What influenced your decision to choose Software Engineering? Tell us a little bit about your path getting here.
I knew ever since middle school I wanted to be an engineer. I had a huge passion for problem-solving and innovation, so I wanted to put those skills toward a major that would allow me to do that. During high school, I coded an Arduino for the scoreboard of a skeeball game with the help of a friend who was experienced in programming. This sparked my interest in programming and its problem-solving thinking. With the rise of technology, I wanted to explore the field and decided that Software Engineering was the perfect combination of computer science and computer engineering that I was interested in pursuing.
Where is your “hometown”? Fun fact about home?
I am from Bartlett, IL. A fun fact about Bartlett is that it has retained its original railroad station, built in 1873. It now holds the history at the Bartlett Depot Museum, where I volunteered during summers when I was younger.
A quote I live by: “Just be you.” – Britney Yu (SE ’23)
What other things are you involved in at the university?
During the summer of my freshman year, I was a member of the APEX 2019 cohort, which was an incredible experience that opened doors for me and gave me lifelong friends and unforgettable memories. Since then, I’ve been a LEAD Peer Mentor for three years, supporting first-year multicultural engineering students as they begin their college journeys. I’ve also been heavily involved in Digital Women since my freshman year and have had the privilege of serving on the board for three years, currently as the Industry Relations Chair. This organization has been a truly uplifting, supportive, and incredible community to be a part of throughout my time at Iowa State. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to share my college experience with.
What was your favorite part of student life? And why?
My favorite part about student life at Iowa State University is the people! I’ve been so blessed to have met so many incredible people from all around. The friends I’ve made help make ISU feel like home. From studying together at Parks to late-night Taco Bell runs, I’ve shared many good times with the people I’ve met.
Who has had the biggest impact on you and why?
The person who has had the biggest impact on me is Dr. LeQuetia Ancar. Even before my freshman year, she has been continuously checking in and helping me throughout my time at ISU. She is one of my biggest motivators on campus, and I could not imagine ISU without her. She inspires me to push myself beyond my limits and stay committed to achieving my goals, even when things get tough during my journey toward getting my degree.
Have you had an internship? If so, when and where? What role did you play? What did you like most about your role?
I interned at RSM LLP US in Des Moines as an Application Development intern, working with the NetSuite team to create scripts in JavaScript. I also worked with the Custom Apps team, where I worked with Quasar using Vue to create a theming feature for clients. I really enjoyed the opportunity of exploring the two different teams within the App Dev teams and all the new skills that I have picked up from this experience. I also loved the team and how adaptable they were in allowing me to explore other teams that I had an interest in.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I’ll be moving to New York City and working at Wells Fargo as a Software Engineering Program Analyst.
If you could give an incoming SE Program student advice, what would it be?
One piece of advice I’d give to an incoming Software Engineering student is to work on side projects. One way that I got started was by attending hackathons with friends. Not only is it a fun way to explore new ideas, but it also kept me motivated and inspired to keep on learning for fun. Plus, who doesn’t love free food and prizes? By taking the initiative to work on your own projects, you can gain valuable experience and make yourself stand out to potential employers.
Could you tell us a little more about your experience at Iowa State? Favorite memories?
One core memory is that one night, my friends and I had a completely unplanned cook night that went on for way too long. It was memorable because the foods we made were so random, and we all stayed up an absurdly late time just talking about life.
Digital Women sponsored me to go to Grace Hopper my senior year and it has been such a rewarding experience. I learned a lot and was able to network with so many people. I would 100% recommend people to try and attend this conference at least once if they can.
Please share any other accomplishments, interests, travel or activites (outside of school) that interest you.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending my time on DIY projects. I’ve picked up many hobbies in my free time and hope to have more time to do them after graduation!
What’s one random fun fact about yourself you’d be willing to share?
I can ride a unicycle.