Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering Graduate, 2003
I had a good job, but there was definitely a glass ceiling that I would never be able to get through without a degree. I started attending various classes at community college without a good sense of direction or roadmap of where I needed to go.
My wife found Missouri Tech and recommended that we go in and speak with them. It turned out to be a great decision. The placement counselor outlined the various degree programs available as well as the history and philosophy of the school, and I was sold. One of the biggest factors in my decision was the flexible class times. I had a family and a full-time day job, so night classes were a must.
When I started attending Missouri Tech, I found it to be a great fit. The class sizes were small enough to allow accessibility to the professors but big enough for some robust discussions. I really enjoyed the hands-on approach in many of the classes too. Building a microcontroller, setting up and administering a network, writing code for various applications— what an experience!
Shortly following my networking classes, I realized that I already had enough base skills to consider changing jobs at work and jumping onto a whole new career path. I interviewed for and was offered a position as a network administrator. At the last minute, an associate from another group asked if I would join them as a software engineer. Once I was armed with education, it was awesome to see how doors just started opening all at once. I took the software job.
I have since worked my way up to a software manager position. It’s an excellent job, and I am thoroughly enjoying the ride. I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
It all started with education, and for me there was no better place to get that education than Missouri Tech. They offer talented and passionate instructors, a fantastic staff and all the support you need to succeed.