Mizuki Jones, M.S.’26 | NeighborHOOD Partners Scholarship
Mizuki Jones, M.S.’26, used the NeighborHOOD Partners Program to pursue a degree in information technology at Hood College.
Q&A
Program
- Information Technology (M.S.)
Department
- Computer Science & Information Technology
Mizuki Jones, M.S.’26, is a current student in the information technology master’s program at Hood College. She serves as a utility user support specialist in the Department of Technology for Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS). Because FCPS is a member organization of the NeighborHOOD Partners Program, Jones was eligible to receive funding to help cover the cost of tuition at Hood. In the conversation below, Jones explains why she chose Hood College for her graduate studies and how the NeighborHOOD Partners Program has empowered her to pursue a master’s degree.
What motivated you to pursue a master’s degree at Hood?
My primary motivation was a strong desire for career advancement and the strategic goal of pivoting my professional focus toward high-demand fields such as UI/UX design, database management and big data analytics.
Hood College was the ideal choice because it perfectly aligned with my personal and professional life. As a longtime resident of the local Frederick community, the availability of in-person classes offered a superior learning environment, enabling me to effectively balance my demanding academic schedule with existing work and family commitments.
How has receiving the NeighborHOOD Partners Scholarship helped you to pursue your goals?
Receiving the NeighborHOOD Partners Scholarship has been a meaningful help in my graduate journey. While every amount helps, this scholarship has specifically contributed by offsetting a portion of the total educational costs, which in turn has provided a welcome relief to my overall financial planning. This support has allowed me to better focus on my academic performance and on achieving the specific career pivot goals I set out for in this program.
What have you learned in the information technology M.S. program that you’ve been able to apply to your career?
The program has provided me with immediately applicable technical knowledge that is essential for my desired career pivot. I’ve been able to directly apply enhanced skills in computer networking fundamentals, refined programming proficiencies and practical experience with relational database systems to my current projects. While these new skills have not yet resulted in a formal promotion or advancement, they have significantly improved my contribution and efficiency in my present role, creating a strong foundation for future opportunities in UI/UX, database and big data fields.
How have your professors influenced you inside and outside the classroom?
I have developed an excellent and supportive relationship with the program director and my professors. Inside the classroom, they serve as expert guides, offering a crucial blend of theoretical knowledge and practical industry insights necessary for my career pivot.
Their influence extends significantly outside the classroom through invaluable mentorship. For example, my program director has shown a real commitment to my professional growth by introducing me to a local nonprofit organization seeking a volunteer to manage their website. This connection is allowing me to gain critical hands-on experience directly relevant to my goals.
Additionally, their support fosters a strong sense of community. I’ve been actively participating in the CyberBlazers offered by one professor, and I was honored when my program director invited me to his annual Thanksgiving dinner for students and friends. These opportunities have created a supportive, personal and professional network that goes far beyond traditional academic instruction.
What advice would you offer someone who is considering going back to school for a master’s degree?
My honest advice is to know that it’s going to be tough. If you have a full-time job and a family, getting a master’s is really demanding—you need great time management and lots of support from the people around you.
That said, for me, it has been a truly great and rewarding experience. The hard work is worth it because you gain new skills, build an awesome professional network and get the chance to completely change your career path. If you’re ready to commit, it’s absolutely worth the effort.
Learn more about the NeighborHOOD Partners Program and our member organizations.
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