Alexander Illescas

The experience I had at the SHPE National Convention was eye-opening in many ways. I was surrounded by many Hispanic engineers looking to grow in their careers as professionals. As an undeclared student in the Department of Engineering and Computer Science, I saw different areas of the engineering workforce, which gave me an idea of where I want to go in the engineering field. I am very thankful for the opportunity to go on this trip to make connections with many aspiring engineers and take a step into my professional career. I was able to secure two interviews with Whiting-Turner and with the Michigan Department of Transportation and I couldn’t have done it without the help of the Renée Crown Honors program, and for that, I am very grateful.  
 

Before going to the Convention, I was planning on going down a civil engineering path, but at the SHPE Conference I saw many companies who talked about the type of work they do, and it introduced me to new pathways. After the Convention, I will be working with SU SHPE to continue to connect with other engineers here at Syracuse. As a freshman representative, I will try to observe and do outreach to promote this event on campus. With this opportunity, other Hispanic engineers at SU will be able to learn from the experience and grow as professionals.