Alumni: Christian Cortes

Major:

Computer Engineering B.S.

Graduating Class:

2020

What are your plans after graduation?

Industry job. Associate Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman.

Why did you join SHPE UCSC?

I wanted to be part of a family that looked like me, a family that understands the struggles of being a Latino/Hispanic in a field where the people that you look up to do not look like you.

What is your favorite SHPE memory (or memories)?

Being able to meet Latino/Hispanic people from all over the US during SHPE Nationals.

How has SHPE helped you throughout your college career?

They helped me become more confident in myself and who i am as a person and helped me land my fist job in the engineering field.

What will you miss most about UCSC?

The Familia

Is there anyone (student, family, friend, staff, faculty, etc) that you would like to thank that helped you make it to this point?

The SHPE UCSC Chapter

Do you have any advice for SHPE undergrad members?

Make sure you are pursuing your degree because you truly are passionate about it and not simply because it “makes a lot of money”. When you are talking to employers during interviews, they will be able to tell if you truly love the trade you are in or not.