Growing up on the south side of Chicago, BSIS student Devon Reynolds always saw his future in technology. He discovered the information sciences program during his senior year of high school and was drawn to its challenging coursework. Choosing the iSchool at Illinois felt like a natural next step.
"The iSchool felt like the perfect blend of community and opportunity," Reynolds shared. "The faculty are incredibly supportive; the coursework is relevant to the job market; and the environment pushes you to think critically about the impact of technology."
Within the major, Reynolds found himself especially interested in the data science and data analyst pathway. With a strong foundation in math and problem-solving, the analytical side of information science felt like the perfect fit.
That interest translated into hands-on experience early in his college career, having completed three internships across different industries. After his freshman year, he interned at Clayco. The following year, he worked as a technology consultant analyst at Accenture. Most recently, he served as a summer intern in talent solutions at P33 Chicago.
"Each role pushed me to think more critically about how data, technology, and people interact," Reynolds said. "These experiences helped me understand how to move from raw information to meaningful recommendations, and they shaped the way I approach leadership and problem-solving today."
Beyond internships, Reynolds has taken on significant leadership roles on campus. He serves as vice president and public relations chair of Reaching Across Classes, mentoring freshmen and transfer students as they transition to college life. He is also the public relations chair of Writers Organizing Realistic Dialect, which creates a safe space for creatives on campus, and a member of the National Society of Black Engineers. In addition, he works as a resident advisor at Bromley Hall, where he supports students and helps build community.
Recently, his involvement extended beyond campus through his work with Hope Chicago. As a scholarship recipient who has been deeply involved in the program, Reynolds was recently invited to a City Club event featuring Chancellor Isbell, where he represented both the U. of I. and Hope Chicago.
"Being in the room with so many policymakers, faculty, and community leaders felt inspiring," he said.
The event offered a closer look at leadership, public policy, and the future of education in Chicago. It also reinforced for him how important student perspectives are in shaping those conversations.
Looking ahead, Reynolds is focused on working at the forefront of technology, particularly in data science and cloud computing. He has already accepted an offer as a global technology rotational specialist in McDonald's Global Technology & Information Office (GTIO) at the company's Chicago headquarters. Reynolds attributes his success to intentional networking, strong mentorship, and building both technical and analytical skills through his internships and leadership roles. The rotational program will allow him to explore cloud computing, data and analytics, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
Outside of class and work, Reynolds enjoys watching NBA basketball, playing video games, spending quality time with friends and family, and trying new restaurants around campus and in Chicago.