Graduating seniors reflect on IT jobs, look to the future

Congrats, class of 2025, and “caps off” to all student employees earning degrees this spring! We recently asked five graduating seniors about their work experiences and plans for the future.

Matias Vale Armesto

IT support technician, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) organization

What degree are you earning from the University of Utah?

I’m graduating with a Bachelor of Science in information systems from Eccles School of Business.

What are your plans after graduation?

While my post-graduation plans are still taking shape, I’d love the opportunity to continue working with the U. I’m currently in the process of actively applying for positions and, although I haven’t received any offers yet, I’m optimistic. In the meantime, I’ll likely continue working at the Network Operations Center desk until the right opportunity arises.

How has working in UIT prepared you to work in an IT field?

Before starting this position, I was serving in the military working on F-35s, with little to no background in IT networking. This internship has truly been a transformative experience. It’s helped me build not only technical skills but also grow in communication and professionalism. I have to give a huge shoutout to Rick Titus for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I hope he enjoys his well-deserved and relaxing retirement!

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Parker Bolek

Service Desk agent, Information Technology Services (ITS)

What degree are you earning from the University of Utah?

Bachelor of Science in information systems.

What are your plans after graduation?

My current plan is to move into a full-time position with the ITS Service Desk and continue my own learning path and growth while still being a part of the industry. I will be attempting to obtain certifications while still part of this team.

How has working in UIT prepared you to work in an IT field?

Working within ITS has been and continues to be a wonderful experience. I have learned and grown so much and have truly felt part of a family. I’ve been trained by some of the best ITS has (Ben Lopez, you have forever been instilled as a mythos in my eyes), allowing me to improve myself as an IT specialist. Josie Jesse is one of the best mentors you could ever ask for — the title Mama Bear is no overstatement; the time and commitment she puts into this team as well as other teams is inspiring. Everyone at the Service Desk deserves an entire page, but I can only write so much. I hope to continue growing, learning, and climbing with them and see where the future takes me.

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Kira Halls

University Campus Computer Support (UCCS) student intern, CTO organization

What degree are you earning from the University of Utah?

My major is computer science.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’ve accepted a full-time position in UCCS as an IT specialist. I start May 12 and I’m excited to continue my experience with UCCS! 

How has working in UIT prepared you to work in an IT field?

I learned a lot from my Student University Development Opportunity (SUDO) program intern experience. I previously worked in IT at an elementary school, where most of my tickets involved easy resolutions, and my UCCS job has taught me a lot more about complex technical issues and how to resolve them. I’ve also learned how to troubleshoot and manage Mac devices. Obviously, I will continue using what I’ve learned in my new position since it’s with the same department! I’ve really enjoyed working in UCCS, and everyone I have worked with has taught me so much. They are always willing to answer any questions I have and help me become a better IT tech!

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Michael Wadley

Software quality assurance specialist, Deputy CIO organization

What degree are you earning from the University of Utah?

I’ll receive my Bachelor of Science in computer science.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’ve accepted a full-time position as a software QA specialist in the University Support Services department within UIT. I’m excited to continue supporting the university by helping ensure the reliability and quality of its systems. Outside of work, I plan to stay sharp by working on personal software and hardware projects — always keeping an eye out for ideas that could evolve into something bigger down the road.

How has working in UIT prepared you to work in an IT field?

Working in UIT gave me valuable exposure to Agile development practices, collaborative team environments, and the process of delivering high-quality software at scale. I gained hands-on experience with tools and technologies that were new to me and strengthened my technical and interpersonal skills.

Clint Bowles, my supervisor during my time as an intern, was a fantastic mentor. He’s approachable, deeply knowledgeable, and well-connected across the organization. I learned so much under his guidance and am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him.

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Jackson Wetzel

PeopleSoft IT security technician, Deputy Chief Information Officer organization

What degree are you earning from the University of Utah?

I’m receiving my Bachelor of Science in computer science with an emphasis in games.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’ll likely hold onto this internship for at least another semester while I browse full-time positions, either within the university or elsewhere.

How has working in UIT prepared you to work in an IT field?

I’m a member of the USS Security team, which has the responsibility of maintaining the university’s online services by managing access to administrative tools and records. My internship here has really helped as a first position on my career path, giving me experience with SQL and interacting with the administration professionally. Both Robert and David Lake, my coworkers here in USS, have been quite instrumental in showing me the ropes of this career field and everything this internship has entailed, and I cannot thank them enough for their patience.

 

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