When Parames Chanthasensack enrolled at Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences in August 2022, he didn’t know exactly what major was right for him. Without a clear path forward, advisors recommended he take the Strong Interest Inventory ® assessment to find what careers might best suit him.
In addition to the test, Chanthasensack tried an introductory Information Technologies class at Syracuse’s School of Information Studies, IST 195, which taught the basics of personal information management tools and the place of information technology in the workplace.
“The results of this survey, in combination with IST 195 giving me a preview of most iSchool courses, was the reason why I chose to transfer into the iSchool,” he said. “The decision I made to transfer has already benefited me.”
Currently a junior, Chanthasensack plans to major in information management and technology with a concentration in information security. This semester, he is taking classes on Human-Centered Design (IST 341), Information Analysis of Organizational Systems (IST 352), and Introduction to Applied Data Science (IST 387).
“With the ever evolving landscape of technology, my goal after graduating from Syracuse University is to use the skills I have obtained to help create a safer and more secure platform on the internet,” he said. “There isn’t a specific path I have in mind just yet, but I would like to do something related to cybersecurity.”
Since transferring to the iSchool, Chanthasensack says his most meaningful project was his final project in IST 256, Applications Programming for Information Systems.
“I had no experience with Python or any programming language at all. I definitely found it quite challenging,” he said. “In that class I was trying to figure things out and I was in office hours nearly every week, but in the end I really enjoyed it. Because of this, my final project felt that much more satisfying when it was completed with everything working as I planned.”
In February 2023, Chanthasensack completed an ethical paper project for IST 195 about information security and its volatile nature. He continues to use the lessons he’s learned at the iSchool to build on his information security knowledge.
“For now, I want to do more cybersecurity related classes to truly consolidate what specific area I would like to tackle in the future,” he said.
If he could offer any advice to fellowundecided students, Chanthasensack would encourage them to simply go to class, do the assignments and not be afraid to reach out to professors and teacher assistants for help.
“If you are unsure about where to go next, trying out many different courses will help you find that interest,” he said. “Even if you are not fully invested, just give it a try and you may find that you really enjoy the subject. I believe that as long as you’re dedicated to succeeding, your determination will definitely show and it will reflect in your overall results.”