Whether he's reconstructing classic arcade games into AI-powered adventures or developing apps that tackle global challenges, Kurt Campbell’s passion for creating user-friendly experiences shines through. Kurt’s journey from high school web design enthusiast to professional software engineer is a testament to the power of certifications and creativity.
Read on to see how Kurt’s Adobe Certified Professional and App Development with Swift certifications have impacted his education and career opportunities.
Who is Kurt?
Certiport: Kurt, tell us a little about yourself.
Kurt: I’m originally from Warren, Ohio, and I recently graduated from Cedarville University with a B.S. in computer science with specializations in cyber operations and video game engineering. I am now a software engineer, working for multiple agencies. I work with my own clients and lead technical support as well. I’m also a videographer on the side.
When I’m not working, I enjoy time with friends: hiking, exploring, or playing video games. I also volunteer with my church, as a way of giving back to my community.
Certiport: Lots on your plate! Were you always interested in computer science?
Kurt: Definitely not. My initial connection to computer science began when I dreamed about building my own computer-based video game. I like to play video games like Crash Bandicoot, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Galaga, and always wanted to build a video game of my own. However, I had no idea how to start.
I heard about my local technical center, Trumbull Career & Technical Center (TCTC), and their web design and application development program. I applied and immediately got accepted into their program. The rest is history.
Becoming a champion with certification
Certiport: A little curiosity and some guidance from your teachers at Trumbull and a whole new world opened to you. Part of Trumbull’s program included certification, correct?
Kurt: Yes, an important part of the program was earning certifications, and I was able to earn my Adobe Certified Professional certifications in applications like Photoshop and Dreamweaver. I also earned my App Development with Swift certification.
Certiport: You really dove in headfirst! How did these certifications impact your high school experience?
Kurt: They opened so many opportunities for me, allowing me to showcase my skillset in web design and app development in ways that no one had ever seen before. I participated in the Website Design Team and Web Application Team competitions for Business Professionals of America (BPA) and led both teams to award-winning success at the regional and the national levels, making us one of the best teams in the nation for two consecutive years.
Certiport: That’s incredible! Your app development teacher, Mr. Foutty, told us that you’ve also competed in other events.
Kurt: That’s right. It was one of the best opportunities that I have ever received. At the end of my senior year, I received an email from Mr. Foutty. He told me about a new Apple competition called the Swift Student Challenge for WWDC20, which is Apple’s largest annual software development conference.
He told me that I had the skills and creativity and pushed me to compete. I only had a couple weeks to put together my own app, but I brainstormed lots of ideas. I decided to reconstruct my favorite space shooter arcade game, Galaga. After working many long hours on researching and developing the game, I was able to submit my new application, Star Defenders, to the competition. When I received the email from Apple saying “Congratulations,” I was elated! I found out I was one of the top 350 competitors from 41 countries. This experience really confirmed my passion for creating apps that benefit and delight users.
Expanding his opportunities
Certiport: You worked so hard, and we know you deserve the recognition from Apple. In fact, we heard you’re still expanding on your Star Defenders project.
Kurt: I am! Throughout my college career, I learned a lot more about computer science, things like data structures, algorithms, networking, and web application design. The more I learned, the more I realized I could improve on my original idea. I decided to incorporate machine learning into Star Defenders, allowing the enemies to learn where the player was and attack. This project became known as “Galaga AI.” I love that the more skills and knowledge I have, the better experience I can create for the players and end users.
Certiport: It sounds like you’re continuing to build out your resume and portfolio.
Kurt: That’s certainly the idea. All these certifications have built my current foundation. They have helped me understand how to build efficient and user-friendly websites and apps. I love that the work I’m doing actually connects with people in the real world.
Since 2020, I have been working with four clients to redesign their websites or build new websites from scratch. And I’ve been able to gain more experience in app development since getting certified. In fact, this past summer, I worked as an intern to develop a water pump management application that uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and Copilot.
I led my team in the creation of a web-based app that uses AI to display essential data that will help address potential water pump issues, helping improve access to clean water for people around the world.
Words of wisdom
Certiport: Such rewarding work. And we love seeing that you’re using your skills as a software engineer with so many companies and clients. You’ve really maximized the benefits of your certifications. Before we finish up, do you have any final thoughts to share?
Kurt: I want to send my thanks to my incredible teachers and professors. I owe so much, especially, to Mr. Pozega, who helped me learn the foundations of web development and pushed me to compete in BPA. Another special thanks to Mr. Foutty, who introduced me to mobile application development and motivated me to participate in the Swift Student Challenge competition.
Certiport: We’re so glad you had educators who inspired you to achieve all that you have. What advice would you share with students who are looking for a career in app development or web design, like yours?
Kurt: We all have ideas about what could be the next popular app. Just get started! Use your motivation and time to make your idea into a reality. You never know where your first piece of software will take you.
Eager to give your students opportunities like Kurt’s? Find out how you can use certification in your classroom! Learn more about Adobe certification here and App Development with Swift certification here.