Inside Western’s IT Programs: Part 2 of a 5-part Student Spotlight Series

Technology moves fast, and the demand for skilled IT professionals has never been higher. At Western, our students aren’t just keeping up—they’re getting ahead.

In this series, we introduce you to the driven, career-ready students in our IT programs. From software development to network security, they gain hands-on experience, master industry-leading tools, and prepare to step into in-demand careers. Discover why Western is the smart choice.

Corben Vaughn, IT-Web & Software Developer Program

Why did you choose this IT program at Western, and what has made it a great fit for you?
CV: I chose this program because I’ve always been passionate about software development. I’ve dreamed of entering this industry since I was 13, and I never wanted anything else. After high school, jumping straight into a four-year university wasn’t financially feasible for me, but Western made it possible for me to pursue my dream job at a fraction of the cost—without sacrificing the quality of education.

What skills or experiences have you gained that make you feel career-ready?
CV: I’ve gained real-world experience in web development with React and Angular, along with backend skills in Java and C# .NET. These technologies are in high demand, and I feel confident applying them in any job I land.

How do you see this program setting you up for a stable, successful future in IT?
CV: Many young people entering software development know how to code, but they don’t take the time to understand the deeper meaning behind their writing. Western’s program goes beyond teaching syntax—it dives into the “why” of software development, giving students a well-rounded understanding of the technologies we use. That foundation is what sets us apart.

What would you tell someone considering this program—why is it a smart choice?
CV: When I graduated high school and was deciding where to continue my education, I was skeptical—not just about Western, but about community and technical colleges in general. But after touring Western, I realized I couldn’t have been more wrong. The education is modern and in-depth, the professors are knowledgeable and always willing to help, and the students are supportive and friendly—all at a fraction of the cost of a four-year university.

What have been the most valuable hands-on learning experiences in your coursework?
CV: The most valuable hands-on learning experience in my program was when my classmates and I built a website for a local business. It taught us how to collaborate with clients, meet expectations, and communicate technical concepts to non-technical people. Software development is about more than just programming—having real-world experience like this early on gives us an edge.

What resources or services at Western have been most beneficial to you?
CV: Western offers fantastic career-readiness support. I’ve taken advantage of mock interviews and resume/cover letter reviews, which have been incredibly helpful. The feedback I received helped me fine-tune my materials in ways I wouldn’t have thought of on my own.

What programming languages and development tools have you become proficient in through the program?
CV: I’ve become proficient in a wide range of languages and frameworks. On the front end, we’ve learned HTML, CSS, JavaScript, ReactJS, AngularJS, Bootstrap, and Tailwind. On the back end, we’ve worked with C# .NET and Java. We also explored mobile app development for Android and even game development.

How have the projects and coursework equipped you for a career in web and software development?
CV: The coursework in this program is project-based, meaning we learn through hands-on examples and guided problem-solving. Full lectures are rare, and most assignments push us to develop the creative thinking skills necessary to solve real-world challenges without an academic answer. That ability to problem-solve defines a great software engineer—the kind that AI will never replace.

If you could design your dream tech gadget or software, what would it be and why?
CV: I’d say my dream software to design would probably be some sort of video game. Games were important to me growing up, and I’ve always wanted to give other people the joy and comfort they brought me. I learned my first ever programming language trying to make a game, and that’s when this all started.