For Aqsa Arif, the path into digital multimedia hasn’t been a departure from technology, it’s been an expansion of it.

With a background in computer science, professional experience as a software engineer at UPS, and entrepreneurial work through her own tutoring business, Aqsa Arif has already built a strong foundation in tech. Now, as a student in the Digital Multimedia program at Computer Systems Institute (CSI) in Chicago, she is combining her technical skills with creativity, design, and global perspective to shape the next phase of her career.

Shaping a Career in Technology

Aqsa’s story begins in Lahore, Pakistan, but she was raised all over the world. She spent her elementary school years in Canada and lived in Asia during her teenage and early adult years before eventually moving to the United States in 2019.

That global exposure has had a lasting impact on how she sees both technology and design. Rather than viewing coding as purely technical, she understands it as a tool for communication that adapts to different audiences and cultures.

“Bringing new ideas to old designs helps promote innovation and traffic,” she says. “Graphic design has to be eye-catching to be a good form of marketing.”

Aqsa’s academic journey reflects that same blend of creativity. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Illinois Chicago in 2023, Aqsa stepped into the professional world as a software engineer at UPS. But she felt she had more to explore with her education. 

From Software Engineering to Creative Digital Multimedia

While many might see her move into digital multimedia as a career shift, Aqsa sees it differently.

“It’s not so much a move as it is an overlap,” she explains. “Digital multimedia has coding elements for front-end web design. I’ve worked on a full-stack team before, so I’m familiar with both front-end and back-end development.”

Her decision to enroll in the Digital Multimedia program at CSI was driven by a desire to deepen her understanding of the visual and user experience side of technology, “This program has allowed me to further progress in my career goals by focusing on UI/UX design,” she says. “I’m learning tools like HTML, Wix, Bootstrap, and more.”

For Aqsa, the appeal of digital multimedia lies in its ability to bring together structure and creativity, “All of it interests me,” she says. “There’s just so much to learn and tons of creative ways to design a website. It’s fun leveraging my coding experience and my love for art into something visual, creative, and dynamic.”

Her current class schedule is made up of long evening sessions twice a week and reflects the intensity of the program. But she approaches it with a practical mindset, “Being consistent and asking for help when you’re stuck is key,” she says. “There’s no point in agonizing over a problem for an hour when you could get it done in ten by asking someone.”

Building a Future in the U.S.

In addition to her academic and professional experience, Aqsa has also explored entrepreneurship. She started a business called Coding Nessie, LLC,  “Coding Nessie was a tutoring service I offered,” she explains. “I taught college students and assisted with open-source and personal projects. For example, helping with coding solutions on platforms like LeetCode or Stack Overflow.”

Aqsa is focused on continuing to build her career in the United States. She is currently applying for CPT opportunities and hopes to gain experience in tech and graphic design while expanding her professional network, “I hope to land a role, gain experience, and make valuable connections in the industry,” she says.

At the same time, she is navigating the realities many international students face, “It’s definitely the sensitive political climate at the moment,” she shares. “With changing rules and uncertainty around immigration, it’s been a challenge applying for work and standing out.”

Despite these challenges, Aqsa remains focused on her goals and grounded in the support of her family. While she lives independently in Chicago, her family continues to encourage her from afar, “They’ve been very supportive about my journey in the States over the last decade,” she says. “I hope to live up to their expectations.”

Outside of school, Aqsa makes time to enjoy the city and stay connected socially. Whether visiting museums or celebrating traditions like St. Patrick’s Day (complete with a green hat and suit) she embraces the cultural experiences around her.

For students considering a similar path, Aqsa says it’s important to show up and stay engaged. “Attending class is the first step,” she says. “Just becoming familiar with the material and asking questions makes a big difference.”

Her advice is simple but practical, “If you have goals in education or career, I’d definitely recommend taking the opportunity. Talking with an advisor and having a roadmap to success is key.”

As Aqsa continues to grow, she gives CSI credit for the part it is playing in her future, “I’d like to thank CSI for giving me the opportunity to further my studies in the United States,” she says. “It’s given me the chance to improve my skill set at an international level.”