As computer science education expands at the K-12, post-secondary, and graduate levels, more teachers are needed to staff courses. At the post-secondary level, permanent faculty lines may not match the computer science student enrollment, especially during growth periods. To meet demand, some programs teach larger class sizes while others hire visiting or adjunct faculty. This experience report describes hiring alumni who are working in the computing industry as part-time adjunct faculty members to teach introductory computer science labs. Because these alumni took the CS 1 lab and some even served as teaching assistants as students, they had direct experience with the exercises, lab structure, and learning outcomes. In addition to teaching the labs, the alumni served as role models for CS 1 students, preparing short professions talks to share about their work and life. Surveys were distributed to students during the first week and last week of the semester to learn about their motivation for taking CS 1 (first week), their current major (first week and last week), their understanding of the computing profession (first week and last week), and the impact of the professions talks (last week). Students appreciated advice from alumni about practical job-seeking tips regarding resumes, cover letters, and interviews. Students were grateful for advice about navigating college and making the most of opportunities and resources.

Dr. Tammy VanDeGrift is a Professor of computer science in the Shiley School of Engineering at the University of Portland (Oregon, USA). She enjoys teaching and studying how people learn engineering and computer science.