What influenced your decision to choose Software Engineering?
I always enjoyed video games and electronics growing up. During my time playing junior hockey (a step between high school and college hockey), I came across a video about coding and wanted to learn more about how software was created. So, I started taking free online courses and really enjoyed the challenge of writing code. After that, I decided to enroll into the Software Engineering Program and have enjoyed the challenge ever since.
Where is your “hometown”? Fun fact about home?
Originally, I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska for the first 14 years of my life. After that, my family moved to Lakeville, Minnesota (where I currently live). Fun fact about Anchorage is it can get around 22 hours of sunlight and you can play a round of golf at midnight during the summer.
“You will be amazed at the person you become at the end of your college journey with all the lessons and friendships you have gained along the way.” – Nathan Marquardt (SE ’22)
What were you involved in at the university?
I was involved on the Men’s Ice Hockey Club Team for my first semester. I also was a part of the Game Development Club during my freshman year before my internship with Kingland Systems started. I also was a big fan of our Iowa State sports teams and attended a few games and events.
What’s your favorite part of student life? And why?
My favorite part about student life is meeting all different types of people who come from different backgrounds. The high school I went to was small, so meeting and learning about new people who have the same interest as myself was something that I found quite enjoyable during my time at Iowa State.
Who has had the biggest impact on you and why?
The person that has had the biggest impact on my life is my mom. During her life, she has had two kidney transplants and multiple joint replacements due to her health conditions. She has taught me the values of strength and perseverance with her examples on how she handles her family, her career, and her life in general. I have always appreciated the effort that she has shown to myself, my sister, and my dad. I hope to one day to repay her with all she has done for me.
Have you had an internship? If so, when and where?
I have been fortunate enough to have three internships during my time at Iowa State. My first internship was with Kingland Systems in Ames, Iowa from January 2019 to August 2019. My second internship was with Danfoss in Ames, Iowa from June 2021 to May 2022. My third internship was with U.S. Bank in St. Paul, Minnesota from June 2022 to August 2022.
If so, what role did you play? What did you like most about your role?
- My role at Kingland Systems was as a Data Research Analyst Intern. During my time there, I would be a part of a team conducting research and completing data entry on clients of Kingland Systems. The thing that I enjoyed most about the role was the way I could set up my own schedule outside of my classes. It allowed me to understand the importance of planning and responsibility, while also being able to meet other students like me in the program.
- My role at Danfoss was as both an Engineering Delivery Intern and a PLM Delivery Intern. My responsibility during this internship was to help assist my team with making sure that all the engineering applications were working properly for the other employees to use in their everyday tasks. The thing that I enjoyed most about this internship experience was the professional social interaction that I had with other employees. I had multiple meetings with team members from around the world and presented a script that I made to higher level leadership within Danfoss via video meetings.
- My role at U.S. Bank was as a Technology Services Intern. During my time last summer with U.S. Bank, I was able to work a team that mainly focused on the maintenance of the mainframes that U.S. Bank uses to complete its everyday business operations. The thing that I enjoyed most about this experience was the fact that I was able to work with new technologies and learn new topics that I have not heard of previously. It was a challenge that I enjoyed learning about every day during my summer internship.
If you could give an incoming SE Program student advice, what would it be?
Enjoy your college journey. Focus on your major and embrace the challenges that come with it. If you are stuck, then reach out to someone and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to meet new people and try new experiences with clubs, sports, and new classes. It may seem cliché, but your time at Iowa State really does move fast. So, make the most of the time you have here. You will be amazed at the person you become at the end of your college journey with all the lessons and friendships you have gained along the way.
What are your plans after you graduate?
After graduation, I plan to return home in Lakeville, Minnesota and start my new full-time position as a Systems Engineer I with U.S. Bank.
What’s one random fun fact about yourself you’d be willing to share?
I started learning how to ice skate at four years old.
Please share any other accomplishments, interests, travel or activities (outside of school) that interest you here, if you wish. We’d love to know more about you.
I always enjoy meeting new people. So, I would love to travel to different places to experience new cultures. I’m also a big foodie who likes to try different things but doesn’t have the best cooking skills. I would like to learn more about cooking and trying different recipes.