• Name: Willie Jackson
• Hometown: Orange Park, FL
• Where do you go to school? FSU
• What is your current major and degree you are working towards? BS, Information Technology
• Hobbies: Reading and traveling

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 attended an elementary school with a strong technology program. My fascination continued throughout middle and high school.
2. How did you become interested in the computing and information technology field?
   My skill with computers led me to declare Computer Science as my major upon enrollment at FSU. I transitioned to Information Technology after a few semesters.
3. In a couple of sentences, describe your area of study.
   If I decided to do graduate research, I would like to study the effects of a technology-supplemented curriculum in low-income minority communities.
4. Above all else, what excites you about the computing and IT field?
   The rapidly changing landscape, and how technology has a profound effect on business across the world.
5. In your opinion, what are the perks (financial, job security, status, etc.) of having a career in computing and information technology?
   The starting salary of a technology is pretty high, especially compared to many liberal arts degree graduates. Job security is a tougher one to call, as this is largely determined by the industry, area, and market. Technology professionals are typically respected among their peers in the academic arena, but occasionally receive less respect in the corporate environment.
6. What would you tell young people who are considering pursuing a degree and career in computing and information technology?
   It is an excellent degree to have, regardless of your future aspirations. Consider an MBA in addition to a BS in a computing discipline.
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. There certainly are persons who perpetuate that stereotype, but I don't know many of them.
8. Talk about some of the obstacles you may have faced along the way in choosing, and working your way toward this degree.
   The learning curve is extremely steep for some concepts in computing. I have faced many difficult courses, but effective networking and collaboration has yielded extremely favorable results.
9. What are your plans upon graduating with your degree?
   I would like to gain some experience in the field before enrolling an graduate school. Eventually, I look to get my Ph.D. and start my own business.