As an IUPUI graduate in political science and religious studies, she grew to love the university and always hoped one day to work for the institution she says gave her so much. In 2009, she joined the Office of International Affairs and recently was promoted to assistant director of international admissions.
“I’m really happy I found the program,” said Hovee, 29. “There were a lot of different paths on campus to get me where I wanted to go, but I’ve found the Department of Computer Science to be very open and welcoming. The different concentration areas that are set out with the classes you have to take made the most sense for me.”
The applied computer science program provides students with the core knowledge and skills of computer software applications and emerging technologies. It is designed for students who may already have a degree in something other than computer science or for students looking to enhance their primary degree program.
Now just a few classes into the 18-credit-hour program, Hovee already has served as the project manager on a real-world software application recently implemented at several local hospitals. She looks forward to discovering opportunities to apply computer science skills to her job, which primarily focuses on communication and recruitment of international students to IUPUI>
“I’ve only recently developed an interest in computer science, and this certificate program is designed for someone who comes to computer science later in life,” she said. “The professors are extremely approachable and they’re not going to assume you know everything from day one. But, they are going to have high expectations of you.”
“I’m gaining real skills that I can take and apply in many different areas,” added Hovee.
While away from the office and classroom, she is rarely away from a computer. She enjoys working on graphic and web design in her spare time and visiting the many international restaurants in Indianapolis.
She credits her semester studying in China and a year in the Ukraine working with the Peace Corps. with sparking her interest in international study. The International Affairs office and her growing skills in web-based applications and database analysis should allow her plenty of opportunities to reach out across the globe.