SBCC has a strong reputation for seeing our alumni transfer to four-year institutions and go on to succeed in the workplace. Five such students, who were part of the MESA program (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement), and now work at Raytheon in Goleta, returned to campus in October to share their stories and give advice and encouragement to current MESA students.
After describing what they majored in and where they received their degrees upon leaving SBCC, each of the alumni offered tips for getting an internship that will lead to a job offer, recounted some of the lessons they've learned, and ended with their fondest memories of SBCC and the MESA program.
Juan Zepeda offered this tip: "When you first start at a new job, build a network within your company. This will lead to finding a mentor." Along the same lines, Luis Delgado urged, "Network everywhere you go. Be active. Be persistent."
Cynthia Barajas shared one of her lessons learned: "It was O.K. to say 'I don't know,' and to ask a lot of questions. That's the best way to learn from others."
One of Alejandro Navarro's fondest memories of MESA was "building new connections that will last a lifetime." For Irvin Lazaro it was, "Everyone in the study room always gave me a reason to smile."
