Posted on January 22, 2025 by Rebekah Alegria
The Carlos Alvarez College of Business launched the Career Compass professional development program in fall 2024. It is a requirement for all new freshmen and transfer students who joined the college in fall 2024 or later.
Students gain professional development skills, while also earning points in this gamified platform.
Sitting at the top of the leaderboard is Richard Lujan, a freshman majoring in cyber security.
UTSA Alvarez spoke with Lujan to learn more about him, as well as what motivates his Career Compass success.
What is your name, major and expected graduation date?
Hello! My name is Richard Lujan. I am a freshman majoring in cyber security at the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, and I intend to minor in politics and law. I expect to graduate in fall 2028.
What drew you to UTSA and specifically to the Carlos Alvarez College of Business?
I was drawn to UTSA because of my love for technology, and my love for San Antonio. I specifically wanted to attend the Alvarez College because of its outstanding cyber security program.
Tell us about your involvement on campus or in the community.
I am extremely passionate about the work we are doing in The Legal Advocacy Association. I am part of the mock trial team u. I love that team, and we have been working very hard. I am also a part of the Business Honors Advisory board, as well as the Prelaw Association.
What inspired you to major in cyber security and join the Business Honors Program?
I started learning cyber security in high school, and I wanted to go further and continue my growth in that area. Also, the degree is a business major. I believe that an understanding of business is crucial to achieving my future goals. That is why I joined the Business Honors Program. I want to take advantage of everything the Alvarez College has to offer. It also helped that my high school cyber teacher was an alumnus, so maybe it was meant to be.
How has the Career Compass program impacted your college experience thus far?
The Career Compass program has allowed me to be more involved outside of the classroom. For me, the competitive aspect is both really fun and engaging. I love being able to measure my progress through the point system and compete with my fellow business friends.
What advice would you give to other students about participating in Career Compass?
I would recommend to others to just have fun with the program! See what you can attend in between classes or check to see if there's something you can get Career Compass points for that you've already done. I got 150 points from competing as part of the UTSA mock trial team!
What’s next for you?
My goals for the coming semesters are to maintain good grades and set myself up for the Legislative Fellow's program, and eventually, the Archer Fellowship. When I graduate, I want to go to law school in the tech city of Austin to focus on cyber security and national security law. Those two areas of law are only becoming more and more important every day.
To learn how you can advance your professional development skills and put your name on the leaderboard, visit business.utsa.edu/students/career-compass.
— Rebekah Alegria
