Home Country: Uganda
Graduation Year: 2022
Major: Computer Science
Please briefly introduce yourself and where you are from.
My name is Charlene Crystal Namuyige, and my hometown is Kampala, Uganda. I’ve primarily lived in Kampala and Portland over the past 10 years or so. While Portland has become an important part of my life, “home” to me will always be Uganda.
Why Portland and why PSU?
I have family in Portland, and I first learned about Portland State University through my aunt, who had been living in Portland for a few years at the time. When I started looking into PSU, I was interested in pursuing computer science and also wanted to stay close to my family in Portland, especially since I had recently moved from Uganda.
What was your first impression of Portland? How did your impression change over time?
I had been to the United States before, specifically Portland, when I visited over the Christmas holiday. It was my first time experiencing winter and snow, which was really exciting for me.
When I eventually moved to Portland for school, though, adjusting was more difficult than I expected because it was such a big change. I initially started at Portland Community College before transferring to PSU. By the time I transferred to PSU, I had found my bearings and had started to feel more at home.
Over time, I’ve really come to appreciate Portland. The bright summers make it easy to enjoy everything that nature has to offer, while the rainy fall and winter months give you a chance to slow down, catch your breath, and settle into routines. I love that we experience all four seasons here. There’s something beautiful about each one.
Could you briefly describe your professional and/or educational journey after graduating from PSU? What are you doing currently?
While at PSU, I had a few internship and research opportunities. One was with a company based in Arizona, where I worked remotely from Portland during the summer. I also had the opportunity to work with a professor in PSU’s Computer Science department on a project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Both were great experiences and helped me build valuable professional skills.
For both opportunities, I applied for CPT. I found these opportunities through LinkedIn as well as through conversations with professors I connected with through my capstone experience.
After graduating, I pretty much followed the plan I had originally set for myself. I’m currently working as a Manufacturing Applications Engineer, and I’m also pursuing my master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence at The University of Texas at Austin. Over the next few years, I’m hoping to use what I’m learning through my master’s program to pursue new and interesting opportunities at the intersection of technology, AI, and business.
How did your time at PSU prepare you for your career or further education after graduation?
Networking at PSU was definitely important to my career development. The Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program (MECOP) is a great resource for engineering students because it provides opportunities to connect with employers and gain internship experience.
Although I didn’t ultimately get placed through MECOP, going through the initial events and interview process was still incredibly valuable. It gave me an opportunity to practice interviewing and helped me feel more prepared for the real-world hiring process.
What advice would you give a prospective international student who is thinking about studying in the United States?
I would encourage students to start the process earlier rather than later and to meet with an academic advisor early on to create a plan before starting school. Having a clear course plan made a big difference for me. I’m especially grateful to the advisor who worked with me to create a plan that gave me clear goals and helped me stay on track to achieve them.
I would also encourage international students to take advantage of opportunities outside of the classroom. Building relationships, getting involved on campus, and exploring the community can be just as meaningful as the education itself.
What is your favorite memory of your time at PSU?
I’m especially grateful for the international student community at PSU. I had the opportunity to serve as a coordinator for both the International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) and the Organization of International Students (OIS).
Those experiences really shaped me. They gave me the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, learn about cultures from around the world, and develop a greater appreciation for travel and experiencing new places. Looking back, those experiences are a big part of what made my time at PSU so memorable.