Paul Gilliam BS '18, Information Systems

I chose UCCS because I heard about the rigorous business program offered by the College of Business. I also thought the campus was gorgeous and the university would be a great place to earn my degree.

I think my favorite part of the College of Business was the engagement I received from the professors and college faculty. If I had a question or concern, they were always there to help me. I really enjoyed nearly all of the professors I had while attending UCCS.

I did two internships while attending UCCS, and I was hired full-time as a Software QA Engineer one semester before graduating. In my first internship, I worked as a Software Engineer. That position taught me the basics of programming and how to apply my business knowledge to software. I was very successful in that position, and highly enjoyed it. In my second position, I was a Data Analyst/Developer. I created a dashboard that automated the collection of key data points for the company, and displayed them in an online web browser. This internship taught me how to tie business knowledge into technology, and it was a great learning experience. I currently work as a Software QA Engineer where I make sure that the software my company makes matches the business requirements given to the developer.

My main involvement at the school was serving as the president of the Student Center for the Public Trust. During that time, I competed in the regional Daniel’s Fund Ethics case competition, and got first place one of those years. I also went to the Daniel’s Fund state competition, which was a wonderful experience where I competed in a case competition and also learned the importance of ethics in business. I was also the founder and president of the DECA Club at UCCS. In that role, I competed in the International Collegiate DECA competition with a partner two years in a row. We finished within the top 12 internationally one year, which was a great achievement for us!

I aspire to one day become a software company manager. I am already well on that path as my company told me to continue working to become a lead within my team. I thoroughly enjoy working with technology, and want to continue doing it for the rest of my life.

UCCS made my goal of becoming a software company manager a reality by teaching me the technical and managerial skills I needed to succeed in the workplace. I was able to explore so many career options while at UCCS, which I am very grateful for.

I like the stunning views of the mountains and the close proximity to the ski resorts. I also enjoy the constant sunshine every day.

If I were talking to someone who was considering UCCS for college, I would tell them these bits of advice based on my time at the school. The UCCS College of Business opened more doors for me than the other two schools that I previously attended combined. The college is well connected to the community, and very well respected by all of the employers I talked to. I would also say that UCCS is among one of the best universities in the country. When I first started my college search, I had a full-ride scholarship to any Ivy League school of my choice. Since attending and graduating from UCCS, I would still pick UCCS over any other school. The classes are rigorous and the staff really do care about student success in the College of Business.

UCCS is a fantastic college that continues to grow and improve. UCCS will give you a great education and will help you build your career along the way.