Sharada’s Amazing GPA with No Prior Computer Science Experience
How does Sharada maintain a high GPA without any prior computer science experience?
Learn about Sharada’s journey to join the Master’s in Software Development (MSD) and her strategy for success!
By Christine Albers
“I’m so happy to be here in the MSD program. I love software development because we can use our imagination to create programs that do amazing things and make life easier. The age we live in is all about technological innovations and it’s awesome to be part of this. I would tell potential students that if they choose MSD, it will be the best decision they ever made. It’s a great opportunity for anyone who doesn’t have a computer background because they can gain a master’s degree in 12 months and be the person the job market is seeking.” ~ Sharada Khatiwada
Sharada Khatiwada grew up in a small village in eastern Nepal. She loves traveling, trekking, hiking, and being close to nature. “Since Nepal is a country with Himalayan mountains and various landscapes, we have many trekking routes,” she said. “I had the thrilling experience as part of an adventurous trek to Annapurna Base Camp and Namche Trek (on the way to Mt. Everest) where I especially enjoyed the beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking views of the mountains. It was a very adventurous, fun, and memorable trip and one of my greatest personal achievements.”
Sharada always wanted to study software development. However, computer science courses weren’t available in her area of Nepal, so she got her bachelor’s degree in Business Studies. After graduating, she went to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, where she interned as an accounting assistant. She then volunteered at a government school in the western part of Nepal. “I always wanted to travel and explore different places, and I still had an interest in software development. I knew I needed a higher level of education in computer programming, but I wasn’t sure how or where to gain it. Also, my formal education was not aligned with my interest,” she explained.
Her husband, Rajiv Neupane, a 2016 ComPro graduate and software developer, suggested that Sharada could gain web development training by working with computer professionals in a corporation. She followed his advice and started an internship with a local company, which marked the starting point of her journey toward software development. “I was doing well there,” Sharada said, “but then Covid came and impacted every sector so badly that I couldn’t continue my internship.”
In 2020, Rajiv received an announcement about a new Master’s in Software Development (MSD) that didn’t require a computer science background. Any bachelor’s degree was acceptable for this program. “When my husband told me about the MSD program, I was very excited to learn that the university was providing an opportunity for everyone, even those without a technical educational background,” said Sharada. “I especially liked the idea of the block system that the university follows and loved the idea of integrating Transcendental Meditation to increase productivity. I decided to apply to MIU, and here I am. I have a dream of working as a professional software developer in the technology field and I believe MSD will guide me through every step to achieve it.”
“From the minute I arrived in August 2022 I felt very good at MIU,” Sharada continued. “Everyone was so friendly and helpful that I immediately felt at home. The first few weeks were challenging because there was a big gap between my background and the knowledge in the course, but I studied hard and spent 6 or 7 hours studying for every assignment. After 2 or 3 weeks it felt easier, and I feel comfortable now. I study for 4 to 6 hours every night, so by the weekend, I feel lazy. Everyone in class must do this to keep up, but TM helps very much. It’s life-changing. It helps me concentrate better and improves my sleeping patterns, so I am more rested. It’s great that we get a chance to learn TM here,” she said.
“The Block system is another great part of our program,” Sharada said, “We take one course at a time, so we can focus and go more deeply into each subject. The courses are cumulative, with each building on the previous one, and in 12 months we will be competent for the market. I’m so happy to be here. I love software development because we can use our imagination to create programs that do amazing things and make life easier. The current age we live in is all about technological innovations and it’s awesome to be a part of this.”
“I would tell potential students that if they choose MSD, it will be the best decision they ever made. It’s a great opportunity for anyone who doesn’t have a computer background because they can gain a master’s degree in 12 months and be the person the job market is seeking.”
