Jake Vegas’s journey into the Digital Innovation + Design program at Boise State University started with a curiosity about media and a keen interest in design. “I had recently stumbled upon Google’s UX/UI Research and Design Certification and absolutely loved it,” he said, “so much so that I wanted to see if I could make it a career.”
After some exploring, Vegas found Boise State’s Digital Innovation + Design program and realized it was exactly what he had been looking for. Now, as a student in the College of Innovation and Design, “The rest is currently unfolding, and I’m loving it,” he said.
The coursework has taken him through subjects ranging from psychology to career hacking to creative concepting. One of his standout classes? Leadership. “It’s really inspiring and unique to see the different degree backgrounds of people taking the course,” he said. The variety of perspectives has broadened his understanding of how leadership can manifest in diverse professional environments.
When asked if the program has prepared him for the “careers of the future,” Vegas is quick to affirm. “I 100% agree. These courses give a major edge on the new wave of careers and how they are adapting,” he said. “I feel like I’m learning skills that leverage my creativity and critical thinking, and I’m already seeing the impacts in my school, work, and personal life.”
It’s not just his studies that inspire Vegas. In 2024 he embarked on a solo backpacking trip around the world, visiting 13 countries in 30 days. “A trip that I will remember forever is an understatement,” he said. His journey pushed him out of his comfort zone, allowing him to explore new cultures and forge connections across the globe.
“Jake’s curiosity, flexibility, and appetite for discovery are hallmarks of our Digital Innovation + Design students,” says Jen Schneider, interim dean of the College of Innovation and Design, which focuses on designing programs that provide immediate value to students and prepare them to be creative leaders in the workplace. “It’s a reminder that learning and growth often extend beyond the classroom.”
Next up for Vegas? A bikepacking trip along the Camino Del Norte, starting in the Basque Country and tracing the Spanish coastline – a route he chose after recently discovering his Basque roots. Meanwhile, the Digital Innovation + Design program is helping him shape a life full of creativity, exploration and possibility.