For Jeonghwan Oh, studying Computer Programming at Niagara College marked a major career change.
Originally from South Korea and now living in Port Colborne, Jeonghwan had previously studied contemporary music at university and worked as a guitar teacher before deciding to pursue a completely different path. Drawn to NC’s practical, hands-on approach to learning, he jumped into the world of programming despite having no prior experience in the field.
His hard work and academic excellence earned him the Dean’s Award for the School of Media, with a 96.95 per cent average in the Computer Programming program.
Now graduating on June 11, Jeonghwan sees the achievement as an important milestone in his journey that is still unfolding. As he builds his career in software development, he remains interested in exploring the connections between music and technology while staying open to where the future may lead.
What led you to study at Niagara College and choose Computer Programming?
Before coming to Niagara College, I studied contemporary music at a university in South Korea and worked as a guitar teacher for a year and a half.
I became skeptical about a career as a professional musician because I realized that the way I treated and perceived music did not align with other musicians. I wanted to change direction and felt that programming could be a great fit, even though I had absolutely no prior experience. The reason I chose Niagara College was its smooth integration of practical, hands-on learning into the curriculum.
What interests you in and why are you passionate about your field of study?
The most interesting part of studying programming is experiencing how deterministic logic operates within a closed system. It gives a subtle but powerful clue that I can apply to different areas of life — whether I am communicating with people, problem-solving at work, or creating music.
Did you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled in your program? Did it change over time?
I did not have a career goal when I first started. Now, I would like to explore the grey areas between music and technology. However, I prefer not to set concrete boundaries for myself prematurely. I am open to seeing where life takes me.
How did you find your program experience? Any highlights?
During my last semester, I had an opportunity to develop a client management system for a physiotherapy studio as part of the Community Sponsored Project course. It was a valuable experience to handle and implement real-world constraints and regulations.
What did you find rewarding about your program and area of study?
I feel specifically grateful for having the privilege to explore both aspects of this world–music and programming. They seemed contradictory at first, but I found that they are closely related and complementary.
Studying programming allowed me to build a unique perspective that enables me to observe myself and the outer world more precisely and warmly. I will also never forget the moments I shared with my classmates–whether studying together or telling silly jokes.
Did you face and overcome any challenges to graduate?
Balancing my work with my academic schedule was a challenge, but it was both manageable and rewarding.
Were you involved in any extracurricular activities during your time at Niagara College?
Yes, I created coding challenges for the JCoders coding competition and volunteered as a judge for the DSBN Regional Coding Skills Challenge.
Do you feel your Niagara College experience has helped prepare you for the future?
Definitely. The practical, project-based curriculum gave me the exact foundation I may need to become a software developer. The collaborative environment and the shared focus among my peers were also essential for pursuing my career in the tech field.
What have you been doing since completing your studies?
After finishing my studies, I spent time working in South Korea and returned to Canada.
I am currently working remotely as a developer for a South Korean company, and I am planning to find a job in Canada.
What’s next for you?
My immediate focus is to establish my career here in Canada. I will be working as a developer over the next couple of years, I suppose.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I want to express my gratitude to the faculty, professors, and my classmates for their ongoing support. It has been a great honour to be part of Niagara College.
