Lorne Von Asten '20

Major: Information Technology
Minor: Psychology

Why this major?

I have always loved computers and have worked with them for as long as I can remember. I was originally a computer science major, but after a long talk with my current adviser, we came to the conclusion that information technology was a natural fit. Now I love what I do and I’m good at it as well!

What is your career objective?

My main goals are to become an IT administrator of some variety or a higher up IT manager. These jobs allow me to lead and manage others which is something I am also very good at. I would love to start my own repair business later in life.

How has what you’ve learned prepared you for your future?

I have learned very useful coding techniques and ways to approach operating systems outside of Windows, like Linux CentOS7. These are very common in server structures you would see in the business world. All of this allows me to come into a business as a member that already has a lot of the necessary skills. Information technology majors also have to take a few business courses, which ties directly into what I want to do later in my life. These courses have taught me what it means to manage and what running a small business may actually be like.

Have you had opportunities to work closely with Carroll faculty?

I was a computer science major earlier on in my time at Carroll. I wasn’t necessarily bad at the classes and still passed with acceptable grades, but it didn’t come as easily to me as it did to other students. My professor noticed this and we set up a meeting together to go over my struggles with the class and my future options. We ended up talking for around two and a half hours. The meeting ended with that professor becoming my adviser and me switching majors to information technology. I now work closely with that professor and can come to them with anything I may need.

What is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your education at Carroll?

This is slightly different from my major, but the structure of Carroll’s liberal arts program allows me to also participate in many of the on-campus choirs. Choir has always been something that I have participated in and loved all my life. At Carroll, I am in both the Concert Choir and the Chamber Singers. Every winter term, the Chamber Singers spend a week touring Wisconsin and Illinois, visiting different high schools and performing at churches every night. By far some of best memories have come from these choir tours. It’s such an amazing experience and something I wouldn’t have had the time to do as an IT major at other universities. My experience would have been severely dampened by not being able to participate in this opportunity.

How has Carroll enriched your growth as a person?

I have a psychology minor largely because I really enjoy the topic. The program’s structure has allowed me the freedom to gear my psychology education towards my major in subtle yet useful ways. I am also vice president and president-elect for the 2019-2020 year for PIOnissimo, our a cappella organization on campus. This has helped me grow into an outgoing leader and has taught me what it takes to keep a participation-based organization on track. This lets me perform, which is something I love to do, even though my major isn’t based in musical performance. The volunteer opportunities that have arisen through this organization have taught me the importance of reaching out and the impact it can have on the people you help. Working with this student organization also taught me the skills to effectively set similar volunteer opportunities up for the future.

What would you say to someone considering information technology?

The professors are great and the program teaches you everything you need to for a successful career in information technology. Seriously, the professors are what make this experience as great as it is. The support I’ve received is unparalleled.

How has financial aid made a difference in your life?

I receive an academic scholarship and it nearly cuts my tuition in half, which makes my life much easier on the financial side. It allows me to do more of what I love without having to constantly worry about making tuition payments.

What’s your favorite place to study on campus?

The little classroom in the Pioneer Indoor Terrace (PIT) inside the Campus Center that has a computer attached to the TV. It’s a great place to watch required material and study.

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