Alumni Survey
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Computer ScienceIN THE SUMMER of '96, the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science sent a survey to all graduates who had majored in computer science. We invited them to let us know what they have done since graduation, and also asked whether they had any advice for current computer science students.
This page summarizes the responses to the survey from several former HWS students: Marcus Bluestein, Pei Cai, Scott Davidson, William Ellis, Daniel Hindman, Ken Labb, David A. Martin, Geoffrey Smith, and Brian Strizik.
We encourage alumni and alumnae of HWS who majored or minored in mathematics or computer science to write to us. If you would like your comments to appear on this page, send email to Professor David Eck (eck@hws.edu) or send postal mail to him at this address: Professor David Eck, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14456.
Ken Labb '85 (104514.2643@compuserve.com) worked after graduation as a management information systems programmer for DRI/McGraw-Hill in Massachusetts. Currently, he is a Systems Integrator specializing in product data management.
His advice to CS majors is to "stay current with technology.". Ken was a double major in mathematics and computer science, and says that "the mathematics and liberal arts helped relate the actual programming to something that was easier to understand."
Daniel Hindman '87, after painting houses for a few months, found a job in October 1987 as a sales representative with Pitney Bowes. He is now an Area Sales Manager with that company, managing a team of 14 sales reps selling mailing and shipping systems.
He advises CS majors to "Keep your mind open to all avenues. An entry level position in a reputable company combined with opportunity for growth can lead to a great career." About his experience at HWS, he says, "I was a member of the inter-fraternity council, vice president and president of Kappa Sigma, and active in lacrosse. This experience as a 'manager' and a 'team player' combined with my knowledge of computers and technology made me attractive to companies." He also says that "even in sales and sales management, I've truly benefitted from my CS degree. Almost daily, I work with PC's and software reflecting on the CS foundation I built while at Hobart."
David A. Martin '88 (David.-.FBSD.Martin@FMR.com) writes that after graduating, he "went to work for a small software company which developed Alumni/Development systems." Currently, he is "working for Fidelity Investments in Boston as a Software Project Manager in their Brokerage Systems Company."
David says that "you'll be in demand entering the business world with a solid liberal arts education," so his advice to current students is, "Don't ignore the importance of courses outside of CS." And when taking CS courses, he says, "Don't pay so much attention to the software products being used in your projects, but what the project is teaching you about problem analysis, design, and critical thinking."
Geoffrey Smith '88 (gws@pop3.pcix.com) reports that for the past 7 years, he has been working at Medical Information Technologies (MEDITECH), a company that creates, installs, and supports health care information systems. His current job is to "manage the research and development of MEDITECH financial software products."
Here is Geoff's response to the question of what advice he would give to current CS majors: "Don't spend too much time mastering any one particular technology. HWS and the CS degree give you tools you need to handle change. Don't worry if you struggled in one particular area. You are better off being exposed to many different technologies and analytical processes at a slightly less deep level than devoting all your time to something like Java, HTML, or whatever the latest talk on the net is. The liberal arts side of HWS combined with the broad-based CS approach will enable you to overcome obstacles easily in the work environment."
Brian Strizik '88 (DBernal184@aol.com) has attended dental school and then medical school. He is currently a physician in training with the intention of becoming a cardiology fellow.
William Ellis '89 (wellis@CRD.Lotus.com) joined a management information systems group at a media firm immediately after graduation. In 1990, he joined Lotus Development to work on its software product, Lotus Notes. Currently, he is senior manager of carrier/field support for Lotus Notes.
His advice to current CS majors is to "intern at any IS company if you would like to stay in the computer field." (And a note to his professors: "Thanks for all the hard work you did, and thank God for Alan Turing.")
Marcus Bluestein '92 (bluestei@KKL.com) thought that he would work as a computer programmer, but after he graduated, he discovered consulting. He is now a Senior Consultant in the area of full network implementations (Microsoft NT and Novell networking).
Marcus says that CS students should "explore the different jobs available in the computer field: there are so many different types." He would "welcome the chance to speak to those interested in the computer industry," and he invites students to email him.
Scott Davidson '92 (scott.davidson@cai.com) "had no idea" what he would do after he graduated, but says "after looking at want ads, I knew I'd find a job somewhere." He got a job at Computer Associates, where he is still working. He writes, "I am supporting and developing several mainframe products that are written in assembler. The products are in COBOL, so I became familiar with both."
Scott's advice is to "be as diverse as possible." He also notes that "my honors project was brought up in almost every interview that I had."
Pei Cai '93 (pcai@microsoft.com) was not sure when he graduated whether he would pursue an academic career or become a commercial programmer. He attended Boston University while working as a computer programmer in Boston. Currently, he works as a software design engineer at Microsoft. (He reports that he has "7 computers with monitors / keyboards / mouses / sound speakers and lots of cables in my office," including "1 Pentium Pro, 2 Pentiums, 3 486's, and 1 Mac.")
Pei says that "In order to enjoy your career, you have to love what you do. Computer programmers are in demand. However, what is more important is that you indeed enjoy being with computers all the time."