Engineering and technology college courses cover the problem-solving skills successful students will need in their careers. But what those courses don’t always cover is how to get a job. 

For senior computer science major and Honors College student Ximena Perez, she found her community in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) as a member, president, and now as vice president of the student organization.

Ximena Perez standing outside in a navy blue suit, facing the camera.
While Perez feels her computer science education has provided the foundation for developing her technical skill, SHPE helped her learn how to build her brand and pitch her skills to recruiters. “What you learn in classes prepares you for what you’re doing, but SHPE helps with actually getting the job.”

Marrying her two skills together, Perez feels prepared to enter the workforce after her graduation in May. “My time at Mason has taught me so much—in my courses, in SHPE, and in the Honors College, I’ve been given all of the tools I need.”

See: https://volgenau.gmu.edu/partners/women-computing for Break Through Tech Initiative at Mason.

Longer story: https://volgenau.gmu.edu/news/2021-03/practicing-professionalism-prepares-students-success

Posted 3 years, 1 month ago