Computer science majors can sometimes be considered geeks. Justin Largo '21 owns the label, but he takes issue with the stereotype. The profession, as Largo points out, requires sophisticated communications skills. Computer scientists like Largo are the middle men, communicating between tech support and the business side of the house. The world needs people like Largo, proudly geeky but excellent communicators. IBM, specifically, needs Largo.
An email circulated through the computer science department in November of 2019. It included a link to apply for an internship with IBM. Largo figured the application would be simple. But this was IBM. It wasn't simple.
Largo participated in several interviews over several months and then passed a three-hour exam before he was admitted to the program. Now he's a member of the database "squad." He helps make sure that companies can easily store and modify data at a massive scale while also ensuring the security and integrity of their data is maintained. IBM trusts Largo to develop relationships with his various contacts. The role of the middle man is supremely important.
From a young age, Largo always wanted to build things. He was fascinated by engineering, but was particularly drawn to solving difficult problems for others. That's why Largo enjoys working clients. He gets to understand their needs, and he gets to be a part of the solution.
IBM has given Largo the independendence to make his own decisions on behalf of the clients. He's making wise decisions. Last August, IBM extended his internship through graduation. He has a full-time job waiting for him once the diploma is in hand.
"The skills I've acquired at Siena prepared me for the internship. I learned how to empathize with clients to truly understand their needs and concerns. Someone might have a cool business idea, but if no one can execute the idea, it's irrelevant."
Justin Largo '21
