Lydia Cupery graduated this year and stepped out of Calvin into the broader world. She accepted a position at Atomic Object, a local a software consultancy in Grand Rapids. At Calvin, Cupery studied computer science and minored in business. She also founded the Women in Computing club at Calvin alongside Beka Agave (‘17) and Paige Brinks (‘17).

Cupery says that she loves her new work as an entry-level programmer. She describes it as a learning experience, noting that she never realized how much she didn’t know until she started working in the field. Cupery says that transitioning from being very involved in extracurriculars during college to working a 9-to-5 job gave her a lot of free time.

“It is nice knowing when you’re out of work you’re done, as compared to with school, where it feels like you’re never done, ” she said, adding that she is still getting in the groove of figuring out how to use this time wisely. Her work does provide her with five hours of professional development every week which Cupery finds very helpful, and a good way to use part of her time outside of work.

As for working with deadlines, Cupery says she “misses being able to take a break when I need one, and work on my own time schedule.” At the new job, she says, breaks are fine, but because she works as part of a pair, she must be mindful of her partner’s time.

Working as a programmer also pays pretty well.

“It is nice to have a steady income, compared to when being in college, where your income covers your expenses with nothing really on top of that,” said Cupery. She also said that she is still figuring out smart ways to spend her money. She has found it beneficial to take advantage of some free financial consulting.

Despite entering a largely male-dominated field, Cupery says that she has had only positive experiences thus far and has not felt out of place. Her team at Atomic Object includes three women and two men.