Computer Science Alumni
Here are brief descriptions of some CS alumni, what they're doing now, and how Muhlenberg influenced them.
If you're a CS alum, we'd like to hear how you're doing. If you'd like to add or update info on this page, please email any of the CS faculty.
Ryan Kavalsky
What I've been doing since college: For the two years immediately following my graduation, I worked as a software developer on a small development team for the Maryland State Retirement Agency, where I served as lead developer, database administrator, and anlalyst on multiple projects that benefited the administrative side of my agency's activities. From that point on, I've been working as a software developer on an even smaller development team for the Social Security Administration's Office of Budget, where I've been senior developer, database administrator, and analyst for projects that benefit our office's internal needs. I'm also currently enrolled in a graduate program for my Masters of Software Engineering.
How Muhlenberg's CS program has influenced me: What Muhlenberg's CS program had offered me as a student there was far beyond a generic computer science education. I was also challenged to consider how my skills as a developer are not fully-matured without real-life business skills and strategies in mind. Some of the higher-level courses allowed me to explore the business side of development, and this is what truly prepared me for my professional career.
Advice for current or prospective students: If you're studying computer science at Muhlenberg, don't just be a CS student - explore different curriculums and opportunities as well. As a professional, very rarely will you develop software for software developers. It's important that you understand the business in which your development skills will be used, and how to effectively communicate with the environment that you will be serving.
Raffaello Trofa
What I've been doing since college: Directly following graduation, I worked on the world’s largest trading floor in Stamford, CT, at UBS Investment Bank. At UBS, I was a fixed income portfolio analyst helping facilitate large trades for internal and external clients. I have also continued to participate in the company which I co-founded during my college years, Threads For Thought.
How Muhlenberg's CS program has influenced me: Besides a great academic experience, Muhlenberg’s CS program helped me strive in the workplace, as I was developed to think logically and efficiently. Although not directly in a developer role, the programming knowledge which I took away for the program allowed me to create new efficiencies for my team, especially with VBA. I can also attribute my education for helping me design a successful and profitable website for Threads For Thought.
Advice for current or prospective students: The professors in the CS department are very accessible, and along with providing support during courses, they are great mentors. I also would advise considering a minor/major in mathematics, as I found the upper-level math courses complement the CS program nicely.