Thomas Stewart

Game Developer

Computer Science, B.S. '16

How did your program at Biola prepare you for your career?

Biola’s CS program did a very good job of taking me from zero to job ready. The courses were challenging and engaging — there was a good mix of theoretical topics and concrete technical skills taught. The curriculum combined with the emphasis on internships allowed me to easily find a job in my field after graduating. The professors were also very helpful and eager to lend advice and write letters of recommendation to my potential employers.

What did you appreciate most about your time at Biola?

I wanted to find a school where I could study both technology and the Bible –– and Biola provided exactly what I was looking for. I enjoyed studying in an environment that provided growth in all areas of my life: academically, socially and spiritually. And I made a lot of really good friends along the way.

How did Biola equip you to be a more faithful follower of Jesus Christ?

One of the things I valued most about my time at Biola was the exposure to different worldviews and theological viewpoints. I felt that Biola taught me skills needed to look at complex topics in a holistic way and use the Bible as a foundational framework for how I can better represent Christ in all I do.

What advice would you give to students considering your degree program?

Computer Science is a challenging field, but I learned a handful of pointers that will probably help future students coming into the program. First, I would recommend making friends in your classes. You will likely be seeing the same people in your core classes for the next few years, and learning in a group is much easier. Having friends to bounce ideas off of or help explain a complex topic was extremely helpful for me.

I would also recommend using homework assignments to pursue your interests. For example, I needed to design an app for a UI/UX class, so I took the opportunity to learn more about Android programming and created a fully-functional quiz app instead of just mockups. I also was able to complete the majority of the assignments for a classic non-technical art class digitally. I used my art credit as an opportunity to learn basic 3D modeling programs.