Student Spotlight:
Claire Monson

What makes Washington State University’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture stand out from the crowd for those looking to get a degree?

We ask computer science major Claire Monson for her thoughts on what makes WSU such a special place.

What made you decide to attend WSU?

I decided to attend WSU for the computer science program. I started at WSU global campus and then transferred to Pullman after visiting. I chose my major because of a community college class I took in high school. I took a python programming class and discovered a passion for coding. I decided to give computer science a shot and I’ve never looked back.

Please share how scholarships or financial aid has impacted you as a student.

Financial aid has been life changing for me. I qualified for financial aid my junior and senior year, and I was able to work less, focus on school more, and have a more solid financial foundation while I completed my degree.

Have you participated in any internships related to your field of study?

I have spent the last 2 years of my education as an intern for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. It has been a life changing experience for me. Having real world experience with building code and working on a design team has been incredible. The lab also had me rotate projects multiple times and I got the opportunity to learn new languages and systems. The internships gave me applicable real world experience for what self led learning will look like in my career.

Why would you recommend attending Washington State University?

I would recommend WSU for the combination of community and educational opportunities available. I have been able to learn and network through the Voiland college to kickstart my career with the support of multiple professors and faculty members. There is a large sense of community here at WSU. Regardless of your area of study or hobbies, the college has clubs and events offer opportunities to meet people and build lifelong friendships.

What have you learned during your time at WSU, that will help you most in your future?

My most valuable lesson I have learned is that communication skills are just as important as programming skills. The ability to communicate ideas, meet new people, and start a conversation are the skills that get you from the classroom to the career. Computer science is not a job done in a vacuum. Working with teams of people and constantly collaborating is a core aspect of any computer science career, and WSU is the perfect place to hone those skills.

What advice do you have for fellow or prospective students?

My largest piece of advice is to study something you are passionate about. Finding an area of study that you look forward to learning more about is a key element to being successful in any university. My advice for my degree is to never doubt the value of the first computer science classes you take. They are the foundation for everything else you learn, and having a solid understanding of the fundamentals will make a huge difference.