Sitting in a lecture hall and discussing computer science theory just wasn’t working for Ryan Carroll ’11 when he began his college journey in the late 2000s.
It wasn’t until he transferred to Mount Saint Mary College, where education meant tearing down PCs and configuring routers, that everything clicked. For Ryan, bridging the gap between the classroom and a career didn't happen in a textbook; it happened by getting hands-on with the tech.
“When I came to the Mount, they gave me access to the multi-purpose rooms that are specifically built to launch your career,” he explained. “You’re able to get hands-on and say, ‘Hey, here’s a PC. Here’s how you install memory. Here’s how you install hard drive. Here’s how you install Windows or Linux.’”
This practical approach proved to be a critical advantage in his professional life, he noted.
“It helped me to be prepared for when I graduated,” Ryan said. “I already had all that experience. I already knew how to do everything I needed.”
Beyond the classroom, Ryan emphasizes the importance of utilizing the support services offered on campus to secure early career experience, such as the Center for Academic and Career Services (CACS). The CACS is dedicated to empowering students to take the next step in their professional journeys with résumé help, internship opportunities, and more.
“I did a lot of internships and that then ended up converting into a full-time role with one of the companies when I graduated,” he said. “The Mount helped me find my internships and then get them approved as a college credit, which was great.”
For current students, Ryan’s journey highlights that success in the technology industry is about finding a program that matches the realities of the field, as well as being willing to seek out opportunity. On that note, his advice to current students in the field is simple: networking is paramount to success – and students should be bold about it.
“If you call a professional you met and you ask them for help, you normally get a response,” he revealed. “I use that principle as a guiding light. If I want to connect with someone, I do my very best to send them a personal note.”
He added, “No one knows what you want in this life except you. Speak up. Get your promotions and make those connections. You’ll be happy you did.”