Richard Michalka, Chief Technology Officer at Indigo Education Company
Computer Science, Human Centered Design & Innovation, and Anthropology, Graduating May 2023
"My degree offered versatility, which was exciting and practical. I could craft a degree to fit my needs."
"When my advisor mentioned a program to me, I was surprised to learn that with my accumulated credits in biology, anthropology, and psychology, as well as my pursuit of a computer science degree, I was almost ready to graduate. The idea of crafting my own customized focus of study was both exciting and practical, allowing me to meet my unique needs and gain valuable knowledge."
"To be honest, I've been working as a software developer without a college degree, so obtaining a CS degree wasn't necessarily a make-or-break factor for me. Rather, it was more about overcoming the stigma associated with not having one. However, when I started exploring my options, I discovered my passion for other subjects beyond computer science."
"As part of my capstone project, I delved into an area that has always fascinated me - Social Emotional Learning (SEL) assessments, which is related to my current company's work. Specifically, I became intrigued by the Hartman Assessment and used it as the basis for my project. To my surprise, the project evolved into something much bigger and more impactful - a tool that is now being used to help veterans with depression and piloted in schools to identify at-risk students. It's incredibly rewarding to see my initial project grow into something so useful that's making a difference in people's lives."
"Having been a hiring manager for several years now, I can confidently say that being well-rounded makes a candidate more employable. As a manager, I prefer to hire someone who can easily adapt to new situations and has a wide range of skills. A degree that offers this kind of versatility provides numerous benefits, including increased employability. In today's job market, employers are increasingly seeking candidates who are adaptable and flexible, and a well-rounded degree is a great way to demonstrate those qualities."
How to Design A Degree More Interdisciplinary Options