Alumni Q&A: Brenda Sugey Vega Contreras
GCSDD ‘23, MSCSSE ‘25
Brenda Sugey Vega Contreras completed the Graduate Certificate in Software Design & Development before continuing on to earn her Master of Science in Computer Science & Software Engineering at UW Bothell. Today, she works in software engineering at Microsoft. We caught up with her to learn more about her educational journey, career path and advice for students.
What inspired you to choose the GCSDD program at UW Bothell, and how did you know it was right for you?
With a background in Biomedical Engineering, I wanted to transition into software engineering without pursuing a second bachelor’s degree. The GCSDD program provided a structured pathway to develop essential software engineering skills while preparing me for graduate studies. It was the right fit because it offered a curriculum designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds.
What makes the graduate certificate program unique?
It provides students transitioning into computer science and software engineering with the essential knowledge and skills needed to enter the field. The evening class schedule also makes it convenient for working professionals and those of us balancing other commitments. In addition, it creates a welcoming environment for students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds.
Can you share a moment from your program that had a lasting impact on your career or perspective?
One of the most impactful moments was realizing that, although my plan was to continue into a master’s program, I could also apply for software engineering internships after completing the certificate. The certificate helped me stand out as a candidate and secure an internship before starting my master’s degree. That internship ultimately led me to a full-time opportunity at Microsoft.
How did your graduate certificate help prepare you for your current role?
In my opinion, there’s nothing that can fully prepare you for a role until you are actually in it. However, the graduate certificate provided valuable experience in software development, problem-solving, and collaborative software engineering practices. It also helped me develop the fundamental technical skills and confidence I needed to succeed in my master’s program and, ultimately, in my current role.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy learning new things every day, solving problems, and building products that positively impact users. I also enjoy continuously learning new technologies, collaborating with talented engineers, and contributing to innovative solutions.
What are some highlights from your time as a student?
Some of my highlights include collaborating with classmates on projects, learning from experienced faculty, participating in a hackathon, and the sense of accomplishment I felt after completing the GCSDD program and being accepted into the master’s program.
What courses did you enjoy the most?
I enjoyed courses focused on software design and software development, especially Data Structures & Object-Oriented Programming I and II. These courses combined theory with hands-on projects and strengthened my practical programming and problem-solving skills while also helping me develop collaborative skills.
In what ways did your graduate certificate prepare you for your professional career goals?
The program gave me the skills and confidence to pursue graduate studies and opportunities in tech.
How has completing the graduate certificate supported your educational and professional career goals?
It played an important role in my academic growth and professional development. Completing the graduate certificate allowed me to transition into computer science, continue toward a master’s degree, and ultimately launch my career as a software engineer. It was the starting point for my career in software engineering.
What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing a career in this field?
Take advantage of every opportunity to gain hands-on experience through projects, hackathons, internships, and collaboration with your peers. Don’t be discouraged if you’re transitioning from another field; your previous experiences can become a strength. Stay curious, ask questions, and focus on continuously improving your technical and communication skills while also building your network. Persistence and a willingness to keep learning can open many doors in the tech industry. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. The beginning can be stressful and tiring, but over time, you become more comfortable balancing your studies with everything else in your life.