Matt Jones: computer engineer in Rhode Island

Matt Jones

University of Maine, computer engineering and electrical engineering major, graduated 2010

Current hometown: Newport, R.I.

Age: 26

Live at home/rent/buy your own home? Rent

Current job? Computer engineer (3 years).

Enjoy what you do? Yes

Major milestones the last four years: Moved to Rhode Island to start career.

So, the big question: Was it worth it? Yes, absolutely.

Is your job now related to your major? Yes.

Please finish this sentence: “When it came to college, my parents were right about . . .” preparing me for living on my own at college.

And: “My parents were wrong about . . .” I don’t think they were ever “wrong.” They may have worried a bit much, but there is nothing wrong with that.

What are you hoping for as you look out over the next 10 years? Continue advancing in my career and traveling when I can.

Do you feel your college experience plays any role in those goals? Yes. It was worth every penny.

Grads face a new world: Maine college freshmen are trying to spend less, learn more and think jobs.

‘Explore careers.’ ‘Engage in classes.’ ‘Show up.’ ‘Go for it!’: Older, wiser: Our former freshmen offer advice to the class of 2017

Following the Freshmen: Where are they now?

Since the Sun Journal stopped following the original 15 students in our “Following the Freshmen” series in 2009, bringing to a close our four-year college project, they’ve established interesting lives, careers and pursuits. And gained a lot of perspective on the value of their educations. We were able to catch up with 11 former freshmen and quiz them about life, college and future goals, and how school played into all of it.