Infinite Careers is a collaboration between Career Services (Career Advising & Professional Development) and the MIT Alumni Association to explore career paths and the non-linearity of career decision making. Read profiles of alumni with unique career paths, hear their stories and network at a series of talks.
Education
- MIT, SB 6-2, 2006
- MIT, M.Eng 6, 2008
Biography
Amy’s life mission is to put the the ✿soft✿ in software engineering by writing and illustrating zines about algorithms, building cute computers and circuits, designing keyboard keycaps, and writing personal narrative games. Before going independent as a creative technologist, she received her SB and MEng degrees in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from MIT, did AI research for Honda’s robot ASIMO, built a motion capture fashion design system as a researcher at the University of Tokyo’s Igarashi Lab, and was a frontend engineer for various SF Bay Area startups.
Amy’s Story
What influenced your choice of undergraduate major? How has it shaped your career choices and professional ability?
I studied Course 6-2 (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science) because I grew up in the era of GeoCities and loved making things on my computer. It opened up so many career opportunities to me, from robotics research on ASIMO to Human-Computer Interaction research at Tokyo University, to the art I make now as a creative technologist. It’s meant that even when making art, I always love to explore how that art can intersect with technology, most recently combining 3D modeling and 3D printing with ceramics.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently or more of while you were at MIT?
I had a lot of self-doubt while I was a student at MIT and I talked myself out of a lot of opportunities. If I could do it again, I’d try out more activities, and try out different kinds of classes and research.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career?
The most rewarding aspect of my career is getting emails from people telling me that my work encouraged them to try out computer science or that my work encouraged them to stay in computer science.
What motivates you to do the work you do?
I’m motivated by younger me and making things that younger me would have loved to see in the world.
What career advice do you have for current MIT students, or those interested in entering your industry?
You don’t have to code 24/7 to be a good programmer. Having outside hobbies and interests is healthy to balance out your life and can even lead to insights that help you in your job. (But even without the latter, the former reason is enough).
Do you have any tips for networking or job searching for current students and recent graduates?
Don’t forget to network with your peers. As you all advance in your careers, you’ll be able to share opportunities with each other and support each other.
What do you like to do outside of work for fun/relaxation/inspiration?
I love to ride my bike to scenic places, bringing along an afternoon tea picnic. I also love snuggling with my two cats, Moxie and Miffy.
Last updated 2022
