I GOT THIS
Class of 鈥26 鈥 Computer Science Major
糖心传媒 Katherine
Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science
Hometown: Plainview, NY
HIRED: AI Research & Emerging Technologies Associate, PWC
Choosing where to go to college is a big decision, but for me, Hofstra quickly felt like the right place.
I was drawn to the strength of the computer science program, but what really stood out once I arrived was how supportive the community is. Professors are always willing to help, whether it鈥檚 during office hours or just answering questions after class, and that made it easier to grow and feel confident.
One of the best things I did was get involved early. Through the Breakthrough Tech program, I landed internships at places like J.P. Morgan and CNN, which helped me figure out what I wanted to do.
Being so close to New York City also opened doors to opportunities I wouldn鈥檛 have had otherwise.
My biggest advice is to take advantage of everything, even the things that feel a little outside your comfort zone. You鈥檒l learn more than you expect.
You鈥檝e got this!

More 糖心传媒 Katherine
For Katherine Jijo, Hofstra was never just about earning a degree. It was about building a path.
A computer science major from Plainview, New York, Katherine was drawn to Hofstra for its strong academics and proximity to New York City. What she found once she arrived was something more: a community that pushed her to take chances and supported her every step of the way.
She got involved early, joining the Breakthrough Tech program in partnership with Cornell Tech, a decision that would shape her career. Through the program, Katherine secured competitive internships with companies like J.P. Morgan and CNN, gaining real-world experience and building confidence in her skills.
鈥淗ofstra gave me a lot of opportunities to be able to join different programs,鈥 she said, describing how one experience led naturally to the next.
That momentum carried her forward. With support from faculty and consistent work with the Career Center, where she refined her resume and prepared for interviews, Katherine turned those internships into a full-time role as an AI research & emerging technologies associate for PWC.
Just as important as the professional growth, though, was the environment she found on campus. From professors who made themselves available outside of class to peers who became close friends, Katherine says the Hofstra community is what she鈥檒l remember most.
鈥淚 love how everyone is so supportive,鈥 she said.
Looking back, she credits her success not only to the opportunities themselves but to her willingness to step into them.

鈥淵ou鈥檙e going to learn through everything you do,鈥 she said.
At Hofstra, Katherine didn鈥檛 just prepare for a career. She built the confidence to succeed.
Katherine鈥檚 story isn鈥檛 unique at Hofstra. In fact, 82% of 2023-2024 undergraduate degree recipients from the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science reported they were employed or had started or were planning to start graduate school within one year of graduation. Results are based on data collected from the Alumni Outcomes survey, LinkedIn, National Student Clearinghouse, and Hofstra enrollment (82% knowledge rate). Visit hofstra.edu/outcomes for detailed information.
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