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Christine Dossa '25, originally from Benin, chose to come to Lake Forest College after attending United World College (UWC) Maastricht in the Netherlands. Double majoring in finance and data science with a computer science concentration, Dossa knew she wanted to be close to a big city while focusing on career preparation. She was recently featured in the Davis Foundation's Uniting the World Report as a testament to the success of the Davis United World Scholars Program.

Dossa now lives in Seattle, Washington and works as a Software Engineer at Microsoft. Here's a bit about how she leveraged the opporunities at the College to set herself up for a dream career. 

Why did you choose Lake Forest College?

I was drawn to Lake Forest College because of its strong focus on career mobility and the wide range of programs and majors it offers. I was already familiar with the institution because it consistently admitted UWC Davis scholarship recipients, which made it feel like a welcoming and trusted environment. Its proximity to Chicago was another major factor. The Lake Forest College In The Loop and ACTIVATE programs and the many benefits offered in the city, such as free access to institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, really stood out to me. What ultimately solidified my decision was the supportive community. The professors and faculty genuinely care about students and provide personalized attention, creating an environment where you feel both supported and challenged to grow.

How do you feel your experience at the College prepared you for your role at Microsoft?

Lake Forest College provided me with both the technical foundation and the confidence to pursue my career in software engineering. Through a combination of hands-on labs and end-of-semester coding projects, the curriculum was well-rounded and practical. These experiences helped me build a strong portfolio, and I still reference some of those projects in my work today. One of the most valuable aspects of my experience was how accessible the professors were. Office hours were incredibly helpful, and I’m especially grateful to Professor Jamshidi and Professor Banerji for their constant support and willingness to guide me through challenges.

What opportunities did you take advantage of at the College that set you apart after graduation?

The Career Pathways played a huge role in my professional development. Starting as early as my first year, I regularly attended resume review sessions, which helped me build a strong foundation. I also received guidance on my LinkedIn profile from Business, Finance, and Data Science Career Pathway Internship Specialist Albert Greene during my first year, which significantly improved my visibility to recruiters early on. As I progressed, I took advantage of opportunities like Career-a-Palooza, speed networking events, and the Career Closet. These experiences allowed me to connect with alumni and employers, build confidence, and develop strong networking skills that were crucial in securing internships and, eventually, my full-time role.

What were the highlights of your time at Lake Forest College?

There are many highlights of my time at Lake Forest College. In the classroom, my highlight was the teaching style which felt very good, the professors being able to answer our questions, and the classroom feeling like a discussion, which helped foster a better understanding of the course load. Outside the classroom, I have enjoyed being involved in student-run clubs such as Umoja, the Computer Science club, and the Discover Chicago programs that gave me a chance to explore the city.

What advice do you have for UWC students thinking about choosing Lake Forest College? 

By choosing Lake Forest College, you’re choosing more than just an education; you’re also choosing a community. It’s a place where you can build meaningful connections, explore new interests, and grow both academically and personally. You’ll have opportunities to engage both on campus and in Chicago, which opens many doors professionally and socially. My advice is to fully take advantage of everything available to you. Get involved, build relationships, and step outside your comfort zone. It’s an experience that can truly shape your future and leave you with lasting memories.