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From ���ϳԹ��� to Bloomberg: A Journey of Resilience

"Having a supportive community can be the key to unlocking opportunities you never thought possible."

Susana Perez, a software engineer at Bloomberg in New York City, embodies resilience, leadership, and a commitment to growth. Graduating in Spring 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics, along with a concentration in Data Analytics from ���ϳԹ���, she leveraged both academic excellence and community engagement to navigate the competitive tech landscape and build a successful career in financial technology.

Academic Foundations and Early Mentorship

Susana's journey in computer science was profoundly influenced by her first programming class at ���ϳԹ���, taught by Logan, a Google-in-Residence engineer. With no prior coding experience, she initially found the subject daunting. However, Logan's encouragement and persistent reminders about internship opportunities gave her the confidence to pursue competitive programs.

"I was hesitant, but Logan kept insisting, 'The deadline is October 31st—please apply.' I almost missed it, but he personally reviewed my resume and encouraged me to go for it. That support made all the difference."

This mentorship led to her application for the Google STEP internship, a program designed for first- and second-year students with limited technical exposure. Through this experience, Susana not only strengthened her technical skills but also built relationships with mentors and peers that would prove crucial throughout her career.

Resilience in the Face of Challenges

Following her successful first Google internship, Susana returned for a second summer. However, this experience proved challenging due to a lack of structured mentorship and project guidance. She did not receive a return offer, which initially felt devastating.

"I was disappointed in myself, questioning everything. But I told myself, 'I cannot let this setback define me.'"

Instead of giving up, Susana applied to multiple companies and, unexpectedly, received a LinkedIn message from a Meta recruiter who had mistaken her for another candidate. Seizing the opportunity, she scheduled an interview and rigorously prepared for weeks. Her determination paid off—she passed her technical rounds and secured an internship at Meta.

This experience became a turning point, proving that setbacks are not roadblocks but redirections. The Meta internship, her first in-person experience post-pandemic, offered invaluable insights into corporate work culture, technical development, and the importance of supportive management.

Leadership and Community Building at ���ϳԹ���

Beyond her academic achievements, Susana was a pillar of leadership in student organizations. She played multiple roles in ���ϳԹ���'s Coding Interview Club, starting as a historian responsible for social media and records, then serving as Vice President, where she led technical sessions and designed problem sets.

"The club was more than just a place to practice coding—it was a space where students built confidence, shared resources, and lifted each other up."

She also played an active role in CAHSI (Computing Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions), participating in mentorship programs that connected students with industry professionals. Her involvement in these organizations exemplifies her dedication to building inclusive and supportive spaces for aspiring engineers.

Her leadership philosophy focused on creating collaborative environments where students could support each other's growth, share opportunities, and build the confidence necessary to pursue competitive internships and career opportunities.

Breaking Barriers at Bloomberg

At Bloomberg, Susana has continued to stand out, bringing her unique perspective as a Mexican woman in tech to a global financial technology company. Her role involves developing software solutions that power Bloomberg's financial data and analytics platforms.

"I looked around and realized—I was the only Mexican woman on my floor. That's when I understood how important representation is. We bring different ways of thinking, different cultures, and different values to the table."

Her natural inclination for networking and community-building has translated seamlessly into her professional role, where she actively connects with colleagues across departments, fostering collaboration and inclusivity. This approach has not only enhanced her own professional development but also contributed to building more diverse and innovative teams.

Working in New York City's fast-paced financial technology environment, Susana applies the problem-solving skills and resilience she developed at ���ϳԹ��� to tackle complex technical challenges in real-time financial systems.

Advice for Future Engineers

Reflecting on her journey from early doubts in CS1 to success at Bloomberg, Susana shares essential advice for students entering the tech world:

• Believe in Yourself: "Confidence is just as important as technical skills. You don't have to know everything—you just have to be willing to learn."
• Embrace Challenges: "Failure is part of the process. What matters is how you respond to it and what you learn from the experience."
• Find Your Community: "Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. The connections you make will be invaluable throughout your career."
• Persist Through Setbacks: "Don't let one disappointing experience define your entire journey. Every setback is a setup for a comeback."

Supporting Diverse Pathways to Success

Susana strongly believes that alumni have a crucial role in bridging the gap between students and industry. She emphasizes the importance of including diverse alumni voices, especially those who may not have followed traditional paths but have built impressive careers.

"Not everyone follows the same path. It's important to showcase stories of students who didn't have multiple internships but still found success in tech. That diversity of experience is what makes our community stronger."

She is excited about ���ϳԹ���'s alumni engagement initiatives and is eager to contribute to mentorship programs, career panels, and networking events. Her focus is on reinforcing the sense of community that helped shape her own journey and ensuring that future students understand that success comes in many forms.

Susana Perez's story is a testament to the power of mentorship, perseverance, and community support. From navigating early doubts to securing positions at Google, Meta, and Bloomberg, her journey highlights the importance of taking risks, embracing challenges, and giving back to the next generation of engineers.