Colin Schneider ’25
Major: Engineering Management
Hometown: Stockton, California
Extracurriculars: Pacific ASCE Chapter, Pacific Project Management 

As he walks around the construction site, Colin Schneider ’25 occasionally stops to snap a photo on his phone. He examines each storm drain to make sure it’s free of debris. Then, he continues his route.  

The engineering management graduate has a rare opportunity: He’s part of the team building the new Southwest Hall on University of the Pacific’s Stockton Campus. It’s a complex that will soon house nearly 400 students.  

For Colin, it’s not just a project at his alma mater. It’s a continuation of his family legacy at Pacific. His story is also a great example of the opportunities available to Pacific students.  

Intergenerational Pacific Tigers

Colin’s story at Pacific began when his parents were Tigers in the 90s.  

“Back in the day, they were civil engineering students here. They met here and actually got married at the chapel on campus,” he says.  

Though his parents, Colin got acquainted with construction work early in life. His dad worked in engineering design, which really helped him understand what the field was. He turned that interest into field work in high school.  

“Over the summers, I worked on survey crews to go out and stake,” he says. “And I worked for a construction company in Elk Grove right before I came to Pacific. I really fell in love with the engineering management side of it.” 

When it came time for college, Colin was drawn to Pacific’s engineering management major and its small class sizes. What sealed the deal was the program’s focus on design alongside construction management. 

“Just get out there.”

Colin describes his ethos as, “Just get out there,” which he put into practice at Pacific. He stayed busy with summer internships, campus jobs and student clubs. His experience is a good example for other engineering students who are looking to build experience before they step into the working world full-time.  

He’s worked at the Fletcher Jones Foundation Makerspace since it opened in 2024 and even helped design the layout for the woodshop. Student workers like him are the backbone of the center. They get to apply their knowledge in a hands-on setting and help other students understand and use the tools available to them. 

“I’ve enjoyed helping students fulfill their ideas, like getting them into 3D modeling and then 3D printing it for their senior project. They just come in and say, ‘Hey, I have this idea. I want to build this.’ We’re there to help them,” he says.  

Over the summers, Colin interned in Sacramento to help build a 16-story, $3.7 billion  health care building, the California Tower. He originally got the internship himself, but it later turned into his Cooperative Education experience, a required, paid internship for engineering students.  Four years in, he’s seen it go from a pile of dirt to an entire structure.  

Outside of paid work, Colin also got involved with Pacific’s chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Each year, the chapter takes part in the ASCE Mid-Pacific Student Symposium. The event challenges participants to tackle several challenges. Students put their creativity and problem-solving skills into action.  

“The past two years, I’ve been the captain of the steel bridge team. Actually getting to build and design a mini bridge to hold weight has been really interesting,” he said. 

With such a busy schedule, Colin gives a lot of credit to his advisors, Professors Abel Fernandez and Medhi Khazaeli. With small class sizes, professors like his are able to spend more quality time with students.  

“They both helped me through my journey. Whether it was picking classes or asking them, ‘Hey, I have this problem,’ or even going to them for personal things. I have a strong personal connection with them,” he says.  

A new Southwest Hall for the Stockton Campus

Southwest Hall stood on campus for just over a century before the current rebuild. The project strives to maintain Pacific’s distinctive, red brick feel, preserving architectural details from the original 1924 building. But students who live there will experience modern benefits in an energy-efficient residence hall.  

Among his other jobs, Colin also works for Stockton-based Siegfried Engineering. It’s responsible for the civil engineering and survey engineering at the site, which is why he visits the construction site every Friday.  

“My job is to do something called a SWPPP report, a Solid Waste Protection Prevention Plan. Basically, I do weekly inspections. I make sure no dust, dirt or anything gets in the storm drains. They don’t want anything going in there, because that directly feeds into the Delta. I’m here to monitor that, take photos and write reports,” he says. 

Colin himself never lived in the prior Southwest Hall, but he knows people who did.  

“So, hearing their stories and getting to see the new rendering, it makes me happy,” he says. 

A new chapter at Pacific

Although he just graduated, Colin’s not going anywhere just yet. He’s going directly into Pacific’s Master of Science in engineering. After that, he wants to work for a construction management company and, eventually, start his own.  

For other students who want to follow in his steps, Colin has a simple piece of advice. It’s the same one that led him to work so many different jobs on and off campus: “Get out there.” 

“If you’re interested in the work, be interested in the work. It’s not just about your grades. Be curious, ask a lot of questions. Go to career fairs and find internships. Talk to your professors. They have lots of advice and, possibly, connections in the field that you want to get into,” he says. 

Felicity Andrews ’24  
Major: Graphic design 
Internship: Creative design intern, Walt Disney Company 
Hometown: Modesto, California 
Clubs/Activities: AIGA Student Group; Department of Art, Media, Performance and Design representative, Associated Students of University of the Pacific; Calliope Art & Literary Magazine; InterVarsity Christian Fellowship; TEDx UoPacific Marketing Team  

Felicity Andrews ’24 transferred to Pacific and found her creative home in Pacific’s graphic design program. With three internships under her belt already and a packed resume of campus involvement, Andrews is putting her skills to work as an intern at The Walt Disney Company where she contributes to global projects for the company. Andrews reflects on her Pacific experience, what led her to design and the advice she has for future creatives. 

Describe your internship and how your experiences at Pacific helped prepare you for this opportunity. 

I’m currently a creative design intern at The Walt Disney Company, supporting the Talent Acquisition Marketing team. Our team leads recruitment marketing efforts across Disney Enterprises, which means I have the exciting opportunity to contribute to projects spanning a wide range of Disney businesses—both domestically and internationally.  

Right now, I’m focused on supporting Disney Programs, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney on the Yard, a program for Historically Black College or University (HBCU) students. No two days are the same, which keeps things engaging. Depending on the needs of our partners, I’ve worked on everything from promotional merchandise and flyers to booth materials for conferences. Ultimately, our goal is to create compelling materials that inspire individuals to apply and be a part of the story at Disney.  

My experiences at Pacific did play a role in preparing me for this opportunity. The design program gave me my foundation in design principles and exposed me to a variety of mediums, which helped me become a well-rounded designer. Professors Lee and DeBoer were also instrumental in my growth, as they were the ones who helped shape me as a designer.  

Pacific’s program encouraged me to think critically, stay curious and take ownership of my growth as a designer, qualities that have been invaluable and will continue to shape my career.  

What made you choose Pacific?  

I chose Pacific because it offered the combination of being local and providing a good academic program in graphic design. Commuting from home was important when I transferred from Modesto Junior College. As I explored Pacific’s design program, I was drawn to the classes available and the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in two years, keeping me on track to graduate in four years.  

The beautiful campus and smaller student body also made it feel like a place where I could thrive, especially after coming from a small high school and spending my first two years of college online.  

Why did you choose your major?  

I chose graphic design because I’ve always been interested in the arts and creating. In junior high, I joined the yearbook team for my love of photography, but I stayed until my senior year of high school because I fell in love with design. Creating layouts and selecting typefaces quickly became my favorite part of the process. When I discovered I could turn that passion into a degree and a career, I knew it was the path I wanted to pursue and ran with it.  

Who has inspired you at Pacific?  

There are a handful of people who have impacted me at Pacific, but my friends in the design department have been a huge source of inspiration. Because the design department is a smaller program, I had the chance to work closely with my peers and professors DeBoer and Lee, receiving individual feedback and advice that helped me grow.  

One of my most impactful collaborations was helping to revive and co-lead the American Institute of Graphic Arts Student Group (AIGA), which the department supported, including funding our trip to the 2023 AIGA Design Conference in New York.  

The experiences I had with AIGA helped me feel more connected to the design community and shaped my passion for mentorship. I found myself guiding peers through portfolios, job applications and interviews. I realized how important it is to support new designers in today’s challenging industry.  

My time in the program also helped refine my design philosophy, which is centered on bringing joy to others through my work. That purpose will continue to guide me as I move forward in my career. 

What is your favorite memory about Pacific?  

There are so many treasured memories from my time at Pacific, it’s hard to pick just one! One of my favorites, though, is DeStress Fest and the late-night breakfast. In my final year at Pacific, I went with my friends, and it was such a fun way to unwind after the semester. We enjoyed the activities and staying up late eating breakfast together while reflecting on the fall semester which made for such a memorable time.  

What learning opportunities have you had outside the classroom?  

Before graduating from Pacific, I completed two design internships. At Blackwing, a pencil manufacturing company, I designed internal materials and at BGG Creative & BGG West, a creative agency, I worked on various client projects.  

Additionally, I worked as a graphic designer for ASUOP, where I designed flyers, social media content, stickers and even the postcard and blue Pacific posters now painted in the DeRosa University Center. These experiences gave me hands-on opportunities to apply what I was learning in the classroom in real-world settings.  

Right after graduating, I continued building on those experiences as a design intern at Gallo Winery, where I contributed to high-impact projects for major brands like La Marca, Barefoot and New Amsterdam.  

What advice would you give incoming graphic design students?  

Immerse yourself in the program and design community as much as you can. Take every opportunity to get involved: join AIGA, become a graphic designer for ASUOP, or contribute to Calliope. These experiences will connect you with a creative community and provide valuable insights for internships and job searches.  

Also, push yourself to go the extra mile on your design projects. Doing so will strengthen your portfolio and showcase your creativity. Always stay curious, embrace learning and strive for constant improvement; this tenacity will take you far.  

And most importantly, network. Networking may feel intimidating, but it’s incredibly important. Reach out to Pacific alumni on LinkedIn who studied graphic design or are in industries you’re interested in and learn about their journeys and what helped them succeed.  

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy college life! Spend time with friends, have fun and take breaks to recharge. It’s so important for staying inspired and avoiding burnout. 

Ryan Liu ’07 
Company: Google 
Major: Electrical engineering and engineering management 
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii 
Extracurriculars: Bassoonist in the Conservatory of Music Concert Band, Xi Chi Sigma Asian interest social fraternity 

When Ryan Liu ’07 started his engineering journey, he didn’t see a single path; he saw possibility. 

Now a technical program manager at YouTube, Liu leads projects that shape how hundreds of millions of users experience gaming content on the platform. But long before he was developing cutting-edge features like interactive “gaming recaps” and “playables”—mini-games you can play directly in the YouTube app—he was a student at University of the Pacific, double majoring in electrical engineering and engineering management. 

“Pacific allowed me to become a well-rounded engineering professional,” Liu says, “It’s because of that foundation of liberal arts, coupled with the technical aspects, that I was able to go into the workforce and continue to improve myself.” 

What Liu does at YouTube 

Liu started working at YouTube in 2020 and now oversees a team focused on GTX—gaming, teens and extended reality. He collaborates with engineers, designers, product managers, researchers and data scientists. 

One of his team’s newest projects is “playables,” a feature that lets users jump into casual games without ever leaving the YouTube app. It’s part of YouTube’s effort to create a more interactive experience and a new kind of entertainment. 

“It’s the notion that you can, instead of watching a video on YouTube, play a game natively in the YouTube app,” Liu says.  

Gaining a broad-based perspective at Pacific 

Liu’s path to Big Tech wasn’t linear. His Pacific experience helped him explore both the technical and business sides of engineering. Through the School of Engineering and Computer Science’s CO-OP program, he worked at Calpine Energy as a plant engineer and completed a second internship in Japan at Daiwabo Polytec, a manufacturing company, where he helped develop advanced synthetic fibers. 

“Figuring out how to navigate that environment by living, working and adapting in another country was an important part of being able to shape my skills for the better,” Liu says 

He credits much of his growth to the close mentorship he received at Pacific—especially from his adviser, Professor Abel Fernandez, who taught project management. 

“I credit him for basically getting my first job out of Pacific because of his support and coaching.” 

Liu even recalls cracking open the project management textbook from Fernandez’s class long after graduating from Pacific. 

Building a career in tech 

After graduation, Liu spent 12 years working in consulting, mostly at the business management firm Accenture, helping clients manage large-scale engineering and business projects. But after welcoming his first daughter, he wanted to shift away from constant travel. That’s when he made the leap to Google. 

Google was an environment which, according to Liu, required the ability to learn and thrive in ambiguity by being adaptable, much like the experience he gained from his CO-OPs and multifaceted education.  

At Google, Liu says the most rewarding part is the scale. 

“As soon as you hit that launch button for what would appear as a minute feature change on an app, it’s something that impacts billions of users. To me that is not only exciting, but there are few places that offer that in the world.” 

Why a liberal arts foundation matters in tech 

In a fast-moving industry, Liu believes one thing is crucial: a solid foundation with coursework in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. He says the liberal arts education he received at Pacific, which taught him to think critically, communicate effectively and approach problems from multiple angles, has made the biggest difference in his career.  

“We’re in a world now where the pressure to specialize is so high,” Liu says.  

He compares it to San Francisco’s Millennium Tower, which has tilted over time due to foundational issues. 

“Students who jump into investing so much time and money to specialize in one thing without building that crucial liberal arts foundation are like the sinking tower,” Liu explained. “The short-term benefits are there, but the shortcuts will catch up to you.” 

That solid foundation is especially important now, as artificial intelligence transforms how engineers and creators work. 

Liu’s advice for students fearing AI 

Rather than fearing replacement by AI, Liu urges students to focus on deeply understanding their core engineering principles and viewing AI as a tool to enhance their work. 

“Know your tradecraft. You need to command an understanding of it,” Liu says. 

He says students with a broader educational background will have an edge when working with AI tools. He urges students to develop a deep understanding of fundamental concepts, such as comprehending code rather than just generating it. 

“The more knowledge you have, especially from a liberal arts standpoint, the better prompts you should be able to write,” Liu says. “The ability to interpret and find what’s useful for human use will help you because it’s a human element that AI won’t be able to replicate.” 

For students considering a future in tech, Liu’s advice is simple: Be curious. Embrace change. And don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and adapt.   

“Seek out opportunities to learn and grow, even if they take you outside your comfort zone,” Liu says. “And never underestimate the value of a well-rounded education.” 

Lucy Carpenter ’22 

Current job: Player Social Coordinator, MLB 
Major: Media arts and production, communications minor 
Hometown: Singapore 
Sports: Women’s volleyball and beach volleyball 
Favorite places in Stockton: Gian’s Deli, Market Tavern 

When you turn on a Major League Baseball game, you’ll see dozens of athletes in peak physical condition going head-to-head. What you don’t see, though, are the people behind the scenes who handle the other aspects of MLB’s day-to-day operations.  

You might think of coaches, physical trainers or meal planners. There are also plenty of people who do jobs you might not have thought of. For example, consider player social coordinators. They’re the people who help your favorite MLB player fill their social media with their best moments. 

“We coordinate custom content for all the guys in the league,” says Lucy Carpenter ’22, who earned a degree in media arts and production with a minor in communication. “So, we work with the video editors and graphic designers to create custom videos, highlights and recap videos for them to post on their Instagrams and TikToks.”  

For Carpenter, who was a dual sport athlete throughout her time at University of the Pacific, working in major league sports seems like a natural evolution. You might assume that working for such a big business means you need to arrange your college career around that outcome.  

But that’s not how it played out for Carpenter, who says her education, her sports and internship with Pacific Athletics kept her pretty busy. It was in her senior year, when she applied for an internship with the San Francisco Giants, that her vision started coming together. 

“It made me realize that even if I’m not an athlete after I graduate, I still wanted to be involved with sports. It’s part of my identity. And I thought it would be so cool to contribute to sports, especially from the creative side, which is what I was studying,” Carpenter says.  

Getting a start in professional sports 

Being in Stockton turned out to be a key step in her journey toward MLB. After graduating, Carpenter reached out to the director of communications for the local minor league baseball team, the Stockton Ports. That led to a part-time job in the team’s press box.  

Her experiences at Pacific helped get her foot in the door. Carpenter was pursuing her interests in social media through her communications minor, using the creative skills she was learning for her media arts and production degree. That had also helped her during a Pacific Athletics internship, where she worked in a baseball press box and created content for their social media.  

Those experiences helped her identify an opportunity for the Ports. 

“I expressed my interest in social media. I knew they had social media pages, but they didn’t really have anybody running them,” Carpenter says.  

After a few weeks of working with the Ports part-time, the team asked her to run its social media. That led to a full-time internship and turned into a job at the end of the season.  

One lesson Carpenter highlights about her time with Pacific Athletics and the Ports: keep an eye open for opportunity and go after it when you see it. That attitude is what helped her land her current role.  

Working with Major League Baseball 

She was looking for a job with a Major League Baseball team when she came across a listing for an MLB player social coordinator. With the 2023 baseball season looming, Carpenter applied. About three weeks later, was coordinating content for MLB players’ social media profiles. 

Even at the national level, Carpenter points out that her work still has Central Valley ties. 

“Aaron Judge is from Linden, which is near Stockton. And he is one of the guys we work with a lot,” she says. “After every series win the Yankees have, we provide Aaron Judge a video for his Instagram. So, if you see the little highlight videos that he posts, that’s us.”  

Looking back now, Carpenter jokes about how far she’s come since her first year at Pacific. There’s a lot of pressure on high-school students to start planning their careers, especially if they want to work for a prestigious sports league like MLB. Looking ahead isn’t a bad thing at all, and it can help guide your path to success. But Carpenter’s story emphasizes the importance of the process of getting there, too. 

“Just go for it, right? You never know who you’re going to meet. You never know what it’s going to lead to,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be forever, but it’s a learning opportunity. And it’s going to take you somewhere.” 

 So, it’s important to have a plan, but it’s also important to be adaptable and learn along the way. 

For anyone else interested in working in major league sports, Carpenter says the most important thing is to get involved. 

“Whether it’s event staff working in the press box, or social media or even volunteering,” she says. “That’s a great resume opportunity. It’s really cool being able to work in your college athletic department and it’s also a perfect learning opportunity. That’s a good entry-level step. It doesn’t matter if it’s big or small. Take any opportunity you find and create opportunities for yourself if they’re not coming to you.” 

Jeniffer Morfin ’23
Current job: Project manager, City of Stockton
Major: Engineering management
Hometown: Sunnyvale, California
Extracurriculars: Gamma Alpha Omega, SHPE, MESA

Jeniffer Morfin, a graduate of Pacific’s engineering management degree program, is a project manager with the City of Stockton. We spoke with Morfin about her experiences, her Cooperative Education (CO-OP) internship, her capstone project and how Pacific readied her for the job market. The following transcript has been edited for length and clarity.  

What made you decide to study engineering management at Pacific?  

I actually decided to enter the program when I was already at Pacific. In my high school I was always conflicted between engineering and science. And I tried that, but it wasn’t for me — the science path. And so I wanted to give engineering a chance. I spoke to — I believe it was Abel [Fernandez] or Mehdi [Khazaeli] — and I really loved what they had to say about the program.  

I felt like it was a really good balance between a lot of things. I mean, I’ve taken business classes. I’ve taken an economics class. I’ve taken a mechanical engineering, an electrical, a civil engineering class. I feel like the program allows you to be very well rounded.  

Why did you decide to study at Pacific in particular?  

What drew me to Pacific was the small faculty-to-student ratio. That made my mom very happy. She was also happy because there was tutoring offered. That was something I knew I was going to be needing. Knowing that I had all those resources was great.  

All of these resources made it a great fit for me. I knew I was going to need that additional support, and I felt like UoP was gonna give it to me, and help me succeed and learn. And I’m from Sunnyvale, so it was a good space from home but I could also go back.  

Can you talk about how you customized the program to fit your path? 

At first I was taking electrical engineering classes. My dad’s an electrician so I was like, “Ooh, let me take these classes.” But no. I learned the basics, but I wanted to learn something else. That’s when I started Civil 15, where you do AutoCAD and I was like, ‘this is fun!’  

And then I heard there were mechanical classes where you learn different programs. There’s Revit. I like to play the Sims and build stuff, and I found those classes so exciting — especially Revit and rendering.  

You have a lot of group projects. In every class I was in, you had some group projects. I feel like that also helps you with your communication skills, working with different personalities, different people. Really emphasizing that everyone has their own strengths in different things, but that’s what makes a team great.  

I can go on about the classes. You learn about the projects, timeline, budgets, scopes, all of that stuff. I feel like everything I learned has been very helpful to my career path.  

I was wondering If I could learn a little more about what you and your team did for your capstone project? 

I helped with the [School of Engineering and Computer Science’s] student success building. So they were like, “How can we convert this space to be beneficial for the students?” That’s what we worked on. We got to have outreach with the students, speak with the faculty.   

You might think renovating something is easy, but no. You have to fit everybody’s needs and wants into one space. And then also thinking about the budget. We had to make it into phases. Phase zero was no money: “Hey, let’s rearrange the furniture we have.” And we were actually able to do that.  

It involved a lot of outreach with the students and faculty. It was a really great experience. Like I mentioned, working in a team has really helped tremendously. It’s a real-world type of experience you get. It helps prepare for scenarios and situations that you can be in.  

Can you talk about what you did for your CO-OP? 

I loved my CO-OP! I went to Abbott, and I was a systems engineer. I would say, before my CO-OP, I was very shy. The CO-OP pushed me above my limits in the sense that I became a more confident individual in my work. Things that I had seen as weaknesses in myself became strengths.  

I had the chance to work with a cross-functional team. I had the chance to see the whole V&V — which is validation and verification — of the devices that they have. It was pretty much a project that I got to be in charge of: setting up for it, who are going to be the testers, how many hours does this take?  

A lot of my classes did come in handy in the sense of: “OK, you have a timeline. How long does this take, right? What are some risks? What are things you can think of?”  

I would say I learned a lot. I got pushed out of my comfort zone but not in a bad way. In a really, really good way. It made me become more confident in myself.  

I have nothing but great things to say about being able to do a CO-OP. It was a great experience. When you apply to jobs when you graduate, a lot of people are looking for some kind of experience. So it does help a lot.  

I was going to ask if you thought the program prepared you for your field.  

It definitely does. I actually didn’t end up doing anything in the biomedical field, but project management — you can apply that to a lot of things. Some people might be like, “oh, you’re engineering management. That might not apply to this and that.” But if you think about it, it does apply to many things.  

I worked at Bay Cities [Paving and Grading] my first year out of college, as a project engineer, where I was able to apply the things I learned at school. At my first big kid job, right? Even my CO-OP experience, it all helped out a lot.  

Now I’m a project manager for the parks division [at the City of Stockton], I find myself thinking, “Oh, this is the stuff that I learned back when I took these classes at UOP.” I would say it’s all tied together nicely.  

Were you involved in on-campus extracurricular activities at Pacific?  

Yes, I was. And I will tell anybody and everybody: if you are scared your freshman year to join something, do it.  

I waited until after I came back from the CO-OP. I started joining all kinds of things, because I still had a year left. I joined Gamma Alpha Omega and I will say: I found my forever friends. I just got married and they were my bridesmaids. They’re like sisters to me. Even my family is always asking about them.  

Another program I joined was SHPE [Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers]. That’s actually where I met my husband. Being a part of that was amazing. I got to meet forever friends, like I mentioned. It gave me a sense of a second home, as well.  

And MESA [Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement] as well, because I worked for MESA and was also a part of MESA. All of those programs were great. And I feel like I’m still connected with all of those people. I see everybody as family, because they have all been crucial in a big part of my life, which I’m forever grateful for.  

Kim Austin ’90 
Occupation: Content Consultant, Wordjanitor Creative  
Major: English 
Hometown: Grass Valley, California 
Awards: 2018 Stevie Award: Re-Branding/Brand Renovation of the Year  

Before college, Pacific English graduate Kim Austin ’90 envisioned three possible career paths: working as a park ranger, becoming a teacher and working for a magazine. As a versatile student, Austin expanded her studies beyond English and took classes in computer science and geology. This combination of writing skills and technical knowledge ultimately led her to a successful career in the tech industry, starting as a magazine editor and eventually moving to content strategy at companies including Cisco, Oracle, and Five9. Austin shares her experiences and offers advice to students considering a career in content writing.

What did you do as a content strategist? 

As head of content for my most recent company, I was responsible for leading the creation of all our marketing content. In the tech industry, that would include solution briefs, case studies, infographics, the blog, social media and all the marketing content on our website. So, if it had words, pictures or both, I was involved along the way. At other companies, I have also been responsible for video scripting and email marketing. 

As I was developing my career, some of these things were just coming into being — like blogs and social media. So, I got to figure those things out as they developed. That’s how I got a really broad base of skills and experience across so many different areas.  

Now I’m a consultant. I help companies evaluate what they’re doing and give them advice on what they can change and can improve. 

How did your skills in English prepare you for a role in the tech industry? 

Everybody tends to think of computer science and engineering as the only part of the tech industry. But every company needs marketing and human resources. The people who make the marketing decisions aren’t reading code; they’re creating the messaging for the companies. I started out as a magazine editor in tech. So that’s where my English degree and my computer science experience got me in the door. I started out as an editor at an (extremely nerdy) computer magazine because I understood tech and English, grammar, writing and journalism. I eventually went from the publishing industry to the tech industry, working on publications and marketing.  

There’s a big need for English degrees and people who are very well spoken and well written in the tech industry because the technical people who do the programing and come up with the features and functionality aren’t always the best people at telling stories. So, it’s a great benefit to have people who can write and edit and do that storytelling, whether it’s in marketing materials, blogging, social media or writing for a website. So many majors don’t focus on writing and editing, and there’s a lot of need for that in any industry but especially in tech. 

What advice do you have for current students who want to enter a similar field? 

Study what interests you. What do you want to dig deep to explore with academics who live and breathe it? As a student at a small university, you have amazing access to your professors.  

A university education is more than preparing for a specific career or job, especially in the humanities. Sometimes, your major and career match up and sometimes, they don’t. I used my English degree every day as a writer, editor and content strategist. I know hundreds of tech executives with humanities degrees. In fact, the executive leading product innovation at my last tech company had a history degree.  

Remember that it’s OK to explore different routes and change your mind or just take the opportunity to explore what’s around you to broaden your world.  

What kind of skills do you recommend developing if you want to write for tech? 

Build strong writing skills. Tech companies are always challenged with conveying technical jargon into business messages for prospective customers. Depending on your interests, look at classes in marketing, basic analytics, media, communications and human resources. 

Leadership opportunities are always good ways to show your organizational skills and ability to take initiative. Look for local and on-campus internships that go beyond your classroom strengths to show you can apply what you’ve learned. Many early-in-career employees find it challenging to transition from graded assignments to the ongoing nature of a professional role. Tech companies have all sorts of summer internship programs where you can get real experience in the departments that interest you.  

Video and graphic design skills are also great ways to broaden your marketing opportunities. Smaller tech companies look for people who can work in multiple mediums, while larger companies tend to have more siloed roles. Having the experience — and samples of your work to share — can give you a competitive edge in hiring and access to roles in the creative teams within marketing organizations. 

Why did you choose Pacific? 

I chose Pacific because I went to one of the open houses and immediately felt comfortable on campus. It just seemed like everything clicked. It was close enough to home, but also far enough away from home. I met the some of the English department professors when I went to visit, and it seemed like they were really interested in what they were doing and excited about what they were teaching. The classes I visited were small, and it just seemed like the right fit. 

What were the benefits of getting an education within the humanities? 

The ability to not just focus on one thing but have access to a lot of other classes, people and professors with different expertise. Humanities give you an opportunity to get a broad-based education, along with a specific degree.  

The more I learned and the more I did at UOP, the more opportunities I got. I was able to do a news writing independent study and got credit for writing articles for the Pacifican. I had an internship in the PR department writing press releases, writing for the Pacific Review alumni magazine and doing interviews. I realized from those experiences that I could work as a magazine editor or in journalism. And that was largely due to the opportunities I had at Pacific to try different things, to have those internships and to have the professors that knew me well enough to know where my skills were. 

What got you into computer science courses? 

Math is not my strong point. But I started learning basic programming when I was probably 10 years old. So, I took a computer science course to meet the requirement for my general ed and also connect with something that I had experience in. Being from the Silicon Valley, it just kind of seemed like a good fit. So, if you’re a different kind of nerd, you can do very well in the tech industry. 

What are some of the ways the liberal arts have helped you beyond your career? 

The liberal arts have given me a broader worldview than I would have had if I had gone through a program that was focused on one very specific outcome. I got to take classes and connect with people across different disciplines. Some schools are very focused on one outcome, whereas in liberal arts you’re focused on your major, but you have more exposure to a broader world view than you might get elsewhere.  

These opportunities also spark interest in different things that you can follow throughout your life. One of my best classes outside of English was in geology. It gave me a greater appreciation of the Sierra Nevada [and] California. So that’s one of the big advantages of being integrated into the whole university community, especially in the liberal arts, no matter what class you take. 

Mark Castaneda
Major: Engineering Physics 
Graduation Year: 2025 
Transfer: San Joaquin Delta College 
Hometown: Stockton, California 
Extracurriculars:  Small-Radio-Telescope Group, Tau Beta Pi 

Fourth-year engineering physics student Mark Castaneda once faced barriers he wasn’t sure he would overcome. Today, he is employed at NASA. 

Shooting for the stars 

“My journey to where I am now is a huge part of who I am… I am a first-generation, low-income, nontraditional, formerly homeless, formerly incarcerated student,” Mark said. “I’ve had so many doors shut in my face because of my background, but it only takes one open door; keep going until you get that ‘yes.’” 

The door to the world’s most renowned space agency opened for Mark when he was accepted to the highly selective NASA Pathways program—an internship track to employment at the agency.  

After transferring to Pacific during his sophomore year, Mark applied to NASA internships over 30 times, eventually scoring a lower-level internship in 2022 at NASA Goddard. Once his internship at Goddard was complete, Mark kept applying for opportunities at NASA––this time to the highly selective Pathways Program, which would fulfill his CO-OP requirement for Pacific’s School of Engineering and Computer Science. 

Pacific’s Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP) is a collaboration between the university and a vast pool of employers designed to ensure students learn on-the-job, real-time skills within their industry of study, all while earning a salary and college credit. Each CO-OP must meet a series of requirements set by the university and provides opportunities for networking, hands-on work, and a head start on career experience. The program also provides career skills support, including resume writing. Staff monitor students’ progress throughout their CO-OP. 

CO-OPs are an invaluable resource for students like Mark, whose career goals demand he sets himself apart from the talent pool.  

Finally, after years of effort, Mark scored an interview for the Pathways Program. One long month later, he received his offer letter. 

“Something that I found really amazing was that the final application I sent—the one that got me the interview—was the first time I had included my background in my cover letter. I think that helped set me apart,” Mark said. “I’m so happy to work at a place that doesn’t deny me because of my past, but instead lifts me up towards a future.” 

Living a physics engineer’s dream 

Mark’s future at NASA is practically guaranteed. Students hired for Pathways work multiple positions and branches while completing their studies, then continue their work full-time upon graduation. 

“The NASA Pathways program is incredible in that I won’t have to reapply or go through any interview process once I decide to work full-time because I am already considered a NASA civil servant (government employee) in all respects,” Mark said.  

Mark currently works at the Johnson Space Center in Houston in the Aerosciences and Flight Mechanics Division where he studies and develops optical navigation. 

“Here, I am developing technology to guide the Orion spacecraft to put humans back on the moon in upcoming missions,” Mark said. “As it turns out, even with all of humanity’s advancements, navigation using stars is still often the most reliable way to pilot a vessel, and that includes spacecraft.” 

Developing professional and life skills through CO-OP 

Mark says his CO-OP experience has challenged him and helped him grow, pushing him to be a better leader, communicator and teammate.  

“In school, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we’ll be able to solve most problems by ourselves. But at work, no success happens without a team,” Mark said. “I’ve developed confidence not in the sense that I’m sure of what I’m doing or that I have all the knowledge required, but confidence to be 100% sure that I can gain that knowledge and ultimately figure it out.”.  

Before coming to Pacific, Mark admits, he did not really understand what an engineer did. But since studying at the School of Engineering and Computer Science, then applying his skills on-the-job at NASA, Mark has realized “engineering” is an expansive and exciting field.  

“I guess I thought engineers worked strictly on engines, like an auto mechanic?” Mark said. “But engineering is a lot like physics—it takes all the concepts and principles developed in the realm of physics and uses them to create, design and solve problems. To bring forward tangible, real-world innovation.” 

Mark is grateful to Pacific’s CO-OP team, particularly Director of CO-OP Irene Camy, for supporting him throughout his journey.  

“Irene is a constant source of support. Her positivity is contagious, and she often checks in with me to see how things are going. It’s nice knowing she has my back,” Mark said.  

Reaching even higher 

After completing his bachelor’s degree, Mark plans to remain in Pathways while he pursues his master’s degree and doctorate. After that, he will complete his Pathways track and officially transfer to full-time employment at NASA. 

Naturally, we asked if Mark would ever consider becoming an astronaut: 

“You know, while it’s not my current plan, the more I see here at NASA, the more I ask myself, ‘how could I not?’” he said. “Being accepted to the astronaut program feels insanely out of reach, but then again, so did getting into the Pathways Program. Maybe I one day I can bring along a little stuffed Powercat as a zero-g indicator.” 

A biochemist who earned his bachelor’s, master’s and PhD in biochemistry — all at Pacific, credits the university for preparing him for his next step: a postdoctoral research fellowship at one of the leading cancer research centers in the world, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Andrew Parkins, who earned his doctorate in biochemistry in May, will focus on molecular immunology. He says Pacific helped him develop a solid research foundation as well as his love of science.

“At Pacific, I learned new things, taught myself, learned from others, and delved into unknown territories,” Andrew said. “This is where my love for science truly blossomed.”

Pacific’s small classes; hands-on learning opportunities

Andrew grew up in Lodi and says he chose Pacific because of its outstanding academic reputation and dedication to the community. Throughout his time here, he came to recognize the benefit of Pacific’s smaller classes.

“[They] allow you to stand out by being curious, asking good questions and wanting to learn more,” Andrew said. “This personalized attention is what got me into research as an undergraduate, which eventually led to my graduate studies here. It is what really kept me on track.”

Andrew took advantage of Pacific’s myriad hands-on learning experiences throughout his undergraduate years. He joined research labs and participated in the Stauffer Fellowship, which allowed him to finish his undergraduate work a semester early. At the end of that fellowship, Andrew started to work with Professor Georgios Pantouris, who specializes in protein and cancer research.

As a graduate student, Andrew worked in the lab specifically with proteins related to inflammatory diseases and cancer. One of the most important tools he and Pantouris used was the active programmable logic controller, which allowed them to select proteins. They also relied on plate readers and two computers for every project—what they refer to as the “big three essential tools.” Additionally, they had the unique opportunity to produce protein crystals and collect data on them at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Research alongside chemistry professors

Andrew’s experience in Pantouris’ lab was not only one of mentorship but also friendship.

“Professor George P. has always been there for me, fostering a relationship that feels more like having a big brother than just a mentor,” Andrew said. “His advice, whether on a personal level or regarding an experiment, has always been invaluable. George has truly been there for me, no matter what.”

As a postdoctoral research fellow at Dana-Farber, a cancer research institute associated with Harvard Medical School, Andrew will focus on molecular immunology. While he does not have extensive experience in the field, Andrew believes the research background he gained at Pacific — with mentors like Pantouris — has helped him create a solid foundation for the techniques necessary.

“This opportunity highlights that we are capable of producing Harvard-level research at the University of the Pacific, and it’s gratifying to see that recognized,” says Andrew.

Andrew hopes to build on what he’s learned at Pacific and Dana-Farber in the future. His love for research and continual work toward discovering new drugs for conditions previously considered untreatable have helped him discover his own goal—to start his own lab.

Sidnee Schaefer ’10, a graduate of Pacific’s Eberhardt School of Business, found her calling to be a marketer during her international marketing class with Professor Sacha M. Joseph-Mathews. “I loved international marketing…this class made me realize I wanted to be a marketer.” 

From Las Vegas, Nevada, Sidnee graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, marketing degree. Today, she is the CEO and Founder at Schaefer Digital where she leads business operations, providing digital advertising, conversion rate optimization and strategic consulting services.

She also has ensured the delivery of customized marketing solutions to a wide range of clients, including Meatworks, Englander, Hubble Contacts, School of Rock, Family Works, Yoga Pod, Handled and Fitness One.

“I love what I’m doing now and couldn’t see myself doing anything else,” said Sidnee. “The ever-evolving nature of marketing, especially with its increasing reliance on technology and AI, is what continuously fuels my interest. The necessity to stay current with these changes means that every day brings new learning opportunities, and working at an agency adds the diversity of multiple work streams, ensuring that no two days are ever the same.”  

Sidnee’s post-graduate journey

Sidnee made the most out of the season between her undergraduate and graduate studies, focusing her efforts on gaining valuable on-the-job experience.  

“I secured a position as a brand marketing intern at Zappos from January 2011 to August 2011, a role I landed following an informational interview with their head of brand marketing,” she said. 

This opportunity arose from the advice of Margaret Roberts, former director of the Eberhardt Career Management Center at the University of the Pacific. 

In addition to the role at Zappos, Sidnee’s post-undergraduate experience included marketing internships at Intel and R2Integrated.  

“These opportunities were crucial stepping stones that led me to my current position at Schaefer. I attribute a significant part of this trajectory to the career course I took at Pacific with Margaret Roberts. The course’s rigorous preparation meant that my resume was consistently polished and effective, setting me apart in the competitive job market. I entered graduate school with a solid foundation and practical experience that many of my peers were just beginning to seek out.” 

After graduating from Pacific, Sidnee returned to school at Willamette University where she earned her Master in Business Administration, concentrating in marketing. With a master’s degree added to her tool belt, she gained further experience in positions at Fluke Corporation, RevUnit, Zappos and UPBrand.  

Finding purpose in digital marketing

“My passion for digital marketing began during my first role in the field,” said Sidnee. “It was then that I realized this was more than just a job; it was what I wanted to dedicate my life to. The opportunity to start Schaefer emerged from the relationships I had carefully built early in my career.”  

Sidnee’s personal goals and professional ambitions have aligned with her vision for Schaefer. “My aim is to maintain Schaefer’s year-over-year double revenue growth, while upholding our status as a self-funded entity. Achieving seven-figure revenue this year without external investors has also been a milestone I am extremely proud of.” 

Looking towards the future, what excites Sidnee the most is the growth of their team and Schaefer’s expanding capabilities. “Starting Schaefer as a solo endeavor meant I was the company. Now, witnessing its evolution with a robust team supporting and driving it forward is not just rewarding—it’s thrilling. It’s this journey of transformation and growth that I eagerly look forward to as we continue to build Schaefer’s legacy.” 

Advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs

We asked Sidnee what advice she has for students who may be interested in pursuing this same path.  

“Embarking on a journey in entrepreneurship is a path filled with both challenges and triumphs. It’s crucial to be prepared for the unpredictable nature of this field, embracing the uncertainties and high risks that come along. Remember, the potential rewards can be immensely fulfilling, but it demands resilience and the ability to wear multiple hats.” 

For those undergrads curious about whether this path aligns with their passions, Sidnee recommends researching the field, taking an internship or part-time role, and starting with a small, independent hands-on project, like creating your own website. “This not only enhances your resume but also provides invaluable insights into the industry,” Sidnee said.

As an entrepreneur, Sidnee mentioned to be prepared for a commitment that extends beyond the typical 9-5 schedule. “Your venture or career will often occupy your thoughts from dawn until dusk. But, if you find joy and passion in what you do, this constant engagement becomes a rewarding aspect of your professional journey. So, my advice is to pursue what you love with dedication and an open mind to learning and growing.” 

Reflecting on University of the Pacific’s longstanding impact

One of Sidnee’s most significant takeaways from her time at Pacific was the invaluable knowledge and skills gained from career support and mentorship offered by Pacific faculty and staff. 

“These classes provided me with a foundation in areas like resume writing and interviewing techniques. These skills have proven to be incredibly beneficial throughout my career, especially in running my own business and building effective teams. The practical insights and strategies I learned have not only enhanced my personal professional capabilities but have also been instrumental in shaping the way I approach team development and talent acquisition in my company,” she said.  

“Pacific played a pivotal role in molding me into the leader I am today. The invaluable lessons from Margaret Roberts’ career course, combined with the insights gained in my marketing classes, contributed significantly to my personal and professional development. My time at Pacific was irreplaceable, deeply enriching my life and career. Pacific holds a special place in my heart.” 

(Editorial note: The Media X degree changed its name to media arts and production in November 2024)

Media X graduate Taylor Wick ’23 began her graphic design career on a sheet of paper drawing her favorite cartoon characters. She kept this creative work going through high school and community college. After spending some time there, it became clear that it was time to expand her knowledge of art and graphic design.  

“I came here knowing a little bit about graphic design, but at UOP, I got to expand on that knowledge and take more advanced graphic design courses, which really helped my skills,” Taylor said.  

After transferring to University of the Pacific from San Joaquin Delta College, Taylor enrolled in the Media X program where she was able to take advanced courses in graphic design and broaden her understanding of the medium.  

In 2022 Taylor applied for an internship at the Herrick Steel company in Stockton where she was quickly accepted. She worked hard to convince managers that the company needed a graphic designer. When she graduated, she was promptly offered the newly created position of digital artist at Herrick Steel.  

“In a field that isn’t used to having a graphic designer, I feel completely respected,” Taylor said.  

At Herrick Steel, Taylor works on everything from bid designs for clients to holiday greeting cards. Most recently she designed 30 pages for a bid on a hospital project. Her team submitted the bid and got the job.  

Taylor found inspiration for her color pallets by watching the welders work in the steel yard. She adapted the glowing sparks from the welding to her own art style. Taylor credits her professors and Pacific’s Media X program for her adaptability as an artist.  

“The most important aspect of Media X was learning how to fail, it’s OK to make mistakes, and you’re going to make mistake,” she said.  

Media X’s approach to hands-on learning allows students to experiment in their respective artistic fields. Taylor said that while professors are always there to help you improve, your education and what you do with it is up to you. Taylor graduated on the Collge of the Pacific’s Dean’s Honor Roll and, after working hard on her 3D character creation for her senior capstone, was awarded Media X Student of the Year for 2023. She advises any student to think outside the box when applying to jobs in their field and consider unlikely places that may not have someone with your skills.