Meet Brooklyn Grant, a driven passionate student from Meridian, Idaho. She chose to pursue her love for coding and problem solving at Boise State University.
Why Boise State Computer Science
Brooklyn was drawn to Boise State’s Computer Science (CS) program because it offered the perfect blend of technical education and networking opportunities with local companies.
“I chose Boise State CS because I have always had a love of coding and a desire to problem solve. Boise State’s CS program offered me exactly what I was looking for in a CS degree, while also giving me the ability to start networking with local Boise tech companies.“
Challenging Yet Rewarding Classes
Brooklyn describes her classes as both challenging and rewarding. They have significantly contributed to her growth as a Software Developer.
“The classes at Boise State are definitely challenging, but I have also found a lot of them to be extremely helpful and sometimes fun! I have had a lot of classes that have really helped at my current job, things that I wouldn’t have thought I needed to know.
I currently work as a Software Developer for a construction management software called ConDoc. Even though I have worked there since I was 17, I have had classes that have helped me a lot with my skills there. Such as my Web Development class- I discovered that I got through a lot of my career not knowing actually how ConDoc the application actually runs. I also have learned in my Data Structures and Algorithms classes different ways to make my code faster and more efficient. I definitely couldn’t have progressed without these classes and I am grateful I took them.”
Beyond the Classroom: Making an Impact
Brooklyn believes that engaging with the CS community outside of coursework is just as vital as the classes themselves. She has taken on multiple roles and experiences that have enriched her education:
“Outside of class, I have found that connecting with other students, cultures, and people in the industry is possibly more important than your other classes.
  The first thing I have done is join a club. I am currently the president of Phi Sigma Rho, an engineering sorority where I can connect with other STEM majors and we help each other with our studies and network. I would say the most important thing to do in college is to join a club, or at least make an attempt to socialize with your peers because these are the people that will help you through your classes, whether it’s just emotionally or actually helping you with assignments. I think getting to know people outside of your major is super fun and can help you learn more than just what happens in your discipline.“
While pursuing her degree, Brooklyn has also had the opportunity to work at Boise State University.
  “Another thing I have done, is work for Boise State. Though I already have a part time job as a software developer, I started working for the College of Engineering as an ambassador, and I was able to get to know so many people, not just students, but I am able to meet very important people at Boise State and understand more about what the College of Engineering stands for.“
She has also traveled during her educational journey.
 “I also have studied abroad! Over the summer a year ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Montpellier, France to study Data and Information Processing for 4 weeks, while also learning some French language and culture and also working on a project that matches one of the UN sustainability goals.
Boise State is a partner university of the University of Montpellier, meaning tuition is much cheaper for us to go! I heard about this opportunity from one of the professors here, Casey Kennington, and it is available every year for up to 5 computer science students to go. They also have two other pathways you can choose if you don’t care much for Data and Information Processing, you could study Food, Wine, and Water or Sustainable Energy and Materials. You don’t need much experience, just have studied for a year in college.
I think studying abroad is so fun and something you should try at least once in a lifetime, and there are so many other options and countries to pick from on Boise State’s study abroad page- you can even go for your art or science credits!“
Brooklyn also had the opportunity to do an internship while taking classes.
  “And last but not least, I would always recommend getting an internship. I started working at my company as a junior in high school as a Software Development Intern after only taking CS121. I continuously was learning and growing throughout the program, learning by experience that they offered me a job by the end of the year. Having a job not only gets you a little extra cash, but experience, which is much more valuable on a resume than any class you could take. Being able to show your future employers that you can work on a project in a team is a big factor in them hiring you.”
Advice for New Students
“I have mentioned it a little bit in my other answers, but the advice I would give new students is to join a club, get an internship, start small projects on your own, and use Boise State’s resources.“
- Join a club:
“Joining a club can greatly impact your quality of life as a student, giving you a group you can rely on and knowing others have a mutual interest in what you like. Taking a break from your classes is very important as well and I found being a part of a club gives you an opportunity to take a minute and do something you enjoy.“
- Get an internship:
“ Getting an internship is always so important, especially as a resume builder. Just taking the courses aren’t enough, you have to prove that you are a good employee and can be valuable to them. Even just having a job that isn’t related to computer science can help because it can show off teamwork and effort.“
- Start Personal Projects:
“I also think that if you have the time, maybe over the summer, to start making your own projects and putting them online for people to see. If you don’t have internship experience, this definitely can help show off your skills to recruiters.“
- Use Boise State’s Resources:
“Finally my last bit of advice for new students is use all of Boise State’s resources. Go to the tutoring center on campus and go to your professor’s/TA’s office hours. Visit Leandra in the MSSC and get help on your resume. Talk to your advisors and professors about job opportunities and the classes you should take. Take advantage of the fact that Boise State offers some pretty cool things!”