My professional journey commenced before I even graduated from high school. As a child, I harbored a dream of becoming an "inventor," though articulating precisely what that meant proved challenging. My father, an engineer, helped me grasp the essence of engineering: ingenuity and problem-solving. "Figure it out," he'd advise. The more you tinker, the better an engineer you become. I was captivated by the idea but remained unsure about which path to pursue. I yearned for mechatronics, but I was informed it didn't exist at my university. Faced with the impracticality of pursuing two majors due to excessive credits, I eventually decided to follow my instincts, settling on Mechanical Engineering.
I graduated in December 2008, a time when the economy was in turmoil, and job opportunities were scarce. The prospect of returning to Mexico didn't appeal to me, so I resolved to pursue a master's degree to make the journey both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating, aligning with my ambition to be an "inventor." I had no clear roadmap, but I knew that hard work and determination were my guiding principles. This led me to a master's program in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
During this phase, my family redirected their financial resources towards my younger siblings, necessitating that I find a way to support myself. The first semester was grueling, and I even had to put it on my credit card. I took on multiple roles, working as a math teacher, offering after-school tutoring, DJing on weekends, and building computers during my spare time. Although I was unsure of my ultimate goal, I cherished the opportunity to learn and grow.
Upon completing my degree, I encountered some challenges, relying on the support of friends and family. Eventually, I secured my first professional role as an engineer at a biodiesel plant in Texas. The job demanded versatility, from loading trucks to generating production reports. It was here that I was introduced to automation systems and PLCs, marking my first foray into the world of automation.
My journey then led me to a copper mine in Arizona, where I spent nine years, considering it my second home. The close-knit team became a second family, and they played a pivotal role in my development in the field of automation. However, the remote location of mines necessitated a move to continue learning and growing.
This led me to North Carolina, where I explored opportunities at different companies. While grateful for these opportunities, I was in search of a sense of community and belonging, akin to a family. It was during this quest that I received a persistent email from Keith Flaherty. Upon speaking with him, I was impressed by his deep knowledge of the company and his boundless enthusiasm. To my surprise, Keith was not a recruiter but the CEO himself, which explained his passion.
Keith addressed all my questions and promptly introduced me to his team. Each conversation felt invigorating; it was evident that Hallam prioritized its employees and dedicated substantial effort to hiring the right individuals. Without hesitation, I conveyed my enthusiasm to the team, and we continued to exchange experiences. When I received the job offer, I couldn't have been happier. I'm incredibly excited to be part of Hallam's team, hoping to embark on a new venture where I can invest many years of my career.
