Andrew

My Background

I’m a curious person and have always been interested in technology and computers. While serving In the U.S. Air Force, I did everything from medic to IT. After getting the job as a Technical Account Manager at Amazon, where I was surrounded by both talented business and technical peers, I wanted that knowledge, too.

The Seattle campus was next to my Amazon building, and I walked by their signs every day. As a veteran, I knew I could use the GI Bill® at Northeastern. After discovering NU is also a Yellow Ribbon school, I was pleasantly surprised to find out all tuition costs would be covered under my education benefits.

(GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), more information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill)

Bridge

When I started, I couldn’t write a line of code. I’d never heard of Python, Java, or even opened a terminal on my laptop. Align allowed me to bridge that gap in knowledge—to learn and grow at my pace—and come out with a Master’s in Computer Science.

Align isn’t so much about learning how to write code as it is about learning how to think and solve problems in a technical environment. It provides a solid foundation. The faculty are awesome and very helpful, too.

Master’s

For me, the master’s classes weren’t as intense as the bridge program, which was completely new. You can choose your path in the master’s program and learn something new within various specialties.

My Future

After the Align program, I realized I enjoy writing code more than I enjoy writing business documents. My goals have changed, and now I’m a Software Development Engineer at Amazon.

I also now teach the first course in the Align program. Being an instructor who understands the Align experience is great. I tell my students they need a curious spirit to succeed. This program is not easy—but you get out of it what you put into it.