{"id":2807,"date":"2025-06-10T13:19:27","date_gmt":"2025-06-10T20:19:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/?p=2807"},"modified":"2025-11-19T11:16:50","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T19:16:50","slug":"asumi-suzuki-online-computer-science-postbaccalaureate-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/asumi-suzuki-online-computer-science-postbaccalaureate-program\/","title":{"rendered":"A computer science degree transformed tech curiosity into a career"},"content":{"rendered":"

Oregon State\u2019s online computer science postbaccaluareate program provides a pathway for student in Japan to alter career trajectory<\/h2>\n

It started with a hackathon \u2014 a surprise assignment tucked inside a corporate training program in Japan.<\/p>\n

Asumi Suzuki was fresh out of college and newly hired into a sales role at Rakuten, one of Japan\u2019s most prominent tech companies. She had never written a line of code. But by the time the event ended, she was hooked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow amazing would it be to do this as a job?\u201d she remembers thinking.<\/p>\n

Well, now she doesn\u2019t have to wonder.<\/p>\n

That moment of unexpected curiosity sparked a life-changing shift. Just a few years later, Suzuki is now a frontend developer at Rakuten \u2014 and a proud Class of 2025 graduate of Oregon State University\u2019s online computer science postbaccalaureate program<\/a>. While learning online, she navigated time zones, self-doubt and the rigors of a demanding program \u2014 all while continuing to work full time.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I learned more about Oregon State\u2019s program, I realized it was exactly what I was looking for,\u201d Suzuki said. \u201cIt\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Support that spans the Pacific<\/h3>\n

Suzuki was nervous in the beginning. Studying computer science from more than 5,000 miles away \u2014 and with a 16-hour time difference \u2014 created anxiety. But she quickly discovered she wasn\u2019t alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was so much support available,\u201d she said of the faculty in Oregon State\u2019s College of Engineering<\/a>. \u201cOffice 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t just the instructors who helped her succeed. Suzuki\u2019s 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 \u2014 eager to help their classmates while gaining skills.<\/p>\n

“<\/span>The skills and knowledge I gained through the OSU program … have been directly applicable in my current role.”<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cMost students were working full time just like me,\u201d she said. \u201cEveryone was used to balancing work and study and was comfortable with asynchronous collaboration, which made things much easier.\u201d<\/p>\n

Real-world skills, real career growth<\/h3>\n

Two things needed to occur for Suzuki to realize her unexpected goal of becoming a software developer. First \u2014 and most important \u2014 she needed to fully embrace the challenge of pursuing her computer science degree in a rigorous program.<\/p>\n

Check.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

And they did.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven though I didn\u2019t have professional coding experience at the time, pursuing a computer science degree demonstrated my strong passion and commitment to becoming a software engineer,\u201d she said. \u201cThat helped convince my managers to give me the opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe skills and knowledge I gained through the OSU program \u2014 particularly in problem-solving, algorithms and team-based development \u2014 have been directly applicable in my current role,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

And the benefits go beyond technical knowledge. Completing a rigorous program has positioned Suzuki for long-term success in an increasingly global job market.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt shows not only my dedication but also my ability to work in English and adapt to a diverse, global environment,\u201d she said. \u201cIn the future, I hope to continue growing my career, potentially even beyond Japan.\u201d<\/p>\n

From hackathon rookie to professional developer, Suzuki\u2019s curiosity led her exactly where she was meant to go. And she\u2019s only getting started.<\/p>\n

\n

Learn more about Oregon State University\u2019s online computer science postbaccalaureate program and get started on your new career journey today.<\/em><\/p>\n

Request information<\/a><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

<\/span> 3<\/span> minute read<\/span><\/span>It started with a hackathon \u2014 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\u2019s most prominent tech companies. She had no computer engineering experience. But by the time the event ended, she was hooked.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2821,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,672,677,8],"tags":[160,20,595],"class_list":["post-2807","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all","category-learning-experience","category-students-and-alumni","category-students","tag-college-of-engineering","tag-computer-science","tag-school-of-electrical-engineering-and-computer-science"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Asumi-Suzuki-800x450-1.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7BNSE-Jh","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2477,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/what-kind-of-online-computer-science-degree-should-you-pursue\/","url_meta":{"origin":2807,"position":0},"title":"What kind of online computer science degree should you pursue?","author":"Elena Moffet","date":"February 16, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Oregon State University offers multiple online bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science. Read our guide to better understand who each program is designed for, skills you'll gain and possible career outcomes.","rel":"","context":"In "All Stories"","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"A person sitting in front of two computer monitors with code displayed on them.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/News-CS-degree-comparison-AdobeStock_472215511-800x450-1.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/News-CS-degree-comparison-AdobeStock_472215511-800x450-1.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/News-CS-degree-comparison-AdobeStock_472215511-800x450-1.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/News-CS-degree-comparison-AdobeStock_472215511-800x450-1.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1538,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/computer-science-admissions-support\/","url_meta":{"origin":2807,"position":1},"title":"Here\u2019s how we support online computer science students","author":"Tyler Hansen","date":"September 30, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"The folks in Oregon State's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science engage with people who are interested in OSU's online computer science postbaccalaureate program. The EECS staff offers wide-ranging support long before you actually enroll as a student, and it continues through mentorship programs, career showcases and more until\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "All Stories"","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Closeup developing programming and coding technologies. Developer working on web sites codes in office. 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I have a bachelor\u2019s degree and MBA already, but I wanted to pursue a postbaccalaureate degree in computer science online in hopes of making a profound impact in health care technology.\" \u2014 Shane Adams, computer science student","rel":"","context":"In "All Stories"","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"An up-close view of a monitor with computer code on it.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/computer-science-code.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/computer-science-code.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/computer-science-code.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/computer-science-code.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2048,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/online-cs-professional-success\/","url_meta":{"origin":2807,"position":4},"title":"Oregon State’s online computer science program leads to professional success","author":"Tracy Scott","date":"June 29, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"\"I primarily wanted to better myself by furthering my education and doing the work I love,\u201d Eric Rouse says. \u201cNow, I'm half-owner of the company that I work for. 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