Trang Hoang
Graduation year: 2022
High school: Pham Hong Thai High School
Hometown: Hanoi, Vietnam
Majors: Computer science; applied mathematics
Minor: Data analytics
Activities: Vietnamese Students Association, computer science tutor, Pi Mu Epsilon honor society, Al-Khwarizmi honor society, Phi Beta Kappa honor society
Internships: Microsoft; FPT Software; 中国体彩网’s EDGE Center
Post-grad plans: Work full-time at Microsoft
Why 中国体彩网?
During my senior year in high school, I was unsure which college I would choose. 中国体彩网 was the first college that accepted me; therefore, I was excited when I received the acceptance letter. Moreover, I was impressed that 中国体彩网 offers Augie Choice for students to support a qualifying hands-on learning experience.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Before college, I intended to major in accounting and finance. However, during my first year, my uncle, a software engineer, advised me to try out a computer science class.
After the first introductory course with Dr. Mueller, I was into computer science. Dr. Mueller helped me greatly in that class and gave me a strong foundation for many upper computer science classes. Therefore, I declared my majors: computer science and applied math.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
Thanks to all my math and computer science major professors, especially Dr. Mueller; Dr. Stonedahl; Dr. Clauss – my first math professor; Dr. Sward – my math major advisor; Dr. Rodman; Dr. Khan; and Dr. Bengtson. They helped me sharpen my skills and develop into who I am today.
Dr. Mueller inspired and assisted me a lot. I remember some days she was willing to stay after the work hours to help me with my project or give me advice for my career even though I was just a first year.
Dr. Stonedahl taught me in algorithms class and helped me build a solid foundation to keep practicing and preparing for the technical interview. He is also my computer science major advisor. He helped me figure out all classes for my college plan for all four years during my first year.
Lastly, I want to give special thanks to my family and friends, who have given me a lot of advice in my career and have supported me since day one.
Peak experience?
My summer internship at Microsoft. I learned a lot of technical skills from other seniors in the company. I had a good relationship with everyone on my team, even though it was a virtual internship.
What surprised you?
I was surprised when I got a lot of help from my professors. Our professors are so friendly and supportive. I also like how inclusive the community is.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used Augie Choice for a summer internship at FPT Software as a software engineer. It was unpaid, and having Augie Choice cover rent and food helped greatly.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my friends and professors here. Everyone is really helpful and supports me every time, whether I feel up or down in my life. I also will miss the three months of summer vacation since I will start working full-time at Microsoft right after college.
Advice for the Class of 2026?
Never give up and doubt yourself! Try everything in college that interests you. You do not have to find the exact major for yourself right before college. Always have backup plans and expect the unexpected. When one way does not work out, you always have other ways.
"Trang is a skilled programmer and has achieved so much success in her time at 中国体彩网. The math and computer science department is incredibly proud of her accomplishments, and we will greatly miss her contributions to the department."