HISPANIC CAREER FORUMS AT PHOENIX COLLEGE

On Thursday September 15, 2011 the STEM Scholars Program had its first Hispanic STEM Career Forum and the concentration was on engineering careers.  We had two guest speakers. Our first guest speaker was Monique de los Rios from Lima, Peru. Monique works for Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) as an architect. She started her presentation informing us that her father was an architect and that there are eight architects in her family including two of her nieces. Therefore, as she said “architecture runs in our blood.” Her passion towards architecture started when she observed that her dad enjoyed working on his projects on the drafting table.  Monique said, “Architecture demands a lot from you and your work is always criticized. Therefore you have to have the commitment towards architecture and have a thick skin towards the harsh criticism you might get. However, creating something new that did not exist is so rewarding and your work gets recognized. “

There are various academic pathways that can be taken to complete your profession in architecture.

·         Associate in design with a transfer to a Bachelor’s of Science in Architecture and then obtain a licesnce to practice.

·         Four years of education and then take an exam

·         Five years of education and an exam

·         Four years of a Bachelors program and two years toward a Masters. 

·         A year of internship experience and successful completion of an exam is required.

Architecture is the center for many other careers in design, such as: interior design, acoustic design, urban design and many others.  In today’s society esthetics are becoming important as it is the first thing the eye sees. Architecture is another profession that is impacted when the economy is not doing well. A question was asked on how globalization affects the profession. Monique responded that there is a correlation and commented that when she was studying architecture all her books were in other languages. So there is a globalization relationship with architecture. However, the sky is the limit.

When Monique was asked about what skills are required for an architect she replied: good communication skills, computer savvy, 3D visualization, calculating your structures (such as the amount of steel needed), arithmetic, and some physics. Communication is becoming a skill that is required in various careers, but specially in architecture as you have to sell your product to your client. The demand to be computer savvy is important as technology advances. Architects can now design and build their structures virtually before any “real work” is begun.

Monique is very interested in solar energy and ecology. Therefore, Paolo Soleri, an Italian architect has been her role model and her inspiration. She concluded her presentation with a YouTube video showing Paolo Soleri’s Arcosanti project (a combination of architecture and ecology).  The concept of Arcosanti is the merging of architecture and ecology and to create a space in which people collectively live in peace. The project is funded through the sale of the famous Soleri Bells.

Hilen Cruz was our second guest speaker and is a Civil Engineer for SRP (Salt River Project). Her initial studies were completed in Mexico, but completed her MBA degree in the United States. Hilen’s father,  also a Civil Engineer, is her role model.  It is through his teaching that she decided to pursue a Civil Engineering degree. When she came to Phoenix, Arizona she was working for a small company where she was doing work for SRP. After she was complete her work with the small firm, SRP offered her a job as an Electrical Engineer and she took it as she was familiar with the responsibilities.  She now works in the Policy, Procedure & Standards department of SRP. Her bilingual skills are beneficial for her, since it will provide her the opportunity to travel for business purposes. 

When asked for the important qualifications to possess she answered: determination, good habits, organization skills, and good communications skills.  Education offers you the opportunity to grow. That is why she decided to come back to school and study real estate for her own benefit. Hilen is involved in a community organization within SRP called WIN (Women In Network) which conducts various community service events to help women. Hilen has also written a book by the name of “Ponte las Pilas, Mexico” (Put On the Batteries Mexico) , which “is an inspirational book that aims to motivate the Mexican community to pursue professional success thru higher education.”  You can read more on her book through her website: http://www.pontelaspilasmexico.com.