• Name: Matthew Lundy
• Hometown: North Brunswick, NJ.
• Where do you go to school? Florida State University
• What is your current major and degree you are working towards? Bachelor of Science, Information Technology
• Hobbies: Technology, Music, Movies, Sports

We appreciate you taking the time to serve as a role model for young people considering a possible degree and career in computing and IT.

Tell us about ...

1. Were you interested in computing and information technology in middle school and high school?
   Yes, I was very interested in computers and technology at the time. Having taken a number of courses in both middle and high school, I believed this field was the right one for me to pursue.
2. How did you become interested in the computing and information technology field?
   When my family got our first computer, I became really interested in how it worked and what its capabilities were. As a result, I continued to work with it more and more, teaching myself as much as I possibly could.
3. In a couple of sentences, describe your area of study.
   My area of study is Information Technology, with an individual concentration on the field of database administration. I have enjoyed all of my courses within the College of Information, but took on a particular interest in the way data works. I have always loved the way data is distributed, manipulated, and retrieved; correspondingly, I wish to pursue a career in it eventually.
4. Above all else, what excites you about the computing and IT field?
   The ability to make a difference in people's live, while also exposing myself to the newest and best technology available at the time. (Sometimes, even before it is available.)
5. In your opinion, what are the perks (financial, job security, status, etc.) of having a career in computing and information technology?
   Computing is a very well paid profession, with a great deal of job security, despite the role that off-shoring has come to play. Every company now-and-days needs people in some of way to help manage their computing environment, thus there will always be work.
6. What would you tell young people who are considering pursuing a degree and career in computing and information technology?
   If you want to make an impact on the way people will be perceiving information for the rest of their lives, computing and technology is for you. This field is here to stay.
7. In your experience, do the traditional stereotypes of the computing and IT nerd and geek hold true for most people in this field?
   No, not at all. Most of the people I interact with each day are about as social and down to earth as the friends I have made outside of the field. We are your typical, run of the mill individuals, who share an interest in the technology that surrounds us.
8. Talk about some of the obstacles you may have faced along the way in choosing, and working your way toward this degree.
   Personally, I have not run into many obstacles at all, while working toward my degree. I have enjoyed every minute of the learning process, and wish there were more classes readily available for me to take, right before I graduate.
9. What are your plans upon graduating with your degree?
   Upon graduating, I hope to pursue a career in database administration. While I would like to stay in Florida, particularly closer to Orlando or Tampa, I am willing to relocate, if the job terms are satisficing.