What inspired you to pick your current major?

My inspiration to select media studies as a major started when I enrolled in the Information Technology Academy program when I was in high school. The program taught me about technology, programing, adobe software and creative thinking. I became interested in marketing and decided to pursue communications as a major. Since then, I have become more focused on market research and marketing in tech companies.

How has being in the ARF WIDE Program affected your career path or university studies?

ARF WIDE has made a significant impact on my career path and university studies. I have been able to learn more about marketing and advertising from WIDE Learning Labs and have continued to strengthen my skills in preparation for future internships and projects. ARF WIDE has been a source of inspiration and motivation for me because there are people I can relate to and mentors who can support me along the way.

Tell us about your new position! What is your role and where is it? What will you be doing?

This past summer I had the opportunity to intern for GfK, a global market research company. I was lucky enough to be placed in the team that works with Microsoft and their products. I worked alongside researchers to identify customer base thoughts on Microsoft products like XBOX, Microsoft 365, Windows 11, and Surface Laptops. I was able to work with data, populate slides for Microsoft Stakeholder presentations, and take on my own market research project for GfK.

If money were no object, what would your dream job be?

If money were no object, I would love to work in the entertainment industry. I am a huge fan of pop culture, blockbuster movies and video games. I would love to work on projects that can be viewed by many people around the world. I love technology, my jobs would have to revolve around it and event planning.

Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

In five to ten years, I see myself working for an entertainment or tech company. I would like to continue to do market research. I would like to stay in the Bay Area as my family is nearby and many opportunities exist in San Francisco. I hope to be able to buy a house with my girlfriend and work on projects that I find exciting.

What is your favorite hobby? Why do you enjoy it?

My favorite hobby is making 3D prints. This past summer I bought a 3D printer and I have joined online groups to learn more about how to create props from movies and video games. Some of my prints have taken up to two days to print, not including the hours that go into calibrating the machine, painting, and detailing. Some of my projects include Iron Man Helmet, Halo Helmet, Loki’s Scepter, and other wearable items.

What is something you would tell your younger self?

A piece of advice I would give my younger self is to take the risks that you think you will not be able to handle. In the past, I have chosen safer routes that did not bring me much joy because the fear of failing held me back from pursuing a more challenging path. I would tell myself to be kind to others and to network with people, you never know where your next big opportunity will come from. Also, to believe in myself and to be proud because you will reach your dreams.