Oregon State’s online computer science postbaccaluareate program provides a pathway for student in Japan to alter career trajectory
It started with a hackathon — a surprise assignment tucked inside a corporate training program in Japan.
Asumi Suzuki was fresh out of college and newly hired into a sales role at Rakuten, one of Japan’s most prominent tech companies. She had never written a line of code. But by the time the event ended, she was hooked.
“How amazing would it be to do this as a job?” she remembers thinking.
Well, now she doesn’t have to wonder.
That moment of unexpected curiosity sparked a life-changing shift. Just a few years later, Suzuki is now a frontend developer at Rakuten — and a proud Class of 2025 graduate of Oregon State University’s online computer science postbaccalaureate program. While learning online, she navigated time zones, self-doubt and the rigors of a demanding program — all while continuing to work full time.
“When I learned more about Oregon State’s program, I realized it was exactly what I was looking for,” Suzuki said. “It’s designed for people like me who already have a degree in a different field and want to transition into tech. I felt incredibly lucky to find such a perfect fit.”
Support that spans the Pacific
Suzuki was nervous in the beginning. Studying computer science from more than 5,000 miles away — and with a 16-hour time difference — created anxiety. But she quickly discovered she wasn’t alone.
“There was so much support available,” she said of the faculty in Oregon State’s College of Engineering. “Office hours were offered so frequently, almost every day, that I was able to attend before or after work or on weekends. I truly appreciated having that kind of access.”
It wasn’t just the instructors who helped her succeed. Suzuki’s online computer science courses were filled with students, who, like her, were working professionals. They were motivated to learn. And they were active and collaborative in course discussions — eager to help their classmates while gaining skills.
“The skills and knowledge I gained through the OSU program … have been directly applicable in my current role.”
“Most students were working full time just like me,” she said. “Everyone was used to balancing work and study and was comfortable with asynchronous collaboration, which made things much easier.”
Real-world skills, real career growth
Two things needed to occur for Suzuki to realize her unexpected goal of becoming a software developer. First — and most important — she needed to fully embrace the challenge of pursuing her computer science degree in a rigorous program.
Check.
Second, she needed her employer to provide an opportunity to put her newfound web development and design engineering skills to use in a new, non-sales role.
And they did.
“Even though I didn’t have professional coding experience at the time, pursuing a computer science degree demonstrated my strong passion and commitment to becoming a software engineer,” she said. “That helped convince my managers to give me the opportunity.”
Six months after enrolling online with Oregon State, Suzuki transitioned into a frontend development role at Rakuten, where she now applies what she learned every day.
“The skills and knowledge I gained through the OSU program — particularly in problem-solving, algorithms and team-based development — have been directly applicable in my current role,” she said.
And the benefits go beyond technical knowledge. Completing a rigorous program has positioned Suzuki for long-term success in an increasingly global job market.
“It shows not only my dedication but also my ability to work in English and adapt to a diverse, global environment,” she said. “In the future, I hope to continue growing my career, potentially even beyond Japan.”
From hackathon rookie to professional developer, Suzuki’s curiosity led her exactly where she was meant to go. And she’s only getting started.
Learn more about Oregon State University’s online computer science postbaccalaureate program and get started on your new career journey today.
