IAM inspired me to push myself and see what I could do with hard work and creativity. The fundamentals I learned, paired with the connections I made, serve me well to this day.

The IAM department provided the environment and the fuel to motivate me in finding the meaning and value in creating my own games.

The IAM Department is a valuable asset that continues to extend its resources and connections even after graduation.

The amount of good IAM did for me and my future is astronomical. The skills, the tech, the teachers, and the space each contributed to my development from a student to a professional. To future students —take the challenge, create change, and your career is around the corner.

With the hands on approach taught in the IAM department, I was well prepared to enter the working world and continue on to a Master’s program.

Columbia really encouraged a strong work ethic and provided me with the tools, community, and initiative to seek out opportunities.

My internship experience [while at IAM] was invaluable. It was really exciting seeing a side of game development and audio I had never experienced before. It also led to more career opportunities.

IAM helped me realize that if you wish to succeed, you must work hard, expect nothing, and enjoy every moment.

In advertising we are already witnessing a convergence of disciplines…. It is not unusual to combine interactive design, development, sound design, 3D modeling and video in any single project. My success is a testament to the strength of the curriculum offered by the IAM department.

I really valued the chance to learn directly from professors with knowledge, experience and involvement in the industry. More than anything, this gave me the opportunity to excel upon graduation.

Instead of focusing on a particular application or software package, the IAM curriculum emphasized the philosophy and process of learning itself. This skill is paramount to the success of my projects both personal and professional. Having the ability to quickly learn and adapt new technology has given me an accelerated career track and respect from both my employers and peers.

IAM gave me extremely valuable opportunities to make connections and establish myself within the Chicago art & technology scene."

The best thing about IAM is they don’t hide how rapidly technology changes. IAM teaches strategies and skills to help students deal with this fast-moving field.

The IAM department emphasizes the spaces between technology and creativity. This balance puts IAM graduates in a unique position that is highly sought after in the professional world.

What I value most from IAM was not just learning the 'hows' of developing software, but the 'whys'."