A Veteran’s Journey to a Career in Tech

For Kyle Kalantzis '22, choosing where to pursue his degree came down to one key factor: flexibility. As a full-time active-duty military member, the Manchester Central High School alum needed a college that could accommodate his unpredictable schedule while providing a high-quality education. UNH Manchester delivered.

"I chose UNH Manchester because it provided me the opportunity to pursue my undergraduate degree while being full-time in the military," Kyle says. "They were able to accommodate my busy and not always reliable work schedule."

Kyle's journey at UNH Manchester was fueled by a lifelong passion for technology. Since childhood, he had been fascinated by how computers work, leading him to major in computer information systems. The program not only aligned with his interests but also challenged him to develop the problem-solving skills essential in the tech industry.

The Challenges and Triumphs of a Military Student

Balancing military service and college coursework was no easy feat. While many students gain hands-on experience through internships, Kyle's military commitments kept him from pursuing traditional experiential learning opportunities. Instead, he took on an ambitious senior thesis project under the guidance of his professor, writing a 50-page paper on cybersecurity threats.

"This individual project was extremely challenging, but I learned a lot from the experience," Kyle recalls. "It pushed me to research deeply, think critically, and apply what I had learned in my courses to a real-world issue."

Despite the demands of military service and rigorous coursework, Kyle persevered. His most rewarding moment? Walking across the stage at graduation in 2022.

"Graduation was an incredible milestone," he says. "Finishing the program and completing my thesis lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. The computer science program at UNH Manchester was amazing, and the professors were extremely supportive throughout my entire journey."

A Future in Software Engineering

After earning his bachelor's degree, Kyle continued to expand his knowledge, earning a master's degree in Software Engineering from West Virginia University. His hard work and dedication paid off-he now works as a Software Engineer at Liberty Mutual Insurance, where he started as a Technology Associate in 2022 before quickly advancing through the ranks.

Kyle's story exemplifies the power of perseverance, adaptability and the right academic support system. UNH Manchester's commitment to flexibility and student success provided the foundation he needed to transition seamlessly from military service to a thriving career in tech.