Celebration of Success: ComPro MIU 2023 Graduation

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Graduation at MIU is a joyful series of events that we host to show our appreciation for our graduates and their families. 356 students from the Computer Professionals (ComPro) program were awarded their Master of Science in Computer Science degrees at the end of the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters. Among them, 200 attended graduation ceremonies held at MIU in June 2023, where we celebrated with six events over three days.

ComPro Ice-Cream Social

ComPro MIU 2023 Graduates in Argiro Student Center

Friday afternoon in the Argiro Student Center

During the event, our students on campus had the opportunity to connect with our graduates, who shared their valuable experiences in the U.S. IT market and thoughtfully answered questions.

Garden Dinner Party

A ComPro student with his wife and kid

Friday evening in front of the Argiro Student Center

Graduates and their families enjoyed a special dinner in the garden near the Argiro Student Center. This informal event provided graduates a chance to meet and reconnect with their faculty and friends.

Awards Ceremony

MIU faculty and invited community members came together to honor students from different programs who excelled in their studies. Over 300 members of our MIU family gathered in Dalby Hall to express their appreciation.

Two ComPro graduates receiving awards in Dalby Hall

Friday evening in Dalby Hall

Quoc Vinh Pham from Vietnam (left) and Ahmed Mokhtar from Egypt (right) received outstanding graduate awards, honoring their achievements as two of the ComPro graduates.

“The ComPro program offers distinctive features, including a low initial payment and the flexibility to complete the remaining payments during Curricular Practical Training (CPT). This aspect was particularly helpful to me as it allowed me to have my family by my side throughout the program,” says Vinh.

Graduating Class Photo

Graduates from all degree programs in front of Argiro

Saturday morning in front of Argiro Student Center

Graduates from all degree programs assembled to pose for a memorable class photo.

MIU Graduation Ceremony

The main event, the graduation ceremony, took place in the Golden Dome on the MIU campus. The commencement speaker, Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, has received numerous awards for her contributions to the field of cardiology, and also the promotion of women’s heart health.

ComPro MIU 2023 Graduation in the Golden Dome

Saturday afternoon in the Golden Dome

At last, our ComPro graduates gathered outside the Golden Dome for group photos.

The MIU Graduation 2023 commencement video can be seen here.

ComPro MIU Picnic

On the final day, of the ComPro MIU graduation events, we joined for a picnic at Waterworks Park. This gathering also provided our graduates a chance to strengthen the bonds formed during the program. Also, food from five different Fairfield restaurants, offering Vietnamese, Indian, Chinese, Ethiopian, and Italian cuisines, added variety. Especially, a standout was Injera, a traditional Ethiopian dish.

Celebration of Success through a Picnic in Waterworks Park

Sunday afternoon in Waterworks Park

Following lunch, fun games including tug of war, canoeing, cornhole, and water blasters filled the park with enjoyment.

Finally, as members of the MIU family, we all carry these special moments with us, cherishing the memories, and looking toward to the bright futures of our graduates. We wish them happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

Appreciation from a Few Graduates

Appreciation from a Few ComPro MIU Graduates

The ComPro MIU Graduation 2023 photo album can be seen here.

MIU to Microsoft: The Journey of Dr. Denekew Jembere

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We are pleased to feature Dr. Denekew Jembere, who completed the MS in Computer Science Program (known as Computer Professionals or ComPro) at MIU and has made significant contributions as a Principal Software Engineer at Microsoft. He has also earned a Ph.D. specializing in the field of Data Science.

Life at MIU

Denekew’s journey in technology in the USA has been remarkable. It all began in January 2005 when he joined the ComPro program at MIU. During his time as a student, Denekew’s leadership skills were recognized, and he was voted as the Student Government Representative for ComPro.

Denekew Jembere graduated with his MSCS ComPro degree at MIU in June 2008

Graduated with his MSCS ComPro degree in June 2008

In October 2005, he started working at Microsoft as part of his CPT (Curricular Practical Training) program. This allowed him to gain practical experience in the industry while he was still studying.

“The CPT training (Career Strategies Workshop) at MIU equipped me with a wide range of valuable skills and knowledge necessary for success in my career journey,” says Denekew. “I gained valuable insights and skills in American business culture’s ethical, legal, and social expectations, as well as developing the expertise to prepare a professional resume.”

The journey of Denekew Jembere from MIU to Microsoft

Following the completion of the ComPro program in 2008, he embarked on his current successful career as a Principal Software Engineer at Microsoft. Microsoft’s Inside Track newsletter showcases one of his impactful works.

Denekew Jembere (far right) with MIU ComPro students at Microsoft

Denekew (far right) with ComPro students at Microsoft

Denekew’s personal life has also undergone significant changes throughout his educational and professional journey. In 2006, his future wife, Misrak enrolled at MIU, following in his footsteps. She began her CPT at Microsoft in 2007. Today, she holds the position of Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft.

Denekew Jembere and Misrak are blessed with four children, ranging from 7 to 15 years old

Denekew and Misrak are blessed with four children, ranging from 7 to 15 years old.

Ph.D. in Data Science Specialization

Driven by his passion for knowledge, Denekew pursued a Ph.D. in Technology Innovation Management, specializing in Data Science. As a result, he completed his Ph.D. in July 2022.

Receiving his Ph.D. from Northcentral University in San Diego, California

Denekew Jembere’s Contributions to MIU and in the Field of Technology

2009: Denekew provided programming classes and raised funds for MIU ComPro students during the recession.

2015: Collaborated with Microsoft to train 35 Ethiopian colleges and universities in MS Office 365, benefiting 1.5 million students.

2018: Developed an app to streamline document processing for Ethiopian citizens abroad. 60 Ethiopian Embassies and consular offices worldwide adopted it.

2019: Offered lectures on Big Data Analytics at ten universities, gaining media attention (such as on the Ethiopian Fana Television) for his valuable contributions to technology in Ethiopia.

2023: Provided virtual lectures on Data Science and Machine Learning courses to MSc and Ph.D. students at six Ethiopian Universities.

2023: Delivered a Tech Talk to the current ComPro students providing a comprehensive understanding of ML-based feature development projects and emphasizing the various roles that audiences can assume as direct or indirect contributors. See the video of his talk.

Providing Lectures on Big Data in Ethiopia in 2021

In conclusion, Denekew’s commitment to technology, education, and philanthropy has made him a notable role model, bringing about positive change, and also influencing others.

“I wholeheartedly encourage software developers in Ethiopia and elsewhere to seize the opportunity and pursue the MIU CS program,” shares Denekew. “The ComPro program was the gateway to the wealth of knowledge that elevated my skills.”

Denekew’s latest profile can be found here on LinkedIn.

Fairfield, Iowa (Home of MIU): Climate Change Safe Haven?

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Residents and students at MIU are well aware of the many benefits and advantages of living in Fairfield, Iowa.

Local benefits and advantages include:

• Low cost of living • Excellent schools

• Pure air • Beautiful sunrises and sunsets

• Natural beauty • Abundance of indoor and outdoor recreation and sports facilities

• No traffic jams • Closeness of shopping and international dining

• Low property costs • Organic food availability

• Harmonious diverse population • Low crime rate

• Friendly Iowa people • Sustainable agriculture and energy production

• Rich array of arts and entertainment

Natural beauty on the MIU campus

Mother Nature’s safe zone

During recent rare strong winds, weather radar shows how Fairfield (see blue dot) was spared from damage.

Is it possible for a city to be safe from the negative effects resulting from climate change, severe weather events, and natural disasters?

By looking at official data from government and NGOs, and by observing the trends and specific events that have occurred in Fairfield, Iowa (the home of MIU) over the past several decades, some very interesting trends can be seen:

• Severe weather events — Data from the Severe Events Database of the National Centers for Environmental Information for 99 Iowa counties from 2010 – 2020, show that Jefferson County (home of MIU) ranks in the top 3% for the fewest severe weather events in Iowa.

• Natural disasters: No earthquakes, mudslides, forest fires, floods, hurricanes. In the last 55 years (since 1968), there have been no tornadoes within 2 miles of Fairfield, Iowa (USA.com)

• Drought effects — No severe lasting droughts here

• No drinking water concerns — Never restricted for poor quality

• No wild forest fires or pollution from distant forest fires. Air quality index (AQI) is almost always good to moderate

• No potentially hazardous large fossil fuel pipelines

• Four distinct annual climatic seasons with some high temperatures in summer and some low temperatures in winter.

• No major winter storms — last 20+ years

With all the fresh air and recreation options, our students balance their demanding academic routine with outdoor fun.

Conclusion

So, based on the data and several decades of observations, we conclude that Fairfield, Iowa is indeed a relatively safe haven from the problems, challenges, and difficulties that our rapidly changing planet is experiencing due to the climate changes resulting from global warming.

We invite future students and your families to experience our unique and special environment by attending MIU and considering making Fairfield your new home.

Learn more about life in Fairfield by clicking here.

 

Emdad Khan, PhD: AI, ML & Digital Transformation Expert

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Professor Emdad Khan is an expert in AI, ML, and global digital transformation

We are pleased to shine the spotlight on Dr. Emdad Khan, a highly experienced computer science professor at MIU, and an accomplished industry leader. Dr. Khan’s expertise lies in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and his contributions have significantly contributed to the applied computer science field.

Scholarly Contributions

Professor Khan holds 23 patents and has published over 75 journal & conference papers on intelligent Internet, natural language processing/understanding, speech recognition, machine learning, big data, bioinformatics, software engineering, neural nets, fuzzy logic, intelligent systems, and more.

The AI Course at Maharishi International University

Dr. Khan’s AI course in the master’s degree program at MIU delves into the intricacies of AI, exploring topics such as machine learning, lifelong machine learning (see video), natural language processing, computer vision, and neural networks. Through a combination of theoretical lectures, hands-on projects, and real-world case studies, students are equipped with introductory skills and knowledge to orient them to the complex challenges of AI.

Meet the Founder and CEO of InternetSpeech

In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Khan is the visionary founder and CEO of InternetSpeech, a leading technology company at the forefront of speech recognition and natural language processing. Under Dr. Khan’s leadership, InternetSpeech has revolutionized the way we interact with technology, enabling voice commands and speech-to-text capabilities across various applications and platforms. His entrepreneurial journey demonstrates the practical application of AI in transforming industries and improving user experiences.

“InternetSpeech is also focusing on conversational AI that can help users interact with the Internet/Intranet for a long meaningful conversation, integrating numerous applications,” adds Dr. Khan.

Professor Khan teaching Machine Learning (ML) class (CS 582)

In March 2023, at the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence & Robotics: ROBOTFORUM 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Professor Khan gave a plenary talk on AI & Digital Transformation (see p.6) which describes how AI is driving a multi-trillion dollar industry of digital transformation.

AI revolutionizes industries, automates processes, improves decision-making, and enhances experiences, transforming the world into a digitally-driven ecosystem.

In conclusion, Professor Emdad Khan is an accomplished computer science professor at MIU and a visionary entrepreneur. As we witness the ever-growing influence of AI, we are fortunate to have Dr. Khan inspiring our Computer Professionals Program master’s degree students–paving the way for a future driven by intelligent technologies.

To learn more about our Data Science specialization, please click here.

For more information about Dr. Khan, visit his MIU profile.

The Love of an Admissions Counselor: Abigail Stickels

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Abigail Stickels joined the ComPro admissions team in 2020. She loves every bit of her work as an admissions counselor and helps her applicants to smoothly transition through the application steps and steer them toward a better career.

She conducts practice interviews to prepare them to face the visa interview. “The best joy in my position is reading the words, “I got my visa today”, says Abigail. “I walked in my first day of work and was greeted by the most peaceful, kind, and beautiful humans, whom I still adore”.

Abigail with the ComPro Admissions Team in 2021

Abigail has a passion to travel the world. In 2022 alone, she visited six countries in Africa, Europe, and South America and five states in the U.S. Through her love and knowledge of different cultures, and lifestyles, she is able to create a special connection with her international applicants.

In Cairo, Egypt, and San Pedro, Guatemala

Lakpa Sherpa, a current ComPro student from Nepal says, “Abigail’s unwavering support was invaluable and made my journey a lot smoother. I must mention that our relationship went beyond that of a mere counselor and student. We developed a good friendship, which I cherish to this day.”

“Abigail Stickels is awesome! She is very friendly, fast, and always happy to help. We had enjoyable exchanges throughout my application to MIU. She stayed in touch and made sure I had the best services and experience in my travels to MIU as well,” shares Amanuel Berihun.

When she is not exploring the land, she dives deep to experience the world beneath the surface. “Into the sea, I go to lose my mind and find my soul,” says Abigail.

Marsa Alam, Egypt

Abigail is now working with the main MIU admissions team to help applicants from other departments. Still, through her vibrant nature, she continues to bring joy to our ComPro students living on campus.

Professor Siamak Tavakoli: High-Flying IT Expert Joins Faculty

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Professor Siamak Tavakoli excels in hardware and software R&D, and teaching

The faculty and students in our Computer Science Department are delighted that Professor Siamak Tavakoli has recently starting teaching full-time on our campus in Fairfield, Iowa. With apparent boundless energy, creativity, enthusiasm, and curiosity, Dr. Tavakoli has mastered a remarkable diversity of technical subject areas in order to solve a very large range of R&D challenges, and he plans to inspire his students for great careers.

How did he learn about MIU?

MIU Professor Payman Salek has known Siamak for many years:

“I met Siamak when I was 18 during our first year of college. We were both accepted to the Electrical Engineering department at Tehran Polytechnic in Iran. We hung out with the same group of friends, and we were both mountain climbers, and often went on long hikes. We became friends, and he was one of the best men at my wedding.

“Over the years, we worked on microprocessor-based projects and conquered a few mountain peaks together, and continued our friendship after college.

“I moved to the U.S. to attend the ComPro MSCS program a little over 20 years ago, and Siamak moved to the UK to work on his PhD in Electrical Engineering at Brunel University London, but we kept in touch over the years and exchanged messages every now and then.

“When I posted about a faculty position on LinkedIn, Siamak immediately sent me a message and stated his interest. He was soon interviewed and hired as a faculty member at MIU. Siamak is probably one of the smartest people I have met in my life, and I am so glad that we managed to hire him as a Computer Science faculty.”

Work and teaching experience

Dr. Tavakoli summarizes his past experiences and contributions as an IT professional:

“I left a strong footprint in the IoT industry where both hardware and software systems present challenges. I have triggered many projects, solved many core problems in the projects, created successful out of the box solutions, brought several projects to startup and then to scale up, and have transferred knowledge and experience in both academic and industrial environments.”

  • Major research areas have included:
  • Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
  • Machine Learning and Full Stack System Architectural design
  • R&D lifecycle – all stages
  • Over the last 20+ years, Siamak Tavakoli has focused on these areas of investigation:
  • Embedded System design and development
  • Electronic Circuit and System design and development
  • Sensor Integration / Data Acquisition
  • Drone Flight Automation / AI and robotics
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Non-Destructive Testing
  • Image / Voice Processing
  • Numerical Algorithm design and development
  • System Performance modelling, simulation and estimation
  • Information / Distributed Systems design and development
  • Data Mining
  • Dimensionality Reduction
  • Social Network Analysis
  • Postgraduate Teaching
  • Supervising degrees / postgraduates / PhD projects
  • Lab development, lab infrastructure, system testing

He continues, “Research and Development has always been a part of my life. I will continue this at MIU. There are certain fields and disciplines where I am interested in doing research. With the support of enthusiastic students, there are many projects that can enjoy growth to realization The needs of the local community are also being explored and identified to complete the list.”

Professor Tavakoli teaching Software Architecture (SWA) class

Transcendental Meditation (TM)

Siamak first learned about TM from Payman Salek during their undergraduate college days.

About three years ago, with the large number of projects he was managing, Siamak searched for methods to help release the stress associated with all these responsibilities. After unsuccessfully trying several techniques, he turned his attention to finding an effective one, and started TM in mid-2021 in the UK.

Personally, Professor Tavakoli reports, “I have enjoyed the tranquility of the moment, and stress-free state of mind that the Transcendental Meditation technique gives me. Students practicing TM report having a clear head, with a strong experience of peacefulness and growing self-confidence.”

Future Plans

Dr. Tavakoli has over 20 years of commercial technical consulting experience, and is planning to found an MIU technical incubator in the future. This will allow students with ideas for new applications to collaborate with MIU faculty to bring their projects to fruition.

Students getting personal attention in SWA class

Professor Tavakoli enjoys spending time reading books, and participating in sports such as paragliding and running.

When not teaching, doing research, or solving IT industry challenges, Dr. Siamak Tavakoli is an avid paragliding enthusiast and runner.

Advice for future students:

“If you are searching for a focused academic program that develops mental growth in supporting your progress, there is no healthier place than MIU,” Dr. Tavakoli concludes.

Dileep Krishnamoorthy Returns to ComPro Marketing

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We welcome the return of our Computer Science Internet Marketing Specialist, Dileep Krishnamoorthy.

After previously studying and working part-time at MIU for seven years, and visiting with his family in India for 14 months, Dileep has just returned to MIU. In India, he continued working remotely for the Computer Science department doing Internet marketing, photo, and video editing and operating the online chat.

Background

Dileep grew up in a village in Tamil Nadu, India. After earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Sree Sakthi Engineering College, he wanted to find a job and continue studying to improve himself.

He heard about MIU from his uncle who had worked closely with MIU’s founder for decades. Our MBA program appealed to Dileep, as it allowed him to have an internship position at MIU while studying. Dileep enrolled in 2014 and began his internship in the Computer Science Department as an assistant network administrator.

Dileep felt at home on campus, especially after he connected with ComPro faculty member Renuka Mohanraj, Ph.D., and her family, who came from the same area in India that Dileep did, and welcomed him into their home.

After graduating from the three-year MBA program, Dileep enrolled in our MA in Consciousness and Human Potential Program. At the same time, he began working with the ComPro marketing team. During his years at MIU, he developed an interest in photography and filmmaking and started making videos to promote the department under the guidance of his supervisor.

Dileep says that through his MBA courses he improved his communication skills, personal financial practices, and even his eating habits. In 2015 his team won second place in a business mediation tournament hosted by the University of Wisconsin.

Dileep with the ComPro Admissions team in 2021

Dileep has a deep appreciation for MIU’s unique education system, “Consciousness-Based education not only provided me with the knowledge of business and the human physiology, but also gave me a better understanding of my life in general,” he said. “I have developed a sense of connection with people around me and a feeling that we are all one.”

Dileep is recording Dean of Computer Science Admissions Elaine Guthrie for our campus video tour.

Upon his return to our campus, Dileep saw the beautiful scene (below) and captured it on his camera.

Sunset at MIU by Dileep Krishnamoorthy

Dileep Krishnamoorthy warmly invites all experienced software developers around the world to apply to our unique and acclaimed Master of Science in Computer Science program at MIU.

 

Asia/Turkey Recruiting for MIU MS in Computer Science

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Join MIU Deans Greg Guthrie and Elaine Guthrie live. Their Asia tour is from Dec. 24 – Jan. 14, 2023. Reserve a ticket to learn about our acclaimed Computer Professionals Master’s program at Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa, USA.

Develop your IT career with a U.S. Computer Science Masters

Recruiting in Ha Noi:

Date & Time: Sat, December 24, 2022, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Vietnam Time

Location: EduPath | ImmiPath | EIC Education & Immigration Consultancy Firms 163 Phố BàTriệu #5th floor Ha Noi, Hà Nội 700000 Viet Nam

Reserve a spot

Recruiting in HoChiMinh City:

Date & Time: Tue, December 27, 2022, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Vietnam Time

Location: EduPath | ImmiPath | EIC 400 Điện Biên Phủ Ward 11, District 12 Ho Chi Minh City, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000 Viet Nam

Reserve a spot

Phnom Penh Recruiting:

Date & Time: Sat, December 31, 2022, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Cambodia Time

Location: SOKHA Phnom Penh Hotel & Residence Street KeoChenda, Phum 1, Sangkat Chroy Changvar Khan Chroy Changvar Phnom Penh, 12100 Cambodia

Reserve a spot

Dhaka Recruiting:

Date & Time: Fri, January 6, 2023, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM Bangladesh Standard Time

Location: The Royal Pheasant Location House 05, Road 74 Gulshan Model Town Dhaka, Gulshan 1212 Bangladesh

Reserve a spot

Recruiting in Ankara:

Date & Time: Sun, January 8, 2023, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Eastern European Standard – Time Turkey Time

Location: TM Center-Ankara Uskup Cad. No:24/4 Kavaklidere Cankaya Ankara, 06680 Turkey

Reserve a spot

Istanbul Recruiting:

Date & Time: Sat, January 14, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Eastern European Standard Time – Turkey Time

Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul – Moda Caferaga Mah. Sozdener Cad. No:31 Kadikoy Istanbul, 34710 Turkey

Reserve a spot

 

 

MD Fakrul Islam: Corporate Tech Lead

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“Coming to MIU for a master’s in computer science is one of the best, most strategic, and turning-point decisions in my career.”

MD Fakrul Islam is not a typical Computer Science Master’s degree student at MIU. Most of our MSCS students enroll with 1-5 years of professional IT experience. After graduating from SUST in Bangladesh in 2004, Fakrul had 16 years of IoT (Internet of Things) and AI experience in the telecommunication, agriculture, and healthcare industries.

But, he wanted more for his career. When a friend told him about our unique Computer Professionals ProgramSM (ComProSM) which offers an MS in Computer Science with paid practicum for experienced software developers, he applied here.

Fakrul enrolled at MIU in October 2021. After only eight months of courses, followed by our three-week Career Strategies Workshop, he applied for his CPT practicum, got accepted, and began a high-level Tech Lead position doing IoT and Business Integration at the Whirlpool Corporation.

Fakrul is doing his paid practicum at the Whirlpool Corporation as a Tech Lead.

The Whirlpool Corporation is an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of home appliances, headquartered in Benton Charter Township, Michigan, United States. This Fortune 500 company has annual revenue of approximately $21 billion, 78,000 employees, and more than 70 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets its namesake flagship brand Whirlpool, alongside other brands: including Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Amana, Gladiator GarageWorks, Inglis, Estate, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Hotpoint, Ignis, Indesit, and Consul.

“My responsibility is cross-functional to work closely with the product team, business team, and technical team.  I lead onsite and offsite developers/engineers to deliver the right product in the right way,” says Fakrul.

Fakrul with colleagues at a party at the Whirlpool Global Headquarters in Michigan.

Fakrul summarizes his experiences at MIU, “Taking admission to MIU for a master’s in computer science is one of the best, most strategic, and turning-point decisions in my career. The faculty, staff, food, accommodation, transcendental meditation, norms, principals, values, as well as the welcoming environment at MIU are different from traditional U.S. universities. Now I find the core values and the science and technology of consciousness in my daily life. This is the right place to concentrate on your studies and creative work.”

Fakrul and classmates relaxing at the park near the MIU campus.

Fakrul is now completing the rest of his classes via distance education. His career goal is to work at the Director or VP level in top IT companies. Personally, he plans to be a good husband, father, and contributor to our society. He feels that the U.S. is a great country of knowledge and expertise, so a perfect place to study and learn the next level of programming. “If anyone has good skills in IT/SW development, they should come to MIU to explore world-class opportunities,” he concludes.

 

Bijay Shrestha: Realizing His IT and Personal Potential

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Bijay Shrestha started his career in Nepal in computer networking and IT security, and decided to become a software developer.

MIU student Bijay Shrestha grew up in Bhaktapur, Nepal, and became interested in computers as a child. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer networking and IT security from London Metropolitan University in Nepal, and decided he wanted to become a software developer. He got a job with F1Soft International, where he worked for over seven years, creating applications for the financial sector and working his way up to assistant engineering manager. Bijay had a strong desire to gain international experience, and was looking for scholarships abroad when he heard about MIU from a colleague. He liked the practical approach of MIU’s ComProSM Program and the low upfront cost–so he applied. “MIU was the best thing that happened for my career,” said Bijay. He found his coursework challenging, and realized early on that he needed to utilize MIU’s daily routine and the Transcendental Meditation® technique in order to manage his heavy academic load. “TM added a lot of value to my quality of life,” he said. “It helped me manage my stress, and process all the new information I was learning.” Bijay strived to perform well in his classes, and even acted as a graduate student assistant for a couple of his MIU courses. He has excelled in earning a perfect 4.0 grade point average for the program.

Bijay is doing his paid practicum at the Bank of America as an Applications Architect V.

Bijay began receiving practicum interview requests from companies on LinkedIn even before he finished his last course—career development strategies. After a series of interviews with several companies, he accepted an offer from the Bank of America in North Carolina, as an Applications Architect V. He wanted to experience the American work culture in an industry he is familiar with, and work toward his goal of developing scalable and efficient applications.

Bijay and classmates from Nepal relaxing at the nearby Waterworks Park.

Bijay is now completing the rest of his classes via distance education and wants to become a chief solutions architect. He strongly encourages IT professionals worldwide to follow his example by enrolling in the Computer Professionals ProgramSM at MIU.