![\"Kyle](\"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/rochester\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2019\/08\/Kyle-Aure-and-Brent.jpg\")
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” I think people are missing out if they have not yet figured out that Rochester is a great place to be if you are considering a new career path.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Name: <\/strong>Kyle Aure
\nAge:<\/strong> 28
\nHometown:<\/strong> Born in Wisconsin but calls Big Lake, Minnesota his hometown
\nFamily:<\/strong> His partner; Brent, Sister; Rachael, and two cats; Karn & Jimothy
\nCollege:<\/strong> PSEO at Anoka Ramsey & Winona State University-Rochester<\/a>
\nMajor:<\/strong> B.S.T Math Education <\/a>and soon to earn a 2nd B.S. in Computer Science<\/a><\/p>\nKyle\u2019s Passions<\/h3>\n
I\u2019m passionate about \u201ccreative things\u201d which can show up anywhere. This is one of the reasons I\u2019m pursuing a degree in Computer Science<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Computer Science<\/a> is creative because you get to problem solve. Beyond that Brent and I are into, believe it or not, board games – the kind that takes eight hours to finish. In today’s world of technology (yes, this is coming from a Computer Science <\/a>major) we as people, have become separated. Getting together with others to play a long board game allows us to come to the table, have conversations, express creativity, and have fun.<\/p>\n
Where Kyle Works<\/h3>\n
I work at IBM as a Websphere Software Developer for their Hybrid Cloud department. Last summer I did an internship and because I already had a bachelor’s degree, although it was in Math Education, IBM was able to hire me. Employers are willing to work with you and they understood that I will soon have my degree in Computer science<\/a>. So this summer I am working full time with IBM and taking classes at WSU-R, working to finish up my 2nd bachelor’s degree in Computer science.<\/p>\n
Kyle\u2019s WSU-R Experience<\/h3>\n
WSU-R is a college experience that works in today\u2019s world. I work full-time and my classes are at lunchtime or night. There\u2019s always a way to make the schedule work around your life.<\/p>\n
Here was the big WSU-R differentiating factor: My professors worked in the industry, aka-the real world<\/strong>. For example, they were retired from IBM or currently working at Mayo. This took my education and experience beyond academics. They become mentors, in a way, by providing guidance.<\/a><\/strong> For instance, they are great at giving you advice on things you can do outside of class to make sure you\u2019re more marketable. I love that their examples come from real-life experiences and are not just from a textbook. I\u2019d say my experience at WSU-R was beyond \u201cjust getting an education\u201d, there was a great deal of practical real-world guidance.<\/p>\n
Kyle\u2019s Advice to His Younger Self<\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t be afraid of who you are. I spent too much time comparing myself to others and thought I had to change or fit into a certain mold to be a Math Educator or Computer Software Developer. I would see others I admired and then try to change myself to be like them. You don\u2019t have to do this. To make your own path, you learn from others and then adapted to be who you truly are. That\u2019s a model for success in the real world.<\/strong> I would also tell my younger self to be more outgoing and get out of my own head. Meet people, share with them, because they are interested in you, too. Self-doubt can be a real crippler.<\/p>\n
Kyle\u2019s Prediction for His Future<\/h3>\n
In five years: I would like to be working on my masters in Computer science<\/a>. I\u2019m learning a great deal in my career with IBM but I want to make sure my learning never stops.<\/strong>
\nIn ten years: Doctorate Degree – Never stop learning!<\/strong>
\nIn fifteen years: The teaching bug is still in me and I\u2019d could see myself helping others as a professor at a University.<\/strong><\/p>\nWhat Kyle Had to Say About Rochester<\/h3>\n
![\"Kyle's](\"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/rochester\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2019\/08\/Karn-and-Jimothy-Cats.jpg\")