Computer Science student at the University of Michigan, Microsoft Intern, Researcher in the Crowds + Machines (CROMA) Lab
What got you interested in computer science?
After I saw the announcement about Karlie Kloss' launch of Kode With Klossy, I was inspired by how passionate she was about teaching girls to code. That same day I started some free online tutorials and loved the logic and creativity involved in coding. After that, I enrolled in some classes at my high school and fell in love with how computer science can be applied to other areas you are passionate about. Now I am studying computer science in college and am loving it!
What was your favorite part about interning for Microsoft? How did you get that internship?
My favorite part about interning at Microsoft was having the opportunity to pursue my passions. While there, I reached out to many full-time employees who were working in areas I am interested in such as accessibility. They were all very encouraging and even worked with me on a side project so that I could learn more about the field. It was an incredible experience!
I became aware of the Explore Program (a Freshman/Sophomore internship) at an event on campus. After that event, I was inspired to apply because of how much Microsoft cares about the people and companies their technology serves. After applying, I completed two rounds of interviews and was offered the position!
Do you have any advice for young girls who are interested in becoming software engineers?
My advice is to go for it! Sometimes software engineering can be difficult, but if you stick with it, I promise you can succeed and thrive. Find ways to intersect computer science with other passions such as gaming, healthcare, art, and or music. We need you in computer science!
What’s the coolest thing you’ve programmed?
My favorite project I've worked on was a desktop experience for Microsoft called Hummingbird. When my Explore Pod (myself and two other women) started, there was already a Hummingbird mobile app, but we were tasked with designing and creating the desktop version. I worked with React, TypeScript, and CSS and loved seeing our ideas come to life.