A Letter From Brandon Blanck, President of Microquest: On the Future of Computing Science and Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

“When I first graduated, my biggest goal was to get a job.” Brandon responded when I asked him what his goals were after graduating from the University of Alberta with a BSc Specialization, Computing Sciences with a Business Minor. 

“I got a job as a Software Developer at Microquest, an Alberta-based healthcare technology company that develops the Healthquest EMR (Electronic Medical Record) software for medical clinics, then later I wondered if I should change companies to advance. I tried leaving Microquest once, thinking it was the right move… and realized it just wasn’t it… I quit a few months after”

He laughed it off, but there was a quiet honesty in his words that stayed with me. That one decision… stepping out of his comfort zone, testing a path he thought would lead to growth, and ultimately realizing it wasn’t for him, later became one of the clearest lessons in his career. 

To him, finding out that the new company wasn’t the right fit wasn't a “failure”... It was an experience.

It was learning, and it shaped the way he approached every choice after that.

But now I wonder… we know that our goals constantly change, but how much do our childhood dreams shape the goals we have today?

As a kid, he was captivated by the golden age of video games and the birth of the internet. He was the first in his school to have internet access, and by the age of 12 or 13, he was already learning programming languages, building websites with friends, and exploring the business side of technology through general business courses. Even then, he was curious not just about how things worked, but about how they could be improved and scaled.

When I asked if he ever imagined leading a company when he first just started working, he smiled and said 

“Back then, I was focused on software development,” he said. “I thought, ‘Sure, why not get experience and then go into game development or something?’... But I didn’t necessarily think about becoming a president.” 

But as he grew into his career, he began seeing not just the technical side of projects, but the human side. And later translating customer needs into solutions, guiding teams, and shaping a company from the inside out. He realized he can make better, bigger changes as a leader than just staying in his comfort zone as a software developer. 

“How have your goals changed since you graduated?” I asked.

“My goals change all the time. In a very good way, I think. I’ve been able to achieve a lot over the years, both personally and professionally. For example, when I first graduated, I just wanted a job. Then I wondered if I needed to change companies to grow. I tried it, realized it wasn’t for me, and came back. Along the way, I also had personal goals such as fitness, life goals, career goals… all those sort of things. I believe that having tangible goals keeps you moving forward, instead of drifting aimlessly.”

“But how?” I laughed. “How can you even manage to do all that without feeling overwhelmed?” 

He then encouraged me to break down the big picture into manageable pieces. 

For example, if five-year goals feel too distant, start with one-year goals, or even day-to-day goals. This can look something as simple as eating healthier, nailing a meeting, finishing a project. 

And always ask yourself why…

WHY do you want to achieve this? 

That intention keeps your steps aligned with where you truly want to go.

I admired how practical and honest he was with me so I boldly asked: “I see that you don’t necessarily have a major in Business or an MBA…has that ever made you doubt yourself? Doubt that you can effectively lead a team?” 

And to which he calmly responded… “Leadership doesn’t come from a course,” he said. “It’s earned through experience. Some things can be taught, but confidence comes from doing the work, guiding your team, and constantly striving to be better. You set direction, but you also serve the people you’re responsible for.” That philosophy, stepping into responsibility even when you aren’t sure you’re ready, resonated deeply with the theme of stepping outside your comfort zone.

And if you’re a computer science major reading this, you’re probably thinking, “That’s so lucky for him… to be born before the peak of the internet. It’s not as easy these days…” Well, don’t worry. I brought with me the most-asked question of all: Is it even worth it to pursue a computer science degree?

“Honestly… I wouldn’t recommend that they pursue an education in this field. I know this sounds discouraging but it’s true, you know? It’s a very competitive field, and it’s only becoming more competitive with AI.” 

“Alright, but what if they’re already in too deep. They’re graduating this year. What would make an outstanding candidate?” I ask, hoping for an answer you’ll be happy to hear about. 

“Honestly, from my perspective as an employer, I don’t think it’s enough for a graduate to just know how to code… I mean it’s helpful to know how things work but I’d rather hire someone who knows how to use AI tools effectively.” 

Yet he stressed that fundamentals remain crucial. Even with AI, a deep understanding of software, memory management, assembly, and coding languages is what allows developers to make sense of everything built on top. Those who combine strong fundamentals with AI skills, he said, will be the ones that thrive.

By the end of our conversation, one message was clear: growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable. It comes from stepping out, trying, reflecting, and learning. Sometimes stepping out means leaving a job, sometimes it’s taking on a leadership role before you feel ready, sometimes it’s embracing new technology before it’s expected of you. But the principle is the same: act intentionally, be willing to try, and adjust when you learn something that doesn't align with your path.

I hope that Brandon’s story reminds us that it’s not just about building a career or mastering software or even adapting to AI. It’s about learning to trust yourself, taking risks, and staying flexible as your goals evolve. And for new graduates stepping into a world that feels uncertain and competitive, it’s a reminder that courage, curiosity, and reflection are the tools that will carry you further than comfort ever could.