Could you tell us about your journey to UCLA?
One of the largest earthquakes in Mexico's history disrupted my undergrad studies, forcing me to adapt to remote learning—a skill I didn't realize would be so valuable. Graduating in 2019, I planned to work before pursuing my master's, but the COVID-19 pandemic upended those plans. Lockdowns halted my job search, and I accelerated my graduate school timeline, spending my lockdown time arduously preparing applications. Despite the unpredictable journey, being at UCLA was incredibly enriching.
How did the coursework and research you did while a student at UCLA prepare you for an international career?
My studies involved mastering design and simulation software like Abaqus, used globally. This experience, coupled with my time at UCLA, where I gained valuable insights into the American work style, prepared me for a role at a US company abroad. I'm adept at adapting to diverse environments and cultures, blending different work approaches, ensuring effective collaboration in any setting.
Can you speak a little bit about your career and how it has progressed since graduating from UCLA?
My career was just beginning before UCLA, with only a few internships under my belt. It felt like I was struggling to gain any real momentum. However, after graduating, I quickly landed a job as an automotive engineer, working on new electric vehicles. Initially, I contributed to smaller projects, but with work experience and skills gained at UCLA, I progressed to larger, more technically demanding projects. My studies equipped me for these challenges.