Covid changed the direction of Patchararada Daechavimolnut’s career. Before she became a student at Computer Systems Institute, Patchararda was a flight attendant. During the pandemic, her work was extremely limited because so many flights were cancelled.
This was a turning point for Patchararada’s career. She was interested in business so she applied to CSI at the Charlestown, Massachusetts campus. “My first program at CSI was in marketing because I was thinking about going back to Thailand to work in business.”
A New Path with Optional Practical Training
When Patchararada completed the coursework for the marketing program, she applied for Optional Practical Training, or OPT. This extracurricular, real-world training for F1 students allowed her to work in the field. The experience prompted another small change in direction, “At first I wanted to do business, but after I got my certificate in marketing from CSI, I applied to OPT and started working with a Thai restaurant in Boston as an assistant manager to help with marketing. I did that for a year and during that time I changed my career goals because I liked the restaurant and they wanted me to keep working,” she said.
Working in the restaurant industry meant that she would be dealing with the public so Patchararada decided to change her focus. Thankfully CSI has more programs that will help her be successful as she pursues success in her job, “I enrolled in the customer service program at CSI and am now doing CPT with the restaurant.”
International students can do both OPT and career practical training, or CPT. The programs cannot be done at the same time. OPT is done after the student completes the courses for their certificate program and it is limited to 12 months. CPT is done while they are taking classes. Both programs must be directly related to the student’s field of study.
Patchararada is happy with her work and the feeling is mutual, “The restaurant wants to make me a manager and they are trying to help me stay.” CSI may not be out of the picture quite yet. “I think the next program might be hospitality because that is something that is important in my job.”
Although she loves what she does, Patchararada is open to more change down the road. She’s currently focused on business, but would consider another industry later, “I like that CSI has the healthcare program. I’m really interested in that.” For now, that will have to wait due to location, “It’s only in Illinois. It might be nice to have that in the Boston area someday.”
Adjusting to Life as a Student
One of the major benefits of CSI has been the flexibility. Patchararada is able to work during the week. She can also fit time to go to the gym and go shopping in her free time. Her classes are on the weekend, “I go to class in person on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 until 2.”
Having a life outside of school has been a benefit but at the same time, Patchararada has still had to get used to being a student, “I graduated a long time ago so it can be challenging to just do homework!” she says. But she makes it happen, “I make a plan to get it done. Since I go to work during the week, I try to plan my schedule so that I can do homework. Sometimes the teacher will give us about 30 minutes to do homework during school because they know I work during the weekdays.”
Helping Others Find their Path
Patchararada has enjoyed her time at CSI so much that she is constantly telling friends to consider taking classes. She has taken advantage of the referral program that the school offers to current and past students, “I have recommended CSI to about 5 friends. I’m always telling my Thai friends about the school in Boston. I tell them that CSI is the best.” She continues, “You can manage your life and do OPT or CPT while learning. It’s a big part of the program.”
Being far away from home can be hard for an international student, but the friendships make it easier, “I’m staying alone in the US, so sometimes I feel lonely and homesick. CSI has become like a second home for me,” says Patchararada.
The relationships have been a crucial part of her time as a student, “I’ve had such a great experience at CSI. I have found incredible friends who have become like family. We are not just classmates, we are more like sisters.”