Juggling a double major in math and computer science, Ivan Khoo is making the most of his senior year — including a software development internship with Mohawk Industries, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of flooring products.
He attributes finding his career path to caring STEM faculty mentors: “Dr. Ron Taylor, the Cook Professor of Mathematics, was never in a hurry and always asked about me beyond my grades. He had a way of telling me the truth in a way I could receive it. Professors like Dr. Taylor shaped the types of relationships I’m looking for in a future career.”
In fact, Ivan applied for an internship at Mohawk Industries because he was looking for a field where he could connect with people. “Today, many jobs in the tech industry are remote, and many opportunities for meaningful relationships and conversations are less available,” he says. “I wanted to try out a job in software development so I could confirm whether it was the right industry for me.”
Ivan started out on a team that was mostly remote. However, an employee in the neighboring cubicle started up a conversation and helped Ivan settle in, introducing him to other employees.
“Ultimately, the people he connected me with are now my new software development team at Mohawk,” Ivan notes. “We are an in-person team, and we work together frequently, a much better fit for me in the software development world.”
Assignments involve using the programming language Python to build web applications for generating, securing and authenticating manufacturing reports at Mohawk.
Ivan also applies Python in his Honors project. Using the master list of classes and survey responses from faculty, Ivan and his thesis advisor, Garner Cochran, assistant professor of applied mathematics, are looking for a way to improve the college’s scheduling system.
“For example, incoming engineering students take the first calculus course and the first physics course at the same time. We are hoping to make sure, in the proposed list of courses, those class times do not conflict. We also hope to generate course suggestions to relieve conflicts,” explains Ivan.
He adds that his Honors thesis demonstrates how Berry has cultivated his problem-solving skills: “In a day and age where AI is so prevalent, it's easy for people to look for the easy way out, but our professors have helped us know and understand processes rather than just focusing on the result. That’s something I really needed in my Honors thesis. There’s no way to have a surface understanding of this project. When synthesizing so many things, you must clearly understand the why.”
Outside the classroom, Ivan has loved his roles as a WinShape College Program scholarship student and a member of the Berry ultimate frisbee team. As co-captain, he’s gearing up to lead his team to nationals this year, following their successful hosting of the regional tournament on Berry’s campus in April.
Looking back on his college career, Ivan encourages STEM students to beware of imposter syndrome. He says, “Work hard and don’t be afraid to admit your shortcomings and what you don’t know. Everybody’s got to start somewhere.”
