PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) master’s student in computer information systems Ifeanyi Onyekpe has already kick-started his career with a full-time job as a software engineer. During his past two years as a graduate student, Onyekpe consistently excelled at his workplace while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA.
“PVAMU offers a great learning environment,” he said. “One of the great qualities, which I can testify to, is its reputation for producing competent individuals, especially in the field of information technology. This is not accomplished by sheer chance, but by the excellent and diligent lectures given by well-qualified professors.”
Born in Delta State, Nigeria, Onyekpe earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from Girne American University in Cyprus, an island country just off the coast of Turkey. While attending PVAMU, he immersed himself as a member of the Nigerian Students Association and PVAMU’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers. He said being part of campus organizations helped increase his personal and professional network while ensuring he stayed connected to his culture and the political and economic issues relevant to Nigeria.
“I have improved my soft skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking. These skills have helped boost my confidence. I believe that my educational and professional experience has not only prepared me technically but has also given me the right mind to achieve my career aspirations,” Onyekpe said.
As a software engineer at the Houston-based company Empyrean Benefits Solutions Inc., Onyekpe designs, develops, and deploys enterprise software applications. This focus area could shift as he gains more experience and puts his new master’s degree to use.
“I intend to specialize in application security, an arm of cybersecurity, within my company. This is because this field is becoming crucial in software development due to hackers moving their focus to software applications, such as mobile and web applications,” he said.
Onyekpe said he expects the knowledge and experience he gained through the program at PVAMU will be a solid foundation for his future plans.
“PVAMU provides the required tools and facilities that set the path for your success,” he said. “Its learning environment is quite intellectually stimulating and also ensures that students from diverse backgrounds can efficiently collaborate with one another to achieve agreed objectives. The professors are excellent at doing their possible best to disseminate any significant knowledge to their students. Students are also constantly notified about relevant career opportunities and how they can take advantage of them. My decision to attend PVAMU has turned out to be immensely gratifying.”
Without a doubt, it is a challenge to complete a master’s program with all A’s, especially when you are also working on your career. To help current and future Panthers be successful, Onyekpe offered a few tips that he found useful.
“My most important piece of advice to current students is to strive to maximize your concentration by consciously staying away from mobile devices during crucial times where complete focus is required. It’s ultimately up to us to decide how we use our time, and the amount of success we attain depends on this,” he said. “I would also advise students to not be overwhelmed and take advantage of the tools and resources that are available on and off campus. Moreover, endeavor to study and pursue knowledge since that’s the primary reason you are here. Have fun! Get involved, and don’t be afraid to seek help whenever possible.”
Onyekpe’s academic and professional achievement at PVAMU has laid the groundwork for continued success in his career.
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