James Pinckney ’20, a computer science and multimedia web design and development double major, has a full-time position waiting for him at Travelers in Hartford when he graduates this spring. James received the job offer after successfully completing a summer internship at the company, which led to his current part-time position as an associate software developer while he finishes up his senior year.
James says one of main reasons he was able to land the competitive summer internship was the valuable experience he gained working an assistant to the Department of Computing Sciences—a position he’s held since he first arrived on campus. James says that work gave him an advantage over the other applicants because he knew the tools, including the different computer programs used by Travelers, that many others aren’t as familiar with.
At Travelers, James is now part of a team that is developing a large internal application that the company’s computer developers use. He says that it is challenging to work on such a large system, but it’s also rewarding because of all the hands-on experience he is getting.
James describes the job as a fun and really great environment. When asked what advice he would give an incoming computer science student, James says, “You can’t be afraid to learn stuff on your own. You have to ask questions beyond what you might find in a classroom.”
James Pickney ‘20, Computer Science and Multimedia Web Design and DevelopmentYou can’t be afraid to learn stuff on your own. You have to ask questions beyond what you might find in a classroom.