MJ Shaffer, a double major in computer science and creative technologies, always loved Legos and toyed around with web development in high school. But only in college did MJ realize the power of computer science to solve real-world problems. Today MJ attributes job readiness to academics, career-building experiences and support at Berry.
MJ Shaffer, a double major in computer science and creative technologies, always loved Legos and toyed around with web development in high school. But only in college did MJ realize the power of computer science to solve real-world problems. Today MJ attributes job readiness to academics, career-building experiences and support at Berry.
As a teaching assistant in creative technologies and computer science courses, MJ built relationships with others: “I loved helping students get past difficult lines of code or getting to know someone while trying to solve a problem together. There’s a stereotype that computer science majors are anti-social, but this job and the social interactions it required helped me hone my communication skills.”
MJ also worked as a lab assistant in Berry’s makerspace, Hackberry Lab. Available to anyone using the lab on weeknights, MJ felt a responsibility to make every student feel welcome whatever their level of technical proficiency.
“Often, someone would come in unsure of how to get started with an idea, and it was my job to help them through it,” MJ says. “I loved helping people figure out the steps. It’s a place where people are excited to see each other succeed.”
MJ encourages aspiring computer science students to jump in: “I had a lot of anxiety about asking for help starting out in computer science courses. But at Berry, everyone around you is ready to help, so don’t be afraid to ask! Be bold about learning and trying new things.”
“Often, someone will come in unsure of how to get started with an idea, and it’s my job to help them through it,” MJ says. “I love helping people figure out the steps. It’s a place where people are excited to see each other succeed.”
MJ encourages aspiring computer science students to jump in: “I had a lot of anxiety about asking for help starting out in computer science courses. But at Berry, everyone around you is ready to help, so don’t be afraid to ask! Be bold about learning and trying new things.”
