Hey there! My name is April Phuong, and I wanted to use this blog post to share a bit about how I got here and what the future holds for me as I dive into the world of Software Engineering.
I’d say my love for technology has been around since I was a child. I was the go-to person for any tech or computer related issues, and my love for all things digital was sparked by the endless hours I spent customizing my Tumblr and MySpace sites with HTML/CSS.
My first degree was in Cognitive Science from UCSD, and I had a fruitful six-year job as a designer after graduating. Although I was very grateful for the job, I found myself feeling very unfulfilled. I started to think more about my career and goals, and then the pandemic hit. This was, ultimately, the catalyst that gave me the push to switch careers, and that’s when I chose to enroll in Oregon State University to pursue my second degree in Computer Science. Transitioning from design to code wasn’t an easy decision, but it felt like the right step for me.
I was fortunate enough to secure an amazing internship this summer. It gave me exposure to all the different processes involved in the development cycle, and I also made some lifelong friends along the way. The invaluable insights I gained through this experience definitely solidified my decision to switch my career from design.
Apart from coding, I have a couple of passions outside the tech realm. I love weightlifting and find comfort and strength there. This is the place that has been a constant in my life and has helped me get through a lot. Additionally, I’ve developed an expensive pocket knife hobby :’).
I’m excitedly anticipating the next chapters that lie ahead. Looking forward to closing out my OSU chapter with everyone!