Diego Lopez
Former Academic Advisor & Mathematics Tutor Uses BU MET Degree to Pivot to Software Development
Diego Lopez
Software Developer at MIT Lincoln Laboratory
MS in Software Development (MET’20)
What compelled you to return to school and pursue a graduate education? What is your long-term objective?
Before pursuing my studies at BU, I worked in education as an academic advisor and mathematics tutor. I really enjoy learning and teaching, and wanted to one day teach computer science in a community college. One of the requirements to do so is a master’s degree, so I decided to continue my studies at BU. Before going back into education, I wanted to gain practical experience in the industry, so almost a year ago I began a co-op at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and over the summer I transitioned to a fulltime role as a software developer.
Why did you choose MET for your graduate studies? What set MET apart from other programs you were considering?
When I first decided to return to school, I knew I wanted to focus on interesting coursework instead of research. Family and financial responsibilities also were a key factor, so I needed a program that would allow me to study part time while working full time. I came across BU MET’s MS in Software Development and that immediately became my top choice for a graduate degree. I liked that it had a broad range of electives to choose from, all of which were geared toward teaching practical skills within a specialized field. The ability to complete the degree in 18 months, part time, at a world-renowned university, and at a very reasonable price had me applying and hoping to get accepted.
Is there a particular faculty member from your courses who enhanced your experience at MET? Who and why?
It’s hard to name just one as almost all my professors left a lifelong impression on me. The three most influential professors in my courses were Andrew Sheehan, Ed Orsini, and Reza Rawassizadeh. All three professors focused on teaching practical skills that would aid us in becoming professional software developers, as well as providing insightful perspective and advice about the industries they worked in. I took Server-Side Web Development (MET CS 602) with Andrew Sheehan, where I learned a vast amount about web development and built a number of different projects that went into my portfolio and helped me earn my co-op and current job. I took Software Design and Patterns (MET CS 665) with Ed Orsini, where I added to my toolset a number of design patterns that I now recognize everywhere I look and will use throughout the rest of my career. Finally, I took Advanced Programming Techniques (MET CS 622) with Professor Rawassizadeh, where I combined and refined my programming skills to tackle complex problems using industry standard techniques.
How do you apply concepts you learned in your courses at MET in your current job?
Almost everything I learned during my coursework at BU has been useful at one point or another. I do full-stack development in my current role, using a number of different programming languages and leveraging a variety of software tools. A lot of the courses I took gave me the option to develop some sort of web application as a project, which was great exposure that I still refer back to. They also had us using different languages, from Javascript to PHP to Java to Python, which were great learning experiences as now I often work in those languages. In the group work for some courses, we practiced test-driven and agile software development approaches, which was excellent practice before applying these techniques in my current job. All in all, my professors and the coursework really did prepare me for the industry and helped me mature as a software developer.
What is currently, in your opinion, the most valuable thing that BU MET provides you?
A sense of pride and accomplishment for finishing the journey of developing myself from an amateur coder to a software developer.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the MET Community?
It is tough to pursue a rigorous graduate degree, especially with a lot of the things that are going on in our world. I wouldn’t have been able to complete my degree in the time that I did, with the GPA that I achieved, and overcome everything I had to along the way without the support of my wonderful wife and family and friends. Many times I wanted to brush my studies aside for a bit, but thanks to their encouragement and support I carried on and am now reaping the fruit of my endeavors. Thank you to all who were part of this journey. And to everyone who is still pursuing their studies, don’t forget to thank those who support and encourage you.