Computer science senior plans MBA as next step

KOKOMO, Ind. - When Sean Sonnenberg enrolled at Indiana University Kokomo three years ago, the newly-formed eSports team gave him a place to belong.

"It was great," he said. "There are plenty of computer science people who are also in eSports, so I got to connect with them earlier than I would have just in class. Being able to compete with a team was a great experience. It was very different than playing casually."

As he prepares to graduate May 14, Sonnenberg, from Kokomo, said being part of the team for two years was one of the best parts of his student experience. As a member of the first team, he saw eSports go from humble beginnings in a Student Activities and Events Center classroom to its own dedicated arena in the Kelley Student Center. He was on the Overwatch team and also played Marvel Rivals at one point.

"ESports are basically video games, but competitive," he said. "The arena is quite nice. I'm glad IU Kokomo put in the effort and made me feel like I was truly part of a varsity team, and not just a club activity. It felt important."

Having participated in eSports at Western High School, being able to join a team on campus gave him one more reason to choose IU Kokomo.

"I really liked the idea of having smaller classes," he said. "I didn't feel like going to one of the big colleges with huge classes. I preferred smaller class sizes."

Sonnenberg picked a major in computer science because of his interest in working with computers. He especially enjoyed classes with Aakif Mairaj, assistant professor of computer science.

"I really like his teaching style. He's a good teacher," he said. "Overall, I like the problem solving that comes with my degree in computer science."

He earned dual credit in high school and took some summer classes at community college before beginning his freshman year. By taking extra classes for a few semesters, he was able to complete his degree in three years - but he decided to step back from eSports his last year to make the heavier class load possible.

Sonnenberg earned the outstanding student award in computer science for 2025-2026 and plans to continue in IU Kokomo's Master of Business Administration (MBA) program next, to add skills to his degree and prepare for the job market.

The graduate program also gives him more time to decide on a future career.

"I'm not entirely certain what I want to do," he said. "It will be something in the computer field, and I will look at areas of business to see if there's anything there that would be interesting."

He looks forward to graduating next week, and said his family is excited.

"I'm kind of nervous," he said. "I'm glad to be done with my bachelor's degree, but it is nerve wracking that now I have to commit to really getting out in the world."

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