Ryeland Ellison graduated from Meridian Medical High School in 2021 and enrolled at Boise State to study computer science and joined Albertsons Library to work part-time in access services’ computer lab.
Some of the benefits that drew him include flexible hours, being part of a collaborative, creative environment that supports connections across campus and encouragement of peer-to-peer learning. Student employees learn critical communication skills, both in customer service and with technology. Work-study students are also eligible for a scholarship through the library.
With the development of these skills, Ellison was able to join Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories for a paid internship as a software engineer. The computer science major was pleased to learn that the company hires about 70% of their interns after graduation. Though only a sophomore, he’s already looking forward to working full-time.
“I want to make some decent money in order to chase my passion and start my own company developing my own software,” he said.