Azure & DevOps Podcast

Henry Quillin: What it’s Like as a Computer Science Student - Episode 312

Aug 26, 2024

Henry Quillin, a computer science and business honors student at UT Austin and software engineer intern at Bank of America, shares his journey through college. He discusses the transformative experience of adjusting to university life and how internships enhanced his learning. Practical experience and teamwork are pivotal themes, as he reflects on challenging courses like data structures and operating systems. Henry also offers valuable advice for aspiring computer scientists on securing internships and embracing emerging technologies.

37:19

Creator website

Episode guests

Henry Quillin

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Henry Quillin highlights the transformative college experience emphasizing the balance between personal growth and academic engagement beyond just career prospects.

The importance of integrating practical internship experiences with foundational theoretical knowledge in computer science is crucial for long-term success.

Deep dives

Expectations vs. Reality of College Life

Entering college can vastly differ from the high school experience, as illustrated by a student's journey through the computer science program at the University of Texas at Austin. Initially focused solely on career prospects, the student discovered that college offers more than just a pathway to a job; it provides a rich environment for personal growth and exploration. The shift from a singular focus on work to embracing a broader array of interests highlights the importance of engaging socially and academically in college. This newfound perspective allowed for a balanced approach to life, reducing the risk of burnout and promoting overall well-being.

Intro

3min

Transitioning from High School to Computer Science at University

4min

Navigating College Life and Computer Science Challenges

12min

Collaboration and Camaraderie in Computer Science Education

3min

Navigating College and Internships in Computer Science

15min

Exploring Effective AI Chatbot Tools for Computer Science Students

2min

Henry Quillin is a student in the Canfield computer science and business honors program (CSB) at UT Austin and a software engineer intern at Bank of America. He likes building things. He is interested in software development, entrepreneurship, and blockchain/crypto. He has completed several internships and other contracts and has earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He always has several software projects going, and when not buried in VSCode or books, he enjoys weightlifting, cooking, and listening to podcasts. He's currently helping artists monetize their scrapped music as the CTO of Scraps. You can check out his website at henry henryquillin.me.

Topics of Discussion:

[3:49] Henry’s college experience and mindset shift.

[5:00] Realizing the value of college.

[6:48] Henry describes the computer science courses he took in his freshman year, including data structures, discrete math, and operating systems.

[11:16] The computer programming classes Henry took in his freshman year.

[12:54] The importance of practical experience and the value of hands-on learning in computer science.

[20:27] Living arrangements and the social dynamics of college.

[23:27] Advice for aspiring computer scientists.

[28:07] Why internships are great, and how to make the most out of them.

[33:12] Henry’s Bank of America internship experience.

[35:24] Learning to be comfortable with new and emerging technologies.

Mentioned in this Episode: