from some of the most personal and compassionate professors I will ever have.