Category Archives: Undergrad Student

Informatics

Why did you choose UC Irvine for your studies?

I chose UCI as the school for my choice because I feel it is like the second Silicon Valley with Google, Western Digital, Broadcom and other big tech names right around the corner.

What is the most enjoyable part of your studies?

That I’m learning real-life & valuable skills that I will definitely use in my career path later in the future. I love the fact that I had a recent job interview in which the whole interview revolved around Informatics classes that I had taken.

Have you done an internship? If so, where and in what role?

I am doing an internship with The Portal by K5 Ventures & The Beall Family Foundation. As the student manager, my mission is to introduce UCIrvine students with tech startup experts, investors, and entrepreneurs through experiential learning and practice.

What did you get to do?

I get to work with cutting-edge startup organizations and take on different roles from software engineering (learning current technologies like Ruby on Rails and iOS development) to product manager (experiencing agile workflows & meetings).

Have you done research? If so, with which professor and what was your project? What did you get to do?

No I have not.

Are you pursuing a minor or double major? If so, which one and why?

I am pursuing a minor in Management. Informatics pairs so nicely with management concepts that it just makes sense. I love that I sometimes learn the same concepts from two different views — a business and a computer science perspective. This just emphasizes and expands my knowledge and proves to me that my classes are applicable in the real-world!

Are you engaged in any social activities outside of your studies?

Yes, Information and Computer Science (ICS) Student Council

If so, which ones? [If applicable] What’s your role?

I am the President of Information and Computer Science (ICS) Student Council. ICSSC serves to improve student life of the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences academically, socially, and professionally. Major events done by ICS Student Council are ICS Day, Med AppJam, and Reverse Career Fair.
https://student-council.ics.uci.edu/

What are you most proud of so far?

Being chosen as the UCIrvine Google Student Ambassador is my most accomplished moment. My role with that is to promote Googleyness across UCI and show how Google can be used to better anyone’s personal and professional endeavors.
http://ambassador.google.uci.edu

What has been the best part of your experience?

Definitely has to be the Senior Design Project that all Informatics Students are required to take! Although it seems daunting, this class wraps up a lot of concepts that I have learned throughout my undergraduate experience in and shows me how they apply them in the real-world. The team members that you pick will become your best and closest friends & together you will develop technical — and most importantly — soft presentation skills. Plus, your student project looks AMAZING on resumes!

What are your aspirations, that is, what do you want to do/be in future?

I want to Travel! I want to go in a career that allows me a lot of airplane time. I strongly believe that networking is crucial to success and by traveling for business I will meet a lot of people and learn from their experiences. I will get to see what works and what does not work in corporations. Plus, of course, I will get to experience (even for a minute) different cultures and sights!

What would your advice be to incoming students in your program?

Join clubs!!! Jump from club to club until you find your niche and stick with it! Being around people with the same interests will definitely push and motivate you. I would say to pick quality over quantity and join one or two clubs at most. Personally, I got all my opportunities, like the Google Student Ambassador or The Portal Student Manager, because I was strongly involved in school clubs!

Informatics

Why did you choose UC Irvine for your studies?

I was one of the many students who chose a campus to study on before choosing what I wanted to study. I fell in love with the campus – especially Aldrich Park, Middle Earth and our beautiful student center. I also knew that UCI was one of the best schools in the state, let alone the country. Its conveniently located within a short drive to the beach AND Disneyland. I could see myself on campus and learning and developing and I liked that.

What is the most enjoyable part of your studies?

One of my favorite things about my studies is the hands on experience I’ve had. A lot of my projects revolve around quarter long projects. This allows me to have my hands in a lot of different things and really learn the process of design and development in several different mediums and focuses.

Have you done an internship?

This past summer I worked a 12 week internship with Sears Holdings Corporation in Chicago, IL. I worked as a User Experience Architect for their online promotions team.

What did you get to do?

I was very lucky in the fact that they treated me like a normal member of the team. I was the lead UXA on several projects, which involved meeting with clients to understand their needs for the project, brainstorming on possible solutions and creating mockups that I then presented to the clients. I also did a little bit of research, and helped brainstorm on several other projects my team members were working on, and I had the opportunity a couple of times to present the projects I was working on to the entire office. It was actually very similar to a lot of the ways that projects unfold at school, for which I am very thankful for.

Have you done research?

I have worked on research around the use habits of Labor Delivery Nurses using Electronic Medical Records with Professor Yunan Chen and Researcher Katie Pine. My contribution to the research has included organizing the information and running analytics to gain a comprehensive view of the trends around EMR’s. I actually got into this research because it was a quarter long project for one of my classes. After the quarter ended I was invited to continue working on the research outside of my normal work load.

Are you pursuing a minor or double major?

I am pursuing a minor in History, for the simple fact that I love history and love learning about it.

Are you engaged in any social activities outside of your studies?

This year I am serving as Co-Director of a Filipino Catholic Youth Group on campus. We focus on fellowship and service, which has been very rewarding during my years at UCI.

What are you most proud of so far?

When I first decided to pursue Informatics I didn’t know how to program, and I had very little technical knowledge. I just knew that I liked discovering how new technology worked and that was something I was interested in learning more about. Now, going into my final year, I am able to hold my own in discussions revolving around technology and design. I know how to program, and I not only do I still enjoy discovering how new technology works, I am able to hypothesize why it works the way it does and critique how well it accomplishes the what its function.

What has been the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience has been the ability to apply what I’ve learned to real life. Whenever I read about controversy around things such as Windows 8, or about policies of net neutrality and how that might affect Internet usage I find myself applying what I’ve learned to the situation. It makes everything so much more interesting to me, and I love having an informed opinion about these type of topics. Its so interesting to be able to think about these issues from a perspective grounded in Informatics.

What are your aspirations?

Upon graduation I would like to be employed as a User Experience Designer working with some sort of technology that is innovative in design. I am also looking for jobs that would give me the opportunity to work abroad in Europe, hopefully Germany or the UK. After a couple of years of experience I would like to go to grad school to pursue my PhD in Medical/Health Informatics.

What would your advice be to incoming students in your program?

Informatics is a large field that can be applied to so many things, and it is still being developed. Take advantage of that and think of ways you can take it out of the box. Explore not so straight forward ways that topics pertaining to Informatics can be discovered, discussed and developed. If something interests you, go for it. Since its a relatively new field, it can be stretched and molded into so many different things, its up to you which way you want to take it.

Informatics

Why did you choose UC Irvine for your studies?

It’s just far enough from my hometown for me to experience independence and get started on my own life. As an added bonus, I was admitted into the Bren school for computer science, which was one of the better computer science programs I was accepted into, among my other offers.

What is the most enjoyable part of your studies?

I really enjoy seeing how all of my classes overlap with each other, and also that the projects I am assigned and the skills I learn in class have practical applications in the real world. Also, meeting people through classes who have similar interests and goals is a wonderful thing.

Have you done an internship?

I haven’t yet done an internship, although I am looking! I do work at the campus bookstore, the Hill, in the technical services department however, so even though that’s not an internship, I am getting a fair amount of exposure to information technology and learning important skills there. We service computers for most of the UC Irvine community, so I really feel involved and proactive in what I’m tasked with. It’s an extremely rewarding experience, and I love every moment of my time there.

Are you engaged in any social activities outside of your studies?

I’m a member of both the Anteater Pep Band and the Wind Ensemble in the Claire Trevor School, and I am also a staff photographer for the New University. Being part of all three activities has really shaped my first two years at UCI, and I’m sure that they will continue to be positive experiences. I think that they’re fulfilling activities because they let me be creative and expressive (not that Informatics doesn’t!)

What are you most proud of so far?

Finding a field that I enjoy and want to stick with. Some people spend part of their college years searching and searching for what they want to major in, but I feel extremely blessed to have been accepted into a program that offers a major that I really enjoy. I can’t even imagine being at any other campus or in any other field.

What has been the best part of your experience?

I don’t think there is really one “best” part of my experience here at UC Irvine, not yet at least. I’ve been going with the flow with what comes my way, and I think nearly every experience so far has been rewarding or full of lessons. So I guess that might be the best part!

What are your aspirations?

I’m really interested in how information technology and management can improve efficiency in organizational settings. Although I haven’t taken a formal class in either yet, I’m also interested in the fields of database administration and information retrieval.

What would your advice be to incoming students in your program?

Time management is key. Don’t let your courseload own you! It’s completely possible to take a full load and still have time to be social and get enough sleep. Also, be open minded in the classes you take, because even though some of them have daunting titles, they may be some of the most insightful or rewarding classes you’ll take. Finally, reach out and meet people in your academic school, because they’re the ones you’ll be graduating with! Why not become friends on the way?

Informatics

Why did you choose UC Irvine for your studies?

UCI offers a wide range of majors in the computer and technology field. It employs world class faculty and staff that are willing and happy to help students in achieving high academic goals. Furthermore UCI is surrounding and supported by various technology companies willing to help and employ UCI graduates. The city of Irvine offers a safe, quiet and suitable environment for learning and getting the full college experience.

What is the most enjoyable part of your studies?

One of the most enjoyable parts of my studies at UCI is being able to take classes that I have a strong interest in. Taking upper division courses has made me develop more of an interest in my area of study. It gives me a glimpse of what will hopefully be an exciting future in my field.

Have you done an internship?

I have participated in various internship programs ranging from environmental studies and conservation to financial services industry. I found that the best way to explore the different fields that I might find myself in, is to participate in internship programs. I currently hold a position as an intern at a financial and mutual fund services firm in Irvine.

Are you engaged in any social activities outside of your studies?

As a freshman and sophomore, I was a part of the Greek community here at UCI.

What are you most proud of so far?

I am most proud of how involved I have become with the different opportunities that have come my way. I have had the opportunity to co-found and hold a key position in an app development club here at UCI. I am also currently the lead software developer for the software team working on the UCI UAV Forge research project. I am proud that I have been able to accomplish what I set out to do, while maintaining a social life and getting the opportunity to study abroad.

What has been the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience at UCI is being able to study abroad in Italy. This experience has allowed me to see more, do more and experience different cultures. I will be ever grateful for this experience and opportunity.

What are your aspirations?

I aspire to be and do many things. Perhaps my biggest aspiration is to be successful in my field. To make an impact in my area of interest while maintaining the love I have for it.

What would your advice be to incoming students in your program?

The beginning always seems difficult, it always seems like there is no end in sight. Remember that you have already come so far and achieved so much. As cliché as it might sound, hard work does pay off. The program is rigorous, but always remember that you are not alone. There are resources available to help you in navigating the major. Lastly, never be afraid to ask for help.

Software Engineering

Why did you choose UC Irvine for your studies?

After applying to a number of California universities, my wife and I (both returning students) took a trip through California to visit the campuses we were most interested in. UC Irvine was our last stop before heading back to the bay area, where we lived at the time.
Some of the campuses were depressing, others nice but in bad areas. None were quite right. When we stopped here, though, we both fell in love with it. Aldrich Park was beautiful, the campus clean, Irvine burby but safe (the opposite of where we lived at the time). It felt like a place we could call home.
When both of our offers came in, we were ecstatic. Nearly two years later, we are just as happy with our decision. The people here, students and staff, are really friendly and approachable. Classes are rigorous but fair. The school is large but feels small.

What is the most enjoyable part of your studies?

I really appreciate the breadth of classes available to me. Though most of the courses in the Software Engineering major are required, I would have taken them all were they only available as electives. In fact, that is the primary reason I switched from Computer Science to Software Engineering: the electives I was choosing to be part of my CS degree were already part of SE! From operating systems to networking, requirements analysis to program management, Python to C++, it’s all there.

Have you done an internship?

This past summer, I interned at a local medical devices company. Using the Python skills I learned in my first year, I was given the task of automating a number of server-related tasks which used to require frequent human intervention. I even taught a class in Python for their software team! Through my internship, I gained a better understanding of how to apply my skills in the ‘real world’ and got a priceless glimpse into a working software development operation.

Are you engaged in any social activities outside of your studies?

In a word (or two), not really. I treat my education as a full-time job, which is good because it really is! This quarter I learned about Parkinson’s Law, which states “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” I have provided that space and schoolwork has filled it. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m only here for a few years and I want to learn as much as I possibly can in that time.
That being said, I have made more friends here at UCI than I have anywhere else and when I do have free time, it’s great to hang out with them. The beach is ten minutes away and there are quite a few good eateries around if you know where to look.

What are you most proud of so far?

One fear I had coming here was that I would be out of my depth. I was a career changer who had always loved computers but had little programming experience. I knew that there would be kids here who had been coding since they were six.
What I know now is that the programming gap closes relatively quickly and that there is far more to software than just programming. Some of my favorite classes so far have dealt with the design of software, everything from ideation to UX, architecture to implementation. Programming is a small (but really fun!) part of a much larger world.
Mostly, I have learned that if I put my heart and mind into something I will excel at it, that feeling fear is a normal part of learning and has nothing to do my ability to learn. This I’m most proud of.

What has been the best part of your experience?

I never would have imagined five years ago that I would be here now, at UCI, a year away from attaining my B.S. in Software Engineering. Five years ago I suffered a back injury which ended a prospective career in the culinary industry. It was difficult to see past rehabilitation, let alone to a new career. Getting my bachelor’s degree seemed like a pipe dream at the time, but I started small, taking classes at community college until I was ready to transfer.
It’s been a long road. I’m close to the end of this one, the beginning of another. The best part of my experience of UCI is simply being at UCI.

What are your aspirations?

I have discovered through my courses (and internship) the field of software architecture. I feel that my values and proclivities match up well with those needed to succeed in the field. I am also really enjoying learning about, and performing, project management. And I love coding, too!
Basically, I want to be good at everything but expect that my path will eventually lead toward technical management (after spending plenty of time in the trenches, I’m sure!)

What would your advice be to incoming students in your program?

Talk to people around you in class, especially during your first year. Most transfers and freshman have to take the year-long Python series as soon as they get here, so it’s a built-in opportunity to make friends with people who are in the same boat as you.
As far as school goes, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of information coming at you from every angle: surveys, seminars, opportunities to get involved, tasks, updates, messageboard posts, schedule changes, the latest news. You would be well-served by using, at minimum, a calendar app – ideally, a calendar, task, and note app – to keep everything organized. When something comes in, scan it then either delete it or input it. It will help prevent things from slipping through the cracks and allow you to concentrate on the things that really matter.
Most of all, have fun! UCI is a great school, the local beaches are world-class, there’s a super-cheap theater nearby, and more “$2 boba” than you can shake a stick at.

Informatics

Why did you choose UC Irvine for your studies?

I chose UC Irvine because I wanted to experience a campus that was a bit far away from the craziness that is Los Angeles. I had also heard great things about the city of Irvine, which drew me in more to coming here.

What is the most enjoyable part of your studies?

I think the most enjoyable part is being able to meet new people share the same interests as myself.

Have you done an internship?

I have done a couple of internships now. My most recent is working at Thales Avionics as an ERP project manager intern. Here, I’ve been able to see what goes on in the creation of a project from the beginning to the end.

Have you done research?

Yes, I have done research. I was part of the WellConnect team with Dr. Karen Cheng and Dr. Gillian Hayes. I was in charge of the research and analysis for our project, which aimed at providing a self-help tool for users suffering from clinically diagnosed depression.

Are you pursuing a minor or double major?

I am pursuing my minor in health informatics. I wanted to be able to have the option to go into the healthcare field with a more technical background, and hopefully this will allow me to be able to become a part of that.

What are you most proud of so far?

I can definitely say that being a first generation college student in my family is what I am most proud of as of now. I have another year to go, but I plan on making my family proud as well.

What has been the best part of your experience?

I’ve been able meet different people, interact with them and share this college experience, as well as being able to take everything that I’ve learned so far and put it to use within research as well as internships that I’ve been able to do.

What are your aspirations?

I want to work in the technical field, but I’m not exactly sure what I want to be.

What would your advice be to incoming students in your program?

My advice for incoming students would be for them to get involved early, know what you want to do or get out of the program, and just go for it. I waited until my third year to get involved, and I really wish I had done so earlier, in order to get to experience more.

Informatics

Why did you choose UC Irvine for your studies?

UC Irvine is far from my home, allowing me a real sense of independence. It is also a beautiful area.

What is the most enjoyable part of your studies?

Getting to know the professors outside of class is really nice. It has convinced me that faculty doesn’t think of students as ID numbers to assign grades to, but rather people they’d like to see succeed after college.

Have you done an internship?

I did a summer internship with Esri, an international supplier of geographic information system (GIS) software. I was a user experience (UX) intern and got to work on several really cool projects. As an intern I also attended meetings with stakeholders to discuss requirements of the project as well as usability studies of their current and beta products. I created wireframes and workflows for existing and new products. It was a lot of fun and a lot of work, and provided the necessary experience for me to move forward as a UX designer.

Have you been involved in research? If so, what project or projects, and in what role?

I did research with Jed Brubaker and Sen Hirano under Professor Gillian Hayes. With Jed Brubaker, I worked on a project called Epilogue. We performed user research and used our findings to create an online curator tool where people can make an online memorial with their loved ones and share it among each other. With Sen Hirano, I made gas sensors on a circuit board and collected data on the different types and levels of gases released when cooking waffles, popcorn and fries. I cherish the experience gained from this research. I learned so much and it has really given me a step up when applying for internships and jobs.

Are you pursuing a minor or double major?

I am currently not pursuing a minor or double major, but if I could start over, I would like to either minor in engineering or double major in psychology. I feel that with my interests, psychology would really complement human-computer interaction.

What are you most proud of so far?

I am most proud of not giving up and gaining the courage to talk to professors and ask for help whenever I need it. The professors have helped me to gain the skills and experience I need. I am proud of realizing that engagement in class is so much more important than the grade. The moment I accepted that was the moment I started challenging myself and learning more than ever in class.

What has been the best part of your experience so far?

My experience at UC Irvine feels complete when I consider all the friends that I made, all the interesting topics that I learned, and all the amazing professors that I met.

What are your aspirations for the future?

As of right now, I am pursuing UX design, but I would also like to delve into user interface (UI) design. At some point in my career, I want to be in a project manager position but still be able to do a bit of UX and UI design.

What would your advice be to incoming students in your program?

My advice would be to ask for help. Do not ever be afraid to ask. It is so much better to ask professors for help than to try to get by with the minimum. There will always be someone willing to help you through anything. Also, as hard as it is to believe, what professors tell you in the beginning of every class is true. What matters more than anything is that you are learning. You are paying to go to college to learn and gain all the wonderful experience you need to succeed after college. If you’re not learning, you’re not doing it right.

Software Engineering

Why did you choose UC Irvine for your studies?

I entered UCI as a computer science major but later switched to software engineering. I am a transfer, which means I took some classes in Santa Monica City College before and only transferred to UCI last fall (2013). I always say that it is UCI who chose me, I actually lived in Westwood with my family and did not want to move and spend money on housing in OC as it can get very pricey, so I was hoping to go to UCLA, but when UCI sent me an invitation to join them, I gladly accepted it, as it is a good school with a great research reputation. You probably don’t get this kind of response pretty often but for me, the UCI is situated “in the middle of nowhere,” which I especially liked — more incentive to concentrate on my studies.

What is the most enjoyable part of your studies?

I would say it is the projects and homework we have to do. I really like the programming labs because it lets me interact with students of my major or similar to it who are a course or two “older” and they are a wealth of information, both pertaining to the current assignment, and also regarding professors, future courses I have to take, and the university overall.

Have you done an internship?

Nope, but I have been working part time for two years at a web development company. I basically build (code) web sites, predominantly on the WordPress platform, sometimes I get to exercise my programming skills to the full by altering plugins and getting to really code certain solutions (so far only in PHP for the most part) to fit the clients’ needs.

Are you engaged in any social activities outside of your studies?

I read to primary school kids in Koreatown of Los Angeles. I guess you can call it my social activities. I used to live in K-Town, and the area is dear to me. I know that majority of kids going to schools in that area are children of recent immigrants, and their life is not easy. Reading to Kids organization wants to make sure these kids have a good future, which is partly dependent on good education and the motivation they get to read, to study, to push forward.

What are you most proud of so far?

I dislike the expression “being proud of.” Pride is a negative emotion for me. Let me put it this way: I am darn glad I haven’t given up yet. I am an older student, and going back to school has not always been a joyful ride. I’ve been through very dark times. Perseverance is what I thank most of all for where I am now.

What has been the best part of your experience?

I think the relative ease with which I have adapted at the university. UCI is the kind of place where they try to help you adapt. I was petrified at first — going to a place with a lot of very young people, and a lot of them have been here since their freshman year. And here I am, straight from the comfort of Santa Monica into a big educational establishment like UCI, scared like crazy, afraid that I will be completely lost. It turned out to be a relatively easy transition. A lot of people here are ready to help you, a lot of people here do care for your success. I was thrilled.

What are your aspirations?

I want to build software, and I want to create something of my own at that. I am very much into languages — well, being a bilingual person basically, as well as having had to learn a few more due to my non stop travels and multilingual friendships, I want to work in educational field, building software for people to learn, to progress, to better themselves and the relations with each other. My other affinity is education for children. I would be thrilled to work in that field, creating programs for the kids through which they can learn while playing.

What would your advice be to incoming students in your program?

I would tell them to not fear. Especially to the ones in my situation — students after 25, independent, with no family back up, completely on their own, studying and working at the same time, trying to make the ends meet. It only seems insurmountable, but if you don’t give up, and don’t doubt yourself, you can make anything happen. The most precious thing you must make sure not to lose is your curiosity. Curiosity and desire to find an answer to certain questions is what pushes the scholar further, what makes them forget about everyday problems and strive for success.

Business Information Management

Why did you choose UC Irvine?

The UC houses some of the world’s best-designed educational programs. I always knew I wanted to be part of a program that meshed business and technology, and UC Irvine was the only UC offering an interdisciplinary program like business information management.

What is the most enjoyable part of your studies?

Having the access to an extensive and valuable student and professional network through the BIM major’s dual administration by the Paul Merage School of Business and The Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences. Whatever your strong point, computer science or business, being disciplined under both schools will help you build key connections that will help you excel beyond the educational sphere (i.e. startups,
competitions, friends). The term “best of both worlds” truly applies here.

Have you done an internship?

I’ve been fortunate enough to complete two: a product management & marketing
internship with Thales Avionics; and a technology consulting internship with Protiviti. I helped Thales launch an internal fileshare portal geared to assist the Thales sales team to effectively collaborate and share important documents when helping airline carriers make business decisions. At Protiviti, I performed critical business-risk controls testing surrounding privacy and security and helped deliver value-creating recommendations and solutions to their clients.

Are you engaged in any social activities outside of your studies?

Since fall quarter of freshman year I have been heavily involved with the Management Information Student Society (MAISS). I made my first friends at UC Irvine through this organization and I have carved a big portion of my college and professional career from the relationships and people I have met there. I served as MAISS president for the 2013-2014 academic year. I am also part of a leading professional business fraternity, Lambda Phi Nu. Joining LPhiNu has expanded my network to some of UC Irvine’s top, most-talented students. The organization has significantly helped me shape my future career goals and has given me the opportunity to develop relationships with my fellow brothers I hope will last a lifetime. I have served many roles in this organization and currently am a member of the Executive Committee.

What are you most proud of so far?

I am proud of what UC Irvine has become in my three years here and the direction the university is heading. The caliber of students and faculty I have had the chance to interact with at UC Irvine is beyond phenomenal. UCI is consistently recognized as a world-class university, is placed in top rankings, and offers amazing extracurricular programs such as Paul Merage Business Plan Competition and Donald Bren Butterworth & Beall Competitions that help set apart UC Irvine and its students from the thousands of other universities and programs out there. Oh, and Barack Obama spoke at our 2014 graduation, too!

What has been the best part of your experience?

There are lots of challenges that will come up throughout your college experience and there will be a lots of things you will learn about all facets of your life: academic, social and professional. Overcoming these challenges (placing in a competition, finishing a complex programming assignment, landing my first internship, etc.) has been very, very rewarding and has greatly added to a phenomenal experience so far at UC Irvine.

What are your aspirations?

I want to eventually open my own technology startup. If not, I definitely want to immerse myself in the startup environment in the near future. I also envision myself returning to school in 5-8 years to complete a master’s degree in business administration.

What would your advice be to incoming students in your program?

Whenever you have the opportunity, go out and meet as many individuals as possible. Often times referred to as “networking,” it will help you find your friends, your study buddies, your mentors — and maybe even your business partners. It’s not about knowing everyone, it’s about the few individuals you’ll end up meeting who will truly expand your network and be valuable to you. There are a lot of smart people out there who have a lot of knowledge and who can mentor you and help you become the person you want to be. Your network will end up influencing your entire college career so make sure you duly invest in your relationships. Don’t waste your precious time at home or in your dorm room! Above all, always be positive around everyone and be nice. That will go a long way.

Business Information Management

Why did you choose UC Irvine?

Because of its reputation. Though it may not have been at the top of everyone’s list at the time that I applied, UCI had shown tremendous growth and is making its way to the top and I found that remarkable

What is the most enjoyable part of your studies?

Building quality relationships with people. There is no way that I would be where I am without having learned more about knowing to treasure certain people in your lives and being able to give back to others when they need help. These relationships helped not only for my studies, but also learning about the what’s going around us in a much larger scale.

Have you done an internship? If so, where and in what role?

Currently, I am lucky enough to intern at Hobert Wealth Management, where I am a financial services assistant. Because of the company’s small size, I’ve been given the opportunity to help build the company internally. My major duties are preparing applications for clients as well as laying internal processes within the company to help it move effectively and efficiently. At the same time, I’ve been given the chance to both learn and do their bookkeeping. It is a constant learning experience that I’m growing to love.

Are you pursuing a minor or double major?

I’m trying to get my accounting minor, because I do enjoy understanding how companies work from the inside knowing how well a company is doing. And so far, the classes I’ve taken really help put me into perspective of why companies take certain actions that they do today.

Are you engaged in any social activities outside of your studies?

Currently, I’m one of the commissioners for the Visions Leadership Course hosted by the Academic Affairs Office in ASUCI. Also, I volunteer with the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program again for next year’s income tax season. Both have their perks. My role in ASUCI is to help manage mentors who run the Visions Leadership Course at UCI. As commissioners, we help guide them to structuring their class and providing a strong backbone when they need the help. As a VITA volunteer, we get the chance to help low income families file their taxes and educate those that don’t know about the tax season about how it works.

What are you most proud of so far?

Just being at UC Irvine. I think being able to get the right education as well as meeting the people I’ve met here really drove me to become the person I am today.

What has been the best part of your experience?

Living in the residential halls of Middle Earth. I’ve met countless connections and had wonderful experiences living there.

What are your aspirations?

I aim to attain my CPA (certified public accountant) certification and be able to work in the taxation field as a corporate tax accountant or an internal auditing consultant.

What would your advice be to incoming students in your program?

Do not take the business information management major for granted, or any major for that matter. In my experience, you really get to see the best of both worlds of business administration and computer science. The major offers the crucial classes that you need to understand the fundamentals in each field. You’ll begin to realize much of the internal works of current-day businesses run on many of the underlying bases of these classes.