CSpotlight: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Why did you choose to pursue a degree in computer science specifically at the University of Minnesota?

I wanted to choose a major that has a very broad future. I know right now everyone works with computers and computer science can provide me with a lot of possible jobs after I graduate. As for the University of Minnesota, I came here because I wanted to live in a city that is more affordable and accessible. I felt like Minneapolis was a really good choice for that. 

How did you become interested in computer science? What are your specific interests within the field?

I did not have a really strong interest before I entered my major. I was exploring different topics during my studies at the university and I took higher level classes in all fields of computer science. I enjoyed data science the most because it is really practical and it can be used in society in different ways. 

Tell us more about your internship experiences.

I interned at Global Minnesota as a digital marketing intern for their marketing team. I helped them sort their digital marketing platforms, such as Facebook, email, and Twitter. I also used part of my data analysts skills in the Google Analyst platform to find the best media strategy for them. 

Are you involved in any student groups? What inspired you to get involved? 

I am currently in an Asian sorority, because I wanted to be close with people from similar backgrounds as me. I also wanted to step out of my comfort zone, because I feel like I am someone who’s introverted and doesn’t know how to socialize. I joined a sorority to push myself into the social life. 

What do you hope to contribute to the computer science community at the University?

I would like to support international students, because it is hard to find a job. I want to support people when they try to step out of their comfort zone and try some new challenges, specifically speaking in a new language. I want to help international students navigate American life. I feel like a lot of them come to the university, but they still live in their comfort zone and act as if they are in their home country. \They don’t get to embrace American culture. I want to contribute and help students navigate their lives in the United States. 

Have you been involved with any research on campus?

I did not have specific research with a professor, but  I took a research-based class in artificial intelligence. It was useful because the class is composed of several projects, and for each project we are given a real life problem to solve. It is useful as it shows how I can apply my technique skills into real life scenarios. It allows me to push myself a bit more every time when I do a project to try and accomplish it in an advanced way.

What advice do you have for incoming computer science students?

I would try not to stick to only computer science courses, because something I regretted is not exploring the other opportunities. If I had a second chance in college again, I would try to explore as many opportunities as you can, either it comes to a major, or class, or work experience. If there is something that I am interested in, I will give it a shot. 

What are your plans after graduation?

I will try to find a job in data analysts or business analysis. 

Are there any additional experiences you did that you would like to highlight in the article?

I am an international transfer student. I spent two years in another university outside of China, then I transferred to the University of Minnesota. That is a small group of people and I want to encourage international transfers because we have a different background and we only have two years before we graduate to navigate the United States, which is a shorter period of time compared to other students. Even as an international transfer student, you are able to enjoy life as much as possible during your two years of university experience. There are a bunch of opportunities you can try and never think it is too late.