For Pace University alum Onye Ohiaeri (MS in Computer Science ’21), building a career in technology was an unexpected path. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Onye came to the United States to attend UC Berkeley, earning his undergraduate degree in political economy in 2018. But after graduation, he realized he wanted to pivot toward a more technical career without having to start over from scratch.

That search led him to Pace’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. “I was looking for a program that took AI and machine learning seriously as a discipline, that was located somewhere I could build a real network alongside the degree, and that had professors who actually worked on the kinds of problems I wanted to solve,” Onye said. “Pace's Seidenberg School checked all three boxes. Being in New York meant I'd be surrounded by industry, and the curriculum focused on the technical areas I wanted to grow into. Looking back, choosing Seidenberg was one of the best decisions I’ve made—it gave me both the technical foundation and the location to launch the career I have now.”

The architecture decisions I make today all trace back to the foundation Professor Simo gave us.

A Foundation for Success

One Seidenberg course in particular would go on to shape much of Onye’s professional career: CS 610: Introduction to Parallel and Distributed Computing, taught by Professor Altion Simo.

“Professor Simo had a way of taking concepts that sounded abstract—parallelization, distributed coordination, scalability—and making them feel intuitive and practical,” Onye described. “He didn’t just teach the theory; he showed us how distributed systems actually get built at scale.”

The lessons from that class extended well beyond graduation. “I use what I learned in that class every single day,” he said. “The architecture decisions I make today all trace back to the foundation Professor Simo gave us.”

Like many students whose graduate studies overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic, Onye’s experience at Pace looked different than he originally imagined. Traditional networking opportunities disappeared almost overnight, forcing him to find new ways to connect with the industry he hoped to enter. “What I learned from that experience ended up being one of the most valuable lessons of my entire education: when the obvious paths close, you have to build your own,” Onye said.

Since he couldn’t rely on career fairs or in-person recruiting events at the time, Onye began reaching out directly to engineers and technology leaders whose work he admired. He researched the projects they were building and sent thoughtful messages engaging with their work, sometimes sharing ideas and solutions he had learned at Seidenberg that related to those challenges. “That approach is how I landed my first internship at Code and Theory, and it’s ultimately how I got to Amazon,” he said.

Soon after Code and Theory, a Seidenberg professor connected him with an internship opportunity at Take-Two Interactive, where he worked from 2020 through early 2021 while completing his degree. By the time he graduated, Onye had built both a professional network and a portfolio of technical experience through a combination of persistence, initiative, and support from the Seidenberg community.

Choosing Seidenberg was one of the best decisions I’ve made—it gave me both the technical foundation and the location to launch the career I have now.

From Student to Engineer at Amazon

After graduating in 2021, Onye joined Amazon Prime Video as a software engineer, where he spent four years working on large-scale systems serving millions of users worldwide.

During his time there, he contributed to projects including Prime Video’s “Top 10 Movies” feature, improvements to the platform’s search infrastructure, and the integration of Thursday Night Football into the search experience.

He also became the lead engineer responsible for dynamically scaling traffic infrastructure during major live events. “Scaling distributed systems to handle real-world traffic patterns—especially unpredictable traffic from live sports—is one of the harder problems in distributed computing and being trusted as the scaling lead for a service of that magnitude was a defining experience,” Onye said.

The role drew directly from the distributed systems concepts he first explored at Seidenberg.

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Launching Something New

In January 2026, Onye’s position at Amazon was eliminated as part of a company-wide reduction in force—a reality that has impacted many engineers across today’s tech industry. But rather than viewing the moment as a setback, he used it as an opportunity to focus fully on a personal project he had already been building on the side: Cheqmate.

The idea for the app came from a familiar frustration during group dinners and trips with friends. “People would forget who owed whom, and figuring it out in the moment was painful,” Onye said. “Existing bill-splitting apps were clunky enough that nobody wanted to use them at the table.”

Convinced there had to be a better way to deal with these situations, Onye built one. Cheqmate streamlines the process by automatically surfacing venues and friend groups, allowing users to split bills quickly and discover places their friends already enjoy visiting. “The vision is that Cheqmate makes going out with your friends easier, more spontaneous, and more fun—from the moment you decide where to go all the way through splitting the check at the end,” Onye said.

Built using the same distributed systems principles Onye learned at Seidenberg and refined at Amazon, the app launched publicly on the Apple App Store in April 2026 and has continued to grow driven entirely by word-of-mouth adoption.

If your path looks messy or non-linear, that’s not a problem to solve. It’s often the source of your edge.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Onye has also stayed connected to Pace since graduating. Most recently, he returned to Pace to judge final project presentations for a Seidenberg computer science course, offering feedback to current students developing their own applications. “It was a full-circle moment,” he said.

His advice to students and recent graduates centers on initiative, persistence, and embracing unconventional paths. “Build something real before you graduate,” Onye said. “Classes give you the foundation, but the engineers who stand out are the ones who can point to something they built.”

He also encourages students not to underestimate the power of outreach and networking. “Cold outreach works better than you think,” he said. “Most students underestimate how willing people are to respond to a thoughtful, specific message from someone early in their career.”

Above all, Onye believes students shouldn’t feel pressured to follow a perfectly linear career path. “My path certainly didn’t look clean and linear from the outside. But every step taught me something, and the combination of all of it is what made me capable of doing what I do now,” he said. “If your path looks messy or non-linear, that’s not a problem to solve. It’s often the source of your edge.”

Choosing the right college is a big decision for both students and their families. At Pace University, we understand that you’re not just sending your student off to school—you’re investing in their future. Here are five reasons you can feel confident about what’s ahead for your student at Pace.

1. Career-Ready from Day One

Pace isn't just about getting a degree; it's about launching a career. From day one, your student is gaining real-world experience through internships, co-ops, and hands-on projects that make their resume stand out. Employers love seeing practical experience, and your student will have plenty to showcase.

2. Top-Notch Employment Rates

A whopping 93% of Pace graduates from the Class of 2025 are employed, continuing their education, or pursuing service. This impressive statistic means your student is set for a successful post-graduation path, providing peace of mind for both of you.

3. High Earning Potential

Pace alumni are in the top 11% for highest earning graduates in the US. Your student won't just find a job; they'll find a well-paying one. This translates to a great return on investment and financial security for the future.

4. NYC: The Ultimate Launchpad

Located in the New York metro area, Pace offers unparalleled access to internships and networking opportunities. Your student will have the chance to connect with industry leaders and gain valuable experience in one of the world's most dynamic cities, setting them up for a successful career.

5. Stellar Alumni Network

With notable alumni in every field—from CEOs to entertainers—Pace’s network is vast and influential. Your student will join a community of successful professionals eager to support and mentor the next generation, opening doors to incredible career opportunities.

So, parents, rest easy knowing your student's choice of Pace University is a ticket to a successful and rewarding career. With a focus on practical experience, high employment rates, and strong industry connections, your student’s future is bright!

Getting ready for college is a big deal—and joining the Pace Community makes it even more exciting. Your student isn’t just heading off to college; they’re stepping into a world of opportunity. Here are five ways to help them navigate the transition and start strong at Pace:

Embrace Emotions and Open Communication

Your student may be excited, scared, or both—there's no wrong way to feel. Be open to their big feelings and celebrate their journey to becoming a proud Pace Setter! We also offer on-campus resources to help them when you're not able to answer the phone. Encourage your student to explore the Counseling Center and Pace's Center for Wellbeing.

Encourage Their Independence

At Pace, students are empowered to become leaders and self-starters. Encourage your student to manage their time, handle finances, and make decisions. Consider setting up regular check-ins to provide a balance of support and independence.

Visit Campus Together

Familiarizing your student with their new environment can alleviate anxiety. Take a campus tour, explore the facilities, and participate in Orientation events. From NYC to Westchester, Pace offers unique experiences at every corner.

Discuss Academic Resources

Highlight the academic resources available at Pace, such as tutoring centers, libraries, and faculty office hours. Pace’s commitment to academic excellence ensures your student has the support they need to thrive.

Promote Involvement in Campus Life

Campus life is buzzing—and students who dive in get the most out of their college experience. Encourage your student to attend events, join student clubs and orgs, read emails from the University, and follow along on social media to stay in the loop. There’s always something happening at Pace.

Your student’s future starts here. With your support and Pace’s real-life learning opportunities, they’re set to thrive. Get ready to cheer them on as they dive into this exciting new chapter.

Welcome to the Pace Community—Go Setters!