Emily Zhang is a fourth-year student from Bedford, Indiana, in Purdue University’s Computer and Information Technology (CIT) program who pivoted from psychology to CIT to foster her love of technology. She’s working toward graduating in Spring 2026 and building a career around her interests in data analytics and data science.
Q: How did you find out about the Computer and Information Technology major before you were a student?
Zhang: I actually started at Purdue as a psychology major but quickly realized I didn’t want to pursue graduate school, and my interests no longer aligned with that major. I then tried switching into computer science, but after taking a few classes, I found I didn’t enjoy coding all the time. Still, I knew I wanted to stay in the tech industry. Through research, I discovered the CIT program and was drawn to the wide range of classes it offered. I liked the flexibility to shape my degree around my interests, which included data analytics and data science.
What do you hope your degree will equip you to do?
I hope my degree equips me with the technical breadth and industry experience to pursue a career in tech beyond software development. I’ve had the opportunity to take courses in cybersecurity, networking, programming, and data science, and I value how this diversity prepares me for multiple pathways in the tech field.
What hands-on experience have you had as a CIT student, and how do you think they will help you in your future career?
After completing my internship at Amazon Web Services, I gained firsthand exposure to cloud infrastructure, automation, and large-scale systems. This experience has guided me to strategically select my senior year courses in areas such as data analytics, machine learning, and systems design, so I can strengthen the technical skills most relevant for post-graduation roles. I may potentially return to Amazon, but I am also pursuing full-time opportunities as a technical product manager or systems development engineer.
Who at Purdue has made a positive impact on your learning experience?
In CNIT 325, an object-oriented programming class in Java, I didn’t do as well as I had hoped on my first exam. I went to office hours with Professor Matson, and he walked me through my mistakes. I was initially intimidated, but he was able to break down complex topics into simple terms that were easy to understand, and I realized my mistakes were lots of small errors rather than fundamental misunderstandings. Beyond clarifying class concepts, he also shared valuable advice about the tech industry and his own experiences.
What has been your biggest challenge or biggest win?
My biggest challenge has been navigating imposter syndrome, and I feel like I missed out on a lot of opportunities my freshman year because of it. But connecting with others in similar majors has helped me realize it’s a shared experience. I’m also realizing the value of not being the smartest person in the room, not just in academics, but in other parts of life as well. Being surrounded by talented and driven peers has pushed me to challenge myself and grow in ways I wouldn’t have if I never acknowledged it.
What motivates you?
As a first-generation American and college student, my biggest motivation is giving back to my family, who sacrificed so much to help me reach this point. I’ve been able to experience opportunities they never had, and that inspires me to work hard so I can one day give them the experiences and moments they’ve always dreamed of.
What's the most valuable experience you've had as a student at Purdue, academic or otherwise?
Growing up in a small hometown, I couldn’t connect with people who shared my cultural background outside of my family. At Purdue, joining cultural organizations gave me community and leadership positions I could grow from. I’m also part of Horizons, which has provided me with incredible support and resources from free tutoring and financial literacy courses to the opportunity to mentor new Horizons students. These experiences outside the classroom have been just as impactful as my academics, shaping both my personal growth and my sense of community.
What advice would you give to someone who's considering your major?
If you’re interested in careers within and beyond software engineering in the tech industry, CIT is a great choice. The program allows you to explore a wide variety of topics and tailor your coursework to your personal interests and career goals.
