“So what are you going to do after graduation?”
That is the big question. As a senior at Notre Dame, the year is a bit of a blur. Luckily, the chaos of this year provides us with some pretty special memories. More specifically, senior year is the time we get to celebrate our friends receiving dream job offers and acceptances into top-notch graduate programs.
Instead of just telling you the stats on where my class is going in the fall, I thought it would be interesting to let my friends share their own stories. In this series, you’ll be able to learn about what Notre Dame seniors are doing after graduation, how they came to this decision, and some fun facts about their ND experience.
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Meet Jack, a computer engineering major who will be working for Apple Inc. after graduation.One of Jack’s biggest involvements on campus is the Ultimate Frisbee Club, which he swears is “the most fun club at this school. Period.” Check out the interview below to learn more about Jack’s ND experience.
What day at ND would you want to relive?
If I could relive any day, it would have to be my last football game. I love football, and it is a big reason why I came to Notre Dame. Getting to experience it with all the friends I’ve made along the way was the most bittersweet moment of my life.
What is your favorite ND tradition?
My favorite Notre Dame tradition is Vermin Go Gold, where the Carroll freshman all dye their hair gold. The guys of Carroll Hall are a bunch of fun weirdos who love their dorm. When the dye is cast on their heads, they truly become a part of the pack.
Have you studied abroad?
I studied abroad in Alcoy, Spain as part of an engineering specific program. I like to joke that I peaked during my time there, but that’s mostly to mask the fear that it may be true. I learned so much by living in the same dorm with many Spanish students. I also got my job through a friend I met during my time abroad. She was quiet for the first couple days of the program, so I reached out to her to try and lighten her mood and make a friend. Turns out, she was just sick from a stomach bug and is one of the most social and talented people I know. She introduced me to the manager at Apple which got me my internship and later my job. My choice to study abroad was the next best decision I ever made, behind coming to Notre Dame.
Did you always know you wanted to do software engineering for the Apple Maps division?
Before coming to Notre Dame, I had this concept that I wanted to work with and make consumer electronics, namely cell phones. I didn't land far off, but I did bounce around quite a bit. I came into Notre Dame as a Computer Engineering major, switched to Mechanical, and later changed to Electrical Engineering for a semester. At this point, I realized how much I loved to code and eventually landed back where I started as a Computer Engineering major.
What advice do you have for high school students that want to be in your position?
To all current high school students that want to be in my shoes - no matter where you go or what you do, make sure you keep perspective and keep pace with your work. Try to never feel like you're drowning. Most importantly, always do things the right way. There may be a faster way to do something, but always complete things with integrity and a goal of learning. It is harder, but that’s what makes you get better, and little by little, you will become the best.
Is there anything else you want to say?
Cardinals > Cubs.