As a child, Cal Supik ’14 tinkered with electronics. Today he is at the forefront of the software industry, working as a senior software developer for risk3sixty LLC — thanks to the student work program and a caring professor. He works with some of the most urgent issues in the technology field, such as privacy, compliance and software security.
“From all the breaches, attacks and hacks you hear happening on major tech companies now, and with more and more of our personal and sensitive information moving from a physical to digital presence, the need for protection has never been more apparent,” Supik explains.
When learning more about technology in high school to prepare for college, Supik found his career path in computer science: “I remember looking at some of the highest paying jobs when I was graduating high school, and right behind the typical number one and two positions — doctor and lawyer — was a new profession on its way up: software developer.”
While Supik’s computer science major provided industry knowledge, he learned to apply it daily through a help desk position available through the Berry Information Technology Students program (known as BITS). This paved the way to a big data software internship with AT&T.
He adds that critical thinking is one of the most influential skills gained from hands-on experiences at Berry. “Along with all the technical and professional expertise I gained from my education and on-campus job, critical thinking has armed me with the ability to solve new and challenging tasks on a day-to-day basis,” Supik notes. “This has translated into internships, new jobs and career progression since I graduated.”
Supik also attributes his success to Berry mentors and network connections. In particular, he remembers the kindness of Mathematics and Computer Science Chair Nadeem Hamid, who guided him in balancing academics, work and the demands of playing lacrosse.
“He is extremely smart, humble, helpful and understanding,” Supik says. “While never explicitly stated, I know he understood the juggling act it took to be a student-athlete, as well as just a college kid, and did everything he could to make sure computer science students were successful.”
Looking back, Supik has no regrets about his decision to pursue computer science. “It has given me a skill set that is invaluable and continues to be more and more desirable … and a career that I enjoy every single day,” he says. “The ability to say that alone is something to be grateful for.”
