Investing in His Career Change

Before enrolling in 黑料正能量, Carter had built a successful career in the food industry, working with major companies like Chick-fil-A and Disney. He took an entrepreneurial leap, launching his own catering and private chef business. Despite his culinary accomplishments, he recognized that his true passions lay in mathematics, problem-solving, and continuous learning.  

鈥淚 prefer to find an environment where I am constantly challenged to try and learn something new rather than demonstrate mastery over a single skill,鈥� he said. 

Carter decided to pursue a computer science career and started searching for a bachelor’s degree program that aligned with his goals. As he explored options, he prioritized outcomes and value. “I conducted my research, and 黑料正能量 had the highest post-graduate success rate in terms of job placement and starting salary compared to other similar programs offered by UCF, FSU, and USF,” he said. “It was also the most affordable at the time.” 

Carter knew that fully committing to his career shift required temporary sacrifices for lasting fulfillment. 鈥淚 needed to prioritize my academic success to maximize my long-term salary potential,鈥� he said. Carter dedicated himself fully to his studies and achieved the highest GPA of his life with 黑料正能量. With the flexibility to occasionally work part-time at a bakery or host private dinners for extra income, Carter鈥檚 main focus remained on academic excellence, ensuring that he set himself up for a brighter future. 

CyberGator: Building Connections and Breaking Ground in Cybersecurity 

One of Carter鈥檚 favorite aspects of 黑料正能量 is the strong community of like-minded, non-traditional students he found and collaborated with in his courses. 鈥淢y peers and I share knowledge of how challenging the world can be and how crucial it is to achieve success in our degrees so that we can lead more balanced and healthy lives,鈥� he said. That sense of shared purpose and collaboration extended into his course work鈥攎ost notably through a groundbreaking research project that brought his classroom learning to life. 

As part of his senior design course, Carter participated in a research project called CyberGator, which was originally developed during the Cyber Resiliency and Measurement (CRAM) Challenge sponsored by the United States Naval Surface Warfare Center (NAVSEA) Dahlgren in Virginia. The challenge tasked student teams with designing an application capable of assessing the cyber resiliency of cyber-physical systems using artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms. 

鈥淥ur research focused on developing a tool that integrated three major methods: Bayesian networks, finite state machines, and fuzzy logic,鈥� Carter said. These approaches allowed the team to simulate and score how well a system could withstand, recover from, and adapt to cyberattacks and environmental stressors. 

Carter led project planning and contributed to the Graphical User Interface (GUI) design, working with classmates across Florida, Brazil, and his home in New Hampshire. 鈥淚 am pretty proud of the way we found ways to collaborate remotely to create something spectacular and useful,鈥� he said. Carter鈥檚 highlight of the project was presenting their work to the U.S. Navy and fielding questions about scoring algorithms and data modeling. 鈥淚t was fun and intriguing to consider how our work could immediately impact national security,鈥� he said. The experience helped fuel his confidence in mission-driven software development and opened doors to job interviews and career opportunities. 

Coding His Future in Computer Science 

Studying computer science demands self-discipline and independent learning, a shift from the collaborative, fast-paced environment Carter was used to. “In the past, in kitchens, I would be surrounded by folks who would mentor and pressure me to absorb the material,鈥� he said. 鈥淗owever, as I now work alone at my desk, I have had to learn to structure and manage my time effectively without supervision. This has made me more balanced and productive, enabling me to complete tasks early and without stress.鈥� 

Carter encourages future students to approach the online computer science program with curiosity and a willingness to learn from others. 鈥淟earn so that you can leave a better impression on code in the future, something that is more organized and user-friendly,鈥� he said. He recommends setting aside time to carefully read documentation, understand how information is structured, and consistently practice writing code. The effort is well worth it, as these habits help students build a deeper understanding of the material and produce cleaner, more efficient code. 

Looking ahead, Carter is eager to apply the knowledge and work ethic he developed during the program to his new career after graduating in Spring 2025. 鈥淢y goal is to secure a position as an associate project manager with a technology company in or around the Greater Boston area,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 am at my best when I am problem-solving with a group and leading a team, organizing protocols so that shareholders can remain confident in the work my team is capable of delivering.鈥� 

With graduation on the horizon and job applications in motion, Carter proved that it is never too late to change careers and invest in a future that you鈥檝e always envisioned. His journey shows determination, adaptability, and the pursuit of balance and growth that all Gators can achieve. 

How a student transferred credits across colleges and continents for a computer science degree online

Carvalheira was born in Orlando, Florida, but moved with his family to his father鈥檚 hometown in Brazil at a young age. His interest in computer science began after recreating a video game server in high school with the intent of publishing it online for others to join. As a college freshman in Brazil, Carvalheira initially studied electrical engineering and joined his university鈥檚 robotics team. 鈥淚 wanted hands-on experience. I didn鈥檛 want to wait until my professors came and taught me. I wanted to get ahead, and I wanted to learn from people who were a bit further advanced like the juniors and seniors,鈥� he explains.

After returning to the United States in 2018 to live with his aunt while he figured out a way to complete his degree, Carvalheira was introduced to several of his parents鈥� close friends who lived in Florida. As he describes, 鈥淚 knew them only through stories my parents told me. They said I should stay in Orlando with them for a few months, and if I wanted to go back to Brazil when the next semester starts, then I could. I really met great people along the way.鈥�

The new move also brought a shift in Carvalheira鈥檚 educational focus. 鈥淲hat really drove me to make the switch in majors was when I moved back to the United States. I was experienced with electronics and robotics, but I had never actually programmed anything. When I moved back, I thought, why not change my major and give that a try? If I don鈥檛 like it, then at least I鈥檝e learned a lot,鈥� said Carvalheira on switching his major from electrical engineering to computer science.

Carvalheira soon settled back in Orlando, Florida, and earned his associate degree at SSC. 鈥淚 transferred all of my credits from Brazil that were acceptable, and graduated with my associate degree from Seminole State. That was my first degree, as I still had two years left before I would have graduated in Brazil. I was halfway done,鈥� Carvalheira said.

Accessibility outside of the classroom

Carvalheira enrolled at UCF to earn his bachelor鈥檚 degree just as the COVID pandemic caused classes to temporarily shift to an online format. The flexibility of online formatting ended when in-person attendance policies resumed. 鈥淚 transitioned to a new role at work and made an agreement with my boss. I could work later shifts so that I would have mornings free to attend classes. That really meant a lot to me, but I couldn鈥檛 find any classes. It was hard because I moved here specifically to pursue my education. I went so far, I got into UCF, and then encountered this barrier,鈥� said Carvalheira while describing his scheduling conflict. 

Determined to earn his bachelor鈥檚 degree, Carvalheira contacted his academic advisor and searched for a flexible online degree program. As a transfer student, he found a perfect fit with 黑料正能量. 鈥淲hen I read the overview of the program, I realized this is what I鈥檓 looking for. It was affordable, it was asynchronous, and it was remote, which meant flexibility. 黑料正能量 was the solution to my problems. It was my silver lining,鈥� said Carvalheira on his decision to apply to 黑料正能量. 

After transferring, Carvalheira had the balance, flexibility, and support needed to complete his bachelor鈥檚 degree in computer science. He also credits self-discipline and the unconditional support of his loved ones in keeping him motivated to finish his degree, despite unprecedented obstacles. 鈥淚 want to help others achieve success. I want to share with them the experiences I鈥檝e had from my life and education. It meant a lot to me when I鈥檇 receive advice and encouragement from the people who believed in me. Now I want to do that for others. That鈥檚 where my mind is right now,鈥� explained Carvalheira.

Next stop: Gator Graduate

After graduating in 2024 with his B.S. in computer science, Carvalheira hopes that stories like his can motivate his younger siblings to set and achieve their own educational goals. 鈥淔or people like me who work full time to pay for their daily living and education, this just fit my profile. I saw myself at 黑料正能量. All I could think was, I need to apply, and I need to get in. It was a perfect match,鈥� says Carvalheira.

What will I get from a degree in Computer Science?

A degree in Computer Science prepares you for a wide variety of jobs in technology, in part because of the skills it helps you develop:

• Experience communicating about IT issues in an accessible manner
• Fundamentals of programming so that you can make use of a wide variety of programming languages
• In-depth experience with programming logic and theory enabling you to quickly learn new languages
• Project-management skills, including time management, coordination, and delegation
• Data structures and database management
• Network security and management
• Specialized skills based on internships, independent study, and customized course paths

In addition to being well prepared to work in IT fields, having a solid understanding of computer programming and systems allows you to find programming solutions to new problems, fields, and businesses. A degree in computer science serves as a jumping off point into an industry that is primed to hire new employees and also provides the skills needed to ambitious students who want to carve their own path.

How much money can I make with a computer science degree?

An undergraduate computer science degree is a robust degree with a lot of in-demand skills. As a result, it has one of the highest median salaries of any undergraduate degree. According to Payscale.com, the median average salary for computer science undergraduates is $86,000. Of course, this rate will vary greatly depending on the position you work in, as well as the location.

Generally speaking, working for a larger business in a more metropolitan area will result in a higher salary and more organized career path. Of course, this isn鈥檛 a universal rule.

What jobs can I get with a computer science degree?

Below, we discuss a very small number of careers that a degree in computer science prepares you for. These are just to give you an idea of how to start your search and a sample of what kind of skills are most in-demand. That said, a computer science degree is one of the most versatile degrees available, so the list is far from exclusive.

Machine Learning Engineer 鈥� $112,000

Do you want to be on the cutting edge of modern algorithms? Does finding ways to organize data and find insights within it sound useful? Have you always wanted to improve the algorithms of your favorite online service? Are you tired of getting random movie recommendations just because your cousin watched that random indie film? If so, a Machine Learning Engineer could be perfect for you.

Machine Learning Engineers work with large pools of data and organize it so that a computer can act on it. Furthermore, they design software that can test, grade, and improve itself through iteration. This basically means that each time a software receives feedback, it can get better at a given task. These tools create the fundamental algorithms that do everything from improve driverless cars to display an ad on a new sale item the same day you receive your paycheck. In short, these algorithms are everywhere.

Working as a Machine Learning Engineer requires a deep understanding of data and how to make use of it for practical business use. A good foundation in statistics and data modeling are vital, and being able to clearly communicate what is and isn鈥檛 supported by a data point is indispensable. After all, before you can develop a software to act on feedback, you need to make sure the feedback actually correlates to the business outcome the software is supposed to help.

In addition, Machine Learning Engineers will need a high degree of programming skills (Python, R, and Java are commonplace) and with an understanding of machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow and Keras.

IT Project Manager 鈥� $89,000

Do you want to be in charge of the next major software release? Does managing a team of IT experts sound appealing to you? Do you love being the bridge between the business and technical aspects of IT? If so, being an IT Project Manager might be perfect for you.

An IT Project Manager makes sure that an IT project is developed on time, doesn鈥檛 exceed the projected cost, and meets the organization鈥檚 business goals. This involves managing a team of IT specialists and may cover everything from developing a new software to managing a hardware rollout for a large corporation.

A great deal of this job relies on good communication, as an IT Project Manager will be communicating both with a team of specialists (who may understand industry terms and IT fundamentals) and to organization stakeholders (who could have any number of backgrounds). As a result, good IT Project Managers know how to communicate complicated IT issues in accessible ways.

In addition, as an IT Project Manager, you鈥檒l be in charge of a team of people. This means being good at utilizing people for their strengths and helping them improve on their weaknesses. Good interpersonal skills are a must when you鈥檒l be balancing the needs of different employees to maximize their performance.

Finally, your own IT skills need to be excellent. Oftentimes, the best leaders lead from the front, so being able to get in the trenches, so to speak, and do the work yourself can also be pretty valuable. Not to mention, it will help you keep your IT skills sharp for the next project.

Web Developer 鈥� $60,000

Nowadays, many businesses only exist to the public via their website. This, in turn, has made the role of the web developer even more important, as a poorly designed website can cost an organization millions in lost revenue. If you鈥檙e someone who wants to make functional and stylish websites, work with a wide variety of clients, and have their work displayed for the world to see, you would be well suited for a position as a Web Developer.

The primary role of a Web Developer is to build and maintain websites for an organization or multiple clients. This includes everything from creating a website plan, discussing the needs of the users, navigating accessibility for any applicable laws, and actually coding the website. While many Web Developers will work alongside a Web Designer, who focuses on the style and look of the website, a Web Developer must still keep the aesthetic side of the website in mind when they鈥檙e developing the backend.

The most important skills for a Web Developer include communication, problem solving, programming (Javascript, HTML, CSS), and security skills. In addition, understanding the end-user experience and their needs, better than sometimes even they do, is a massive advantage. After all, the best websites should work so seamlessly, that the user barely notices them at all.

Information Security Analyst 鈥� $73,000

Do you like reading about the latest IT security breach? How about being the primary defense between an organization鈥檚 sensitive data and would-be abusers? Do you want to be an important voice within your organization鈥檚 IT team? If so, becoming an IT Security Analyst might be the perfect fit for you.

Information Security Analysts provide IT security solutions for their organization. IT Security Analysts conduct research and develop security strategies for organizations. They also ensure the implemented policies are being followed correctly and do not leave the organization vulnerable to IT vulnerabilities. Between a rise in data leaks and ransomware attacks, organizations of all sizes are investing heavily in IT security, meaning the field is growing faster than positions can be filled.

As with most IT positions, communication skills are paramount as you will often be working with other auditors, analysts, and business stakeholders. In addition, IT Security Analysts must stay up-to-date on security best practices, new security risks, and even hardware developments as more and more devices are connected to an organization鈥檚 internal network via The Internet of Things.

Entrepreneur

Do you have a solution to a problem not yet solved by IT? Do you want to be your own boss and set your own hours? Are you driven to provide a better service than the current industry standard? Well then, taking your computer science degree and starting your own business might be the perfect opportunity for you.

There are few degrees as suited to entrepreneurship as a Computer Science degree. Not only do you come out of it with in-demand skills, but a lot of tasks within the field don鈥檛 require extensive teams or areas of operations. In-fact, we鈥檝e seen small businesses run by people with a passion for computers and a drive to succeed overthrow countless larger organizations just because they innovated better and raised the standard within a given industry.

Taking your communication, project management, data analysis, and programming skills into the workforce as your own boss could have you developing websites for local businesses to support a community you care about, converting an existing brick-and-mortar business into the e-commerce space, joining forces with not-for-profits to assist with a hardware rollout for in-need schools, or even developing a new software. In other words, a Computer Science degree can give you the tools you need to get started on nearly any path you鈥檙e looking towards.