Ep. 82 - Computer Science/Workplace Data, Apps & Workflow Lead - Avanade - Stephanie (Boyd) Donahue

Welcome back to the Joust About Careers podcast! This episode features a conversation with Stephanie (Boyd) Donahue, a 1997 Van Buren High School graduate who works in the computer science field and is the Americas Workplace Data, Apps, and Workflow Lead for Avanade. In this episode, Stephanie shares how a typical day looks in her position, how there is much more to computer science than coding, what it was like to start her own business, and much more. Whether you are interested in a computer science or business career or are still exploring your options, I hope that what Stephanie shares today will help all of you make better career decisions and have fulfilling career journeys. Enjoy the show! 1:15 - A typical day for Stephanie 3:00 - What is Avanade? 3:39 - Earning the 2024 Global Business Transformation Copilot Partner of the Year and how AI is changing the working world 6:47 - Stephanie planned to go into computer science as a high school student, so she is one of the few who really hasn’t changed her career goals after graduating. 9:01 - There are many educational options available to people wanting to get into computer science. 10:05 - There is much more to computer science than just coding. 11:04 - There are many degrees and career paths in computer science, which offers many opportunities to shift career direction. 12:15 - Starting a new business - one of the hardest jobs Stephanie has ever had, but it was very fulfilling and provided flexibility. 14:45 - Summer classes and camps in robotics, coding, etc., for all ages are a great way for students in high school to start working toward computer science careers. 16:41 - The positives and negatives of a computer science career. 18:12 - Be willing to do what no one else wants to do. Questions? Connect with Brian on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/brian-bratt/) or e-mail (bbratt@vbschools.net). Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/stephkdonahue/) or by e-mail (stephanie.donahue@avanade.com).