{"id":89991,"date":"2024-10-07T15:11:30","date_gmt":"2024-10-07T19:11:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/met\/?page_id=89991"},"modified":"2025-02-27T10:08:16","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T15:08:16","slug":"chantal-barrett","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/met\/programs\/computer-science-it\/stories\/chantal-barrett\/","title":{"rendered":"BU MET Prepares Grads for a Gratifying Array of Careers, Says Software Engineer Alum"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Back to Computer Science & IT Programs<\/a>More Student Stories<\/a><\/div>\"Chantal<\/p>\n

Chantal Barrett (MET\u201923)
\nSoftware Engineer, Dell<\/strong>
\nMS, Computer Information Systems; Concentration, Web Application Development<\/a>
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

What motivated you to earn your master\u2019s degree at this point? Why did you choose to fulfill your goal at Metropolitan College?<\/strong>
\nI chose to get my master\u2019s degree at Boston University because of the curriculum and the master\u2019s degree requirements. All the courses required for the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems<\/a> and all the skills needed for a concentration in Web Application Development<\/a> were relevant to my personal growth and career goals, so it was the perfect fit for me!<\/p>\n

What do you find most fascinating about the discipline of the Computer Information Systems program, Web Application Development concentration? Do you have a particular focus within the broader field?<\/strong>
\nI find the Computer Information Systems program fascinating because while it\u2019s one degree, it sets you up for different career paths. You can focus more on the business side of technology or on the technical side. I\u2019ve always enjoyed the more technical side and getting to code. Still, I believe that as a developer, it is essential to have a good understanding of the business side so you thoroughly understand the requirements of the application you are working on to deliver the best possible product to users.<\/p>\n

While I still want to focus on web application development, I love how this program provided me with a thorough understanding of business fundamentals, as it puts me in a great position to easily transition to the business side of the technology field if I wish to do so.<\/p>\n

Congratulations on your high achievement in the Computer Information Systems program, Web Application Development concentration, and your Award for Excellence in your studies! Looking back, what do you consider to be the main ingredients of your success?<\/strong>
\nThank you! The main ingredients of my success were my family, friends, facilitators, and professors. It was essential to have the support of my family and friends while pursuing this degree because there are some days when the work can become overwhelming. Having people to keep you motivated and who believe in you makes a significant difference. And, of course, my professors and facilitators being available and willing to answer any questions was extremely helpful.<\/p>\n

How were you able to successfully balance your studies with your commitments outside the classroom?<\/strong>
\nI set goals for myself each day of what I needed to get done. While taking classes, I needed more free time. Each day, I went to the gym, then to work, then right after work directly transitioned to studying. It was not the easiest, but it was worth it!<\/p>\n

Was your success in the program driven by a particular outcome\u2014such as professional advancement, educational achievement, personal satisfaction, or something else?<\/strong>
\nMy success in the program was driven by my desire to learn more about the field I am currently working in so I can be the best possible mentor to my co-workers and share what I know with others.<\/p>\n

Is there a particular course or project that enhanced your experience in the program? Please explain.<\/strong>
\nAlmost every course and project influenced my experience in the Computer Information Systems program! My favorite project, though, was the portfolio website I made. This was a great project because it helped you understand the concepts in class and gave you a project you could showcase and use outside of school.<\/p>\n

You were recognized by faculty and peers for your hard work and dedication to the Computer Information Systems program, Web Application Development concentration. What \u201cwords of advice\u201d or encouragement have served as a guiding principle, or simply inspiration, for you? Any words of wisdom you would like to pass along to students starting in the program?<\/strong>
\nThere may be times when the workload can be overwhelming, but remember that each day you are one day closer to receiving your degree than the day you were before. Be sure to set clear goals for yourself, embrace the challenging assignments (because these often are the assignments you will learn the most from!), and enjoy the journey towards getting your master\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Is there anything else you would like to add?<\/strong>
\nThank you to Boston University and my professors and facilitators for this incredible recognition. I feel truly blessed to have attended such a great school, and I am so humbled and grateful to have received this award!<\/p>\n