Bringing creativity into code
Hannah Choi merged fine arts and computer science to create technology driven by creativity, honesty and continuous growth.
Hannah Choi, a fourth-year Computer Science and Fine Arts student, took on diverse roles across front-end and back-end development, pushing herself to grow and take meaningful risks.
Hannah’s co-op journey
Software Developer, Health and Rehab Research Inc., Mississauga, ON (remote)
Hannah worked closely in the user interface and user experience (UI & UX) area to contribute to the creation of a mobile app. She became the development team leader and got to delegate tasks in front and back-end operations.
Front-End Developer, Scispot, Kitchener, ON (remote)
Working at this startup, Hannah did front-end development work for a data transformation and connection project as well as various new in-app features like keyboard shortcuts and notification components. She worked closely with the chief technology officer and CEO to seek more work and eventually took on the title of Full Stack Developer.
Development and Operational Engineer, Intact, Toronto, ON
Hannah worked with tools across the tech-stack to help create a self-serve automation service helping Intact improve their service time from six days to six minutes. From Typescript to Python, she developed three MVP front-end solutions.
Software Developer, Arctic Wolf, Waterloo, ON (remote)
Hannah spent two co-op terms here where she worked with their Risk Management team, dealing with sensitive data, making sure it was easily presentable on dashboards for different clients and users.
Front-End Developer, Composer, Toronto, ON (remote)
She focused on algorithmic trading, enabling users to trade stocks, exchange traded funds and cryptocurrencies using customized algorithms optimized to their individual trading strategies.
Q&A with Hannah
What's the most memorable thing you've done during one of your work terms?
“I can’t pinpoint one specific moment because every co-op experience was exciting. In my first co-op, I remember being nervous about speaking at a company-wide presentation with a slideshow I put together. Finding out my code was directly impacting clients and seeing their responses in my second co-op was very motivating. My third co-op was memorable because I got to demonstrate my three front-end solutions to the Director and the exec team of the Software Engineering sector at Intact. Then at Arctic Wolf, I did my first company-wide hackathon, where I received lots of positive feedback from full-time employees. Last, finishing my final co-op term at Composer felt bittersweet when the CEO said he was shocked I was leaving because he forgot I was a co-op student. I was really touched to hear such kind words; it proved I did a good job and was valued.”
What advice would you give to other co-op students?
“I would advise them to be honest and not be afraid to be straightforward with their goals. My managers always liked that I was very vocal about what I wanted to do. In a field like software engineering, you’re constantly moving with the times, especially with artificial intelligence (AI) entering the scene. I know there is a lot of risk when asking for challenging tasks or opportunities, but the experience is always rewarding. Being open and honest about the work I wanted to do allowed me to gain skills I wouldn’t have gained if I stuck to my job description.”
I think co-op students should embrace the opportunity to try something different each term. I’m so grateful I went out of my comfort zone and got to explore new opportunities.
Why did you decide to mix computer science and fine arts?
“I love art, it’s a very special part of my life. Not coming from the most financially wealthy family made art feel like something I couldn’t fully pursue. I felt obligated to go into a field that is considered ‘professional’. Even though it was not easy and I wanted to quit in my first year, I’m glad I kept persevering in computer science because I learned to appreciate the field in ways I never imagined I could. Eventually, I found the balance between the two disciplines and even had opportunities to bridge the gap between art and code together. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I got to take a lot of electives that I filled up with fine arts courses. Even though it took some time, I no longer feel like an imposter in my field. Computer science is something I genuinely enjoy and want to continue pursuing, and fine arts will always be a part of who I am.”
How has co-op helped you clarify your career aspirations?
“Every co-op experience nudged me in the right direction, gradually shaping my interests and skills as I explored different areas of software engineering. I went from front-end to full-stack development and discovered a preference for back-end work. Co-op defined my focus when searching for a full-time job and I came to view rejections as redirections.”
How did you stand out from other students when interviewing for jobs?
“I think one of the biggest reasons I make it through interviews is because I am very honest and clear with my interviewers. One of my co-op interviewers was asking me whether I knew this or that and I told him no, I don’t know what you're talking about, but I have a desire to learn it. After that interview, I fully thought I wasn't going to get the job because I felt underqualified, but I realized, with an increasing number of students cheating and using AI, he appreciated my honesty and authenticity.”
What's next for you?
“I'm going to be moving to New York this summer for my full-time job at a startup company called Cape. I'm so excited to be going there because it's more back-end focused with some front-end work. Plus, my artistic aspirations won't vanish because the art scene in New York is so big. I already have plans to submit more of my art for juried exhibitions in New York as I’ve been doing in Canada.”
“I'm so blessed because if I didn't have my past co-op experiences, including the interviews I failed or passed, the different professionals I got to meet and the connections I made, I would not have been as well equipped to take on this new step forward.”
“I plan to keep pushing myself to go further and see how far I can go while always choosing growth over settling.”