Newest Cohort of Students Kick Off TxEEE Degree Programs
In late August, the newest cohort of Texas Engineering Executive Education (TxEEE) students pursuing master’s degrees in engineering management, software engineering and mechanical engineering launched into learning mode. Approximately 50 students attended the orientation, which included a Q&A with Cockrell School of Engineering Dean Roger Bonnecaze.
The orientation included an interview with three graduates of the TxEEE programs: Tomas Goldaracena, director of Sales, Graftek Imaging (Engineering Management-Summer 2023 graduation); Ryan Bergsma, Senior System Characterization engineer, Nvidia (Software Engineering-Summer 2023 graduation); and Rustan Schaefer, head of IP Physical Design, Ericsson (Mechanical Engineering-December 2023 graduation). The panel shared insights on how they balanced their studies with personal life and work and advice on what they would have done differently if they had just started the program.
The panel's comments on their career paths since graduation were of great interest. Formerly with IBM, Ryan received offers for new positions at AMD and Nvidia after completing his degree. “The value of my degree was very tangible. I felt like it was really necessary to have a master’s to even get an interview at Nvidia. It will help me with internal promotions and movements into leadership.”
Tomas added, "For me, the value of my degree was almost immediate as well. I was promoted from an engineering position to director of business development. I work for a smaller company that is experiencing growth, and now I can use more of my personal skills, which I enjoy and are my competitive advantage."
Learn more about TxEEE’s master’s degrees and graduate certificate programs.
