Kelly Miller

Graduation Date: 

June 2007

Current Employer: 

CMC Flex

Job Title: 

Java Programmer

Tell us about your work environment:

I work for a small, Utah-based company that employs about 125 people. We provide software to credit unions nationwide. I am on a team of eight developing a more user-friendly GUI interface than the current system. I have the opportunity to work with some amazingly talented people, and while we do run into challenges, we still have fun. I wasn't really considering working for a smaller company, but I have found that it allows for a strong work/life balance. The atmosphere is very laid back.

What value has your education provided in your current employment?

I think that incorporating all aspects of software design into the curriculum — such as collaboration, interface design, and the various architectural courses — have given me a stronger skill set than I would have received at a more traditional college.

The Enterprise Projects are a fantastic idea—I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to work with IBM for my Enterprise Project and I feel that the level of professional development I received has contributed immensely to my success with this company. A few weeks after I was hired, I went with my company to one of Neumont's career fairs and CMC hired two more students.

Why did you choose to attend Neumont?

I was about a month away from graduating with my Associates in Gen-Tech when I received a letter in the mail advertising Neumont. The project-based learning environment was what really appealed to me. After having already been attending college, I felt the assignments were useless after the duration of the course. I like that many of the projects students build [at Neumont] are used for the school and/or are continuous works in progress. Being able to work on real-world projects was also something I felt would be valuable to me, as I honestly did not feel confident with my current skill set [before enrolling at Neumont].

Do you have any favorite stories from your time at Neumont?

I had so many great experiences, but the one that stands out the most was when I attended one of the Neumont Thanksgivings. Being college students, not everyone can go home for both Christmas and Thanksgiving. The president and his family provided dinner to those students 'stuck' in Utah. The year I went we had it at the school. He and all of his extended family served a nice, home-cooked meal to all the students. The rest of the day was spent gaming - several of us had brought in our consoles and hooked them up to the projectors - so it wasn't such a lonely holiday.

Favorite Teachers? 

The faculty is so phenomenal, but to name a few: Tony Morgan, Terry Halpin, John Finlay, Matt Curland, Paul Coleman.

Favorite Classes?  

Human Computer Interface Design, Patterns, and the two quarters I spent on the IBM enterprise project.

Where are you from originally?

Annapolis, MD.

Did you live in student housing while at Neumont?

Yes. I liked that it was not the traditional dorm style — it wasn't so confining. It was nice, however, that most of the students were within walking distance, which made working on assignments and team projects convenient.

Please describe your family situation (spouse, children, etc.):

I have no family in Utah, but my job offer persuaded me to stay. The friends I have made both at Neumont and at work make me feel at home here.