Majors: Computer Science and Physics
What is your current position/career?
Programmer I, Enterprise Applications, Information Technology Services, California Lutheran University.
What is your experience with being an international student at Cal Lutheran? How has this affected your career pathway and college experience?
As a transfer student from India, I’ve had a rich and transformative experience that has greatly impacted my career pathway and college journey. Being immersed in a diverse and inclusive community at Cal Lutheran has not only broadened my cultural horizons but also enhanced my adaptability and global perspective. Attending courses like philosophy, religion, psychology, etc as part of the general course requirement has provided me with valuable insights into cross-cultural communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. These skills are crucial in today’s interconnected world, especially in roles that require working with diverse teams and stakeholders. Being at Cal Lutheran has allowed me to access a wide range of resources, opportunities, and networking platforms that have been invaluable in building my professional network and exploring different career paths. The supportive environment and mentorship I received as a student technician at ITS and resident assistant at Mogen Hall for ResLife have played a significant role in my personal and professional development.
Overall, my time at Cal Lutheran has not only enriched my college experience but has also equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and perspective necessary to succeed in a globalized workforce.
What were some of your favorite aspects of the Computer Science and Physics programs? Such as research, classes, professors, etc.
Some of my favorite aspects of the Computer Science and Physics programs at California Lutheran University were the opportunities for hands-on research, the engaging classes, and the supportive faculty. In both programs, I particularly enjoyed delving into research projects that allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. Working on projects such as developing a client-server authentication system and processing large datasets for gravitational lensing detection not only honed my technical skills but also instilled in me a passion for innovation and problem-solving. The classes in both Computer Science and Physics were incredibly enriching. The curriculum was well-designed, covering a wide range of topics from foundational principles to advanced concepts. The interactive nature of the classes and the collaborative learning environment fostered critical thinking and creativity. One of the standout aspects was the faculty. The professors in both programs were not only knowledgeable experts in their fields but also approachable mentors who were dedicated to helping students succeed. Their guidance, encouragement, and mentorship were instrumental in my academic growth and development. I began my journey at California Lutheran University as a sophomore majoring in Computer Science. Throughout my time at Cal Lutheran, I was fortunate to have the support of esteemed professors such as Dr. Craig Reinhart and Dr. Chang-Shyh Peng, who played a pivotal role in guiding me through my academic years. My fascination with the stars and the vast expanse of the universe has always fueled my passion. Physics became the gateway for me to pursue my dream of becoming a cosmologist. Initially, taking on another major seemed daunting, given the limited time of three years in my undergraduate program. However, my encounter with the exceptional faculty members of the Physics department, including Dr. Mary E. Oksala, Dr. John J Deisz, and Dr. Sebastian Carron Montero, changed everything. Their collective effort and support led to the development of a well-thought-out plan that allowed me to integrate Physics as a major alongside my Computer Science studies. The invaluable assistance and encouragement I received from both departments have been immeasurable in shaping my academic journey. I am profoundly grateful to all my faculty members and peers for their unwavering support and guidance. Overall, the combination of hands-on research opportunities, engaging classes, and supportive faculty made my experience in the Computer Science and Physics programs at Cal Lutheran truly rewarding and memorable.
What key skills did you learn in your major programs that you now use in your current position/career?
In Computer Science, I gained a deep understanding of object-oriented programming (OOP) principles using languages such as C++, JAVA, and Python. These skills have been foundational in my work, allowing me to design and develop efficient and scalable software solutions. I learned to create reusable code structures, implement inheritance and polymorphism, and apply design patterns to solve complex problems systematically.
Additionally, my coursework in algorithms and data structures enhanced my ability to optimize
code performance and solve computational challenges effectively. These skills are invaluable in my current role, where I regularly design and implement software solutions using OOP concepts and algorithmic optimizations. From the Physics program, I acquired analytical and problem-solving skills that are equally essential in my career. I learned to apply mathematical concepts to analyze complex data sets, conduct experiments, and derive meaningful insights. This analytical mindset, coupled with a strong foundation in scientific principles, enables me to approach challenges methodically and derive data-driven solutions in my current position.
The combination of object-oriented programming skills from Computer Science and analytical skills from Physics has been instrumental in my career, allowing me to tackle complex problems with a structured and analytical approach.
How have the Computer Science and Physics programs set you up for success?
Here are a few points that I personally look at when it comes to measuring success: Continuous Learning and Adaptability: As a graduate with a BS in Computer Science and Physics, I have a strong appetite for learning and exploring new concepts. This mindset has been crucial in my career, especially when I had to learn Full-stack development, API management, PHP, and other concepts not covered extensively in my academic programs. This adaptability to new technologies and concepts has enabled me to stay relevant and excel in my role. Personal Growth and Impact on Others: I evaluate my success based on personal growth and impact on others. In my role at the university, I’ve been able to bridge the gap between student needs and technology solutions. For instance, I am part of a small team that led the renovation of the university’s student portal/app, MyCLU, improving the user experience for students, faculty, and staff. This initiative not only demonstrated my technical skills but also showcased my ability to understand and address the needs of stakeholders, ultimately impacting the university community positively. Creating Meaningful Impact: The impact of my work, such as bringing students, departments, and faculty together through technology solutions, has been a significant measure of success for me. Seeing tangible results like increased engagement and success metrics validates the value of my contributions and motivates me to continue making a meaningful impact in my role.
What other activities/programs were you involved in during your time at Cal Lutheran?
I served as a Residential Assistant, fostering a supportive and inclusive community environment for students living on campus. This role enhanced my leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills as I collaborated with students and staff to create a positive living experience. University Clubs and Committees: I was actively involved in university clubs such as Compute Science Club and Physics Club. These experiences provided opportunities for collaboration, event organization, and contributions to campus community development.
I participated in the University Hearing Board, where I contributed to resolving student conduct issues and upholding campus policies. This experience strengthened my critical thinking, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills, providing valuable insights into governance and student affairs.
As a Student Technician in Information Technological Services, I gained hands-on experience resolving hardware and software issues, providing technical support, and collaborating on campus-wide technology initiatives. This role enhanced my technical troubleshooting abilities and provided insights into IT operations within a university setting.
In the role of Student Junior Developer, I collaborated on developing and maintaining mobile and web applications for university services. This experience allowed me to apply my programming and development skills in a professional setting, contributing to the enhancement of digital experiences for students and faculty.
After being inducted as a member of Sigma Pi Sigma, I actively participated in activities promoting academic excellence, scientific inquiry, and collaboration within the Physics community. This involvement allowed me to network with peers and faculty members, expanding my understanding and appreciation of Physics beyond the classroom.
Did you find your on-campus jobs made a difference in setting your post-college goals and what you’ve achieved since graduation?
Working in on-campus positions such as Student Technician and Student Junior Developer provided me with hands-on experience in IT operations, technical troubleshooting, and software development. These roles not only honed my technical skills but also exposed me to real-world challenges and industry standards, preparing me for a career in technology post-graduation. Being a Student Junior Developer sparked my interest in software development and encouraged me to pursue opportunities in full-stack development and application design. I also had the opportunity to network with professionals in my field and receive mentorship from experienced colleagues and supervisors. These connections and guidance were instrumental in setting career goals, gaining industry insights, and navigating post-college career decisions. Internships, especially for students in tech, are crucial as companies prioritize experience over academic qualifications. During my time at the university, living on campus with limited resources for traveling elsewhere to pursue internships, I deeply appreciated Cal Lutheran’s commitment to providing on-campus jobs that offered substantial benefits for students like me. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, as it significantly contributed to my professional growth and success post-graduation.
Something else I would like to share: During the pandemic, when all classes transitioned to online formats, I returned to India where my parents were residing at the time. Given the time difference of 12 hours and 30 minutes between Indian Standard Time (IST) and Pacific Standard Time (PST), my classes were typically scheduled from 9 PM to 6 AM IST. Adjusting to this time difference was challenging, as it required staying on a different timetable and could be exhausting. However, throughout this period, my professors from both programs and other courses demonstrated exceptional support. They regularly checked in with me and provided all possible resources to ensure I excelled in my academic journey despite the time zone challenges. Their understanding and assistance were invaluable in navigating this unique situation and maintaining academic excellence.
Fun fact: The Client-Server authentication project that was mentioned above was a group project for my Software Engineering class. In that group, we had 2 students from the USA, 1 from China, and 1 from India (me). We named our project “The Time Zone Project”.