Interview with Fernando Galvez– IPC Student Member and Scholarship Winner

Fernando Galvez was born in Huancayo, Peru. He started his education in Pasadena City College, and later transferred to the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, majoring in Electronic System Engineering Technology. He is the Treasurer of the IPC Student Chapter and received a $1,000 scholarship from IPC last year. We were honored to meet him and his mentor, Professor Gerald Herder, who serves as the IPC Student Chapter Advisor at Cal Poly Pomona University earlier this year during the IPC APEX EXPO STEM Outreach Event to recognize him for this accomplishment. 

His interest in electronics and engineering started during his high school years, because his two favorite subjects were mathematics and physics. In college, a class on electronics fascinated him so much that it ignited his passion to learn more about the use of electronic devices. At the same time, he discovered Arduino, the open-source electronics prototyping platform and that fascinated even more and sparked an interest in learning automation. 

Serving as a leader at the IPC Student Chapter has its benefits as it adds to your professional profile showcasing time management skills, working well in teams, taking responsibility, and the importance of respect and loyalty. As Treasurer his responsibilities include managing the legal aspects on how the IPC Student Chapter can be established at the University by understanding the terms and conditions and submitting the necessary documentation. He also learned how the IPC Student Chapter can fundraise to host student workshops to support students’ education and arranging events to spread the word amongst his fellow student members about IPC. 

Charlene reached out to Fernando and asked him a few questions about his goals, potential career path, and what aspects are important to ensure one continues to grow on a personal and professional level. 

Charlene: “What are your plans to grow professionally during the summer?”

Fernando: “My plans are to work on two certifications: one for the Electrical and Computer Certification and the other is to work on the C10 Contractor license. Also, I am looking for the right job that helps me to achieve my goals.”

Charlene: “What attributes make you attractive to an employer?”

Fernando: “I work efficiently, working hard to make sure every detail is accomplished for the specific task that is required.  Other attribute is I communicate well with colleagues. I can help them; I can ask questions if I have any problem, and I can lead a group to accomplish the work. Finally, the last attribute that I am proud of is that I have the skill to look for answers to solve any problem I encounter.”

Charlene: “What accomplishments are you most proud of?”

Fernando: “I was part of a team that won a robotic arm competition, I managed and led an activity for a hundred elementary students, and have earned two scholarships for reaching my goals.”

Charlene: “What do you do to develop your professional skills?”

Fernando: “I improve my professional skills by building or creating new projects with the technology I have learned. For example, when I took the class on Java, the way that I developed my skills is by creating an app for Android using Java language.”

Charlene: “Once you leave college – What are your future plans?”

Fernando: “My plans for the future are working in jobs that improve my skills in electronics and automation and building my own business.”

Charlene: “How would you describe “leadership”?”

Fernando: “Leadership is a skill that the person can have to motivate, help, support, manage, understand, and guide other people to accomplishing any goal.”

Charlene: “What characteristics of a leader do you value most?”

Fernando: “I value a leader that listens and understands people’s ability and skill. Also, a good leader must gain the respect of the team and work together with them.”

Charlene: “What are your goals in terms of engineering today?”

Fernando: “My goals are to be part of projects that help, protect, and modernize our community. Also, one of my other priorities is to help the environment.”

Charlene: “What do you love about the industry in general?”

Fernando: “What I like most is that the industry looks for ways to innovate and expand networks for building new technology and giving better training for other industries. On the other hand, what I love more is that this industry creates opportunities for students to learn more about equipment and technology.” 

Charlene: “How would you describe the term “Engineering”?”

Fernando: “Engineering is the field that looks for solutions. It looks for new inventions to make life better.”

Charlene: “Do you have short term goals?”

Fernando: “Yes, I am going to get prepared and pass the exam for the license of the Electrical and Computer Engineering.”

Charlene: “Do you have any interesting hobbies related to the electronics industry?”

Fernando: “I am very interested in knowing how electronic devices works to use it later for personal projects. For example, I did an alarm system. I created a butterfly with flashing LEDs, and many other small projects too.”

Charlene: “Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Fernando.”

Fernando: “Anytime. Thank you, Charlene.”