Billy Clayson III ’26

When Billy Clayson III got the opportunity to intern as a web developer for Cutco, he knew he had to snap it up. But that’s not the original path his studies at Pitt-Bradford were headed.

Originally heading into the business program at Pitt-Bradford, Clayson switched his major to computer information systems and technology just a couple of weeks before his first semester. After connecting with CIST professor Steve Ellison and realizing there was an opportunity to learn about computer programming, Clayson knew he had to take that path.

Clayson’s interest in computers began early, playing video games and wondering just how they were made and how they worked. With a strong love of indie video games, he wanted to know how he could learn those same skills as independent video game developers.

After taking an introductory web programming course during his first semester, Clayson was hooked. The course, which culminated in a project to create a fully functional website, sparked his passion for web development and led to his internship with Cutco.

As a web developer at Cutco, Clayson is currently working on transitioning websites to new programming formats. It’s a position that allows him to get deep into the details of web programming and work behind the scenes to make sure all the digital cogs run smoothly.

The practical skills Clayson acquired at Pitt-Bradford, such as HTML and CSS coding, have proven invaluable in his internship. Those skills “gave me a backbone of knowledge to further my knowledge with real-world applications," he said. His role at Cutco has also introduced him to more advanced aspects of web development, preparing him for future courses and professional challenges.

Looking ahead, Clayson is determined to continue in the field of web development. He finds immense satisfaction in the problem-solving aspects of programming, likening it to solving a complex puzzle. “It can be challenging at points, but when you complete it, it is very satisfying and fulfilling.”