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.
Currently holding second place on the leaderboard is Vincente Rios, a junior transfer student majoring in cyber security.
UTSA Alvarez connected with Rios to hear about his experiences, his transition to UTSA, and the dedication that has fueled his success in Career Compass.
What is your name, major and expected graduation date?
Hi, my name is Vincente Rios. I am majoring in cyber security at the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, and I will graduate in December of 2026.
What motivated you to transfer to UTSA and join the Carlos Alvarez College of Business?
My mom lived here in San Antonio with her family before she moved and started her own family. She longed to be closer, so we moved to New Braunfels. She wanted me to have a deeper sense of my culture and heritage and felt that being in the San Antonio area would enlighten me and enhance my feeling of belonging to the Latinx community. She and I toured local colleges, and we both really liked UTSA. That is when I started my independent research on the cyber security program here at UTSA, met some professors, attended some of the transfer student events, aligned myself with a transfer recruiter and made my final decision to apply. I have enjoyed the immersion in my culture and in my studies in this field and within the UTSA community.
What drew you to cyber security, and what do you hope to achieve with this major?
I have a reading and writing disability, dyslexia and dysgraphia, which makes it difficult to process words and write. This challenge led me to the world of technology, where I found tools that helped me succeed. Using speech-to-text software allowed me to express my thoughts more easily, while reading apps provided access to audiobooks that made complex texts manageable. Technology became my lifeline, giving me the chance to keep up and thrive academically. As a young child, I fell behind in school and was held back a year, but my traditional Latina mother never let me give up. She worked with me every day, ensuring I could find my own path to success.
Cyber security excites me because it allows me to work independently, troubleshoot issues and use hands-on problem-solving skills, things I’ve grown to love. In the back of my mind, I’ve also thought about becoming a professor one day to encourage students with disabilities. I want to show them that with determination and the right tools, they can overcome their frustrations and achieve their dreams. Technology has been a game-changer for me, and I want to be a motivational figure for others, showing them that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to with the proper resources and support.
How has Career Compass influenced your experience at UTSA so far?
As a result of Career Compass, I have been able to expand my perspective and embrace new opportunities. Last semester I attended a session on Leadership in Higher Education led by Dr. Karl Miller Lugo. Hearing about Dr. Lugo's journey from UTSA to where he is today was incredibly inspiring. It reminded me of the broader possibilities that exist, even as I focus on my studies in cyber security. At one point, I didn’t think I was college material, but I’ve learned that success is about mindset, determination and believing in yourself. Dr. Lugo’s career path, transitioning and growing across fields, taught me that growth comes from being open to new experiences.
Since September 2024, I’ve made it a priority to balance my studies, work and Career Compass activities, and it’s been worth it. I encourage every student to attend as many sessions as possible. They offer lessons in etiquette, professional dress, interviewing, cultural understanding and the importance of supporting your peers. Most importantly, these sessions provide an opportunity to learn from those who have walked the path before us, offering invaluable insights for our own journeys.
Tell us a little about your involvement on campus or any community interests.
I am involved in several clubs and organizations at UTSA, including the Gamma Phi Chapter of Delta Alpha Pi, the Cyber Jedis Club and Students with Disabilities. I’ve also enjoyed participating in campus events like Spirit Week, cultural activities, sports events and even watching the eclipse with other students. I try to stay on the lookout for new opportunities to get involved because UTSA truly feels like home to me. Being part of this community has given me the support and resources I need to build a successful future
As a transfer student with a unique perspective, do you have any advice for other transfer students about engaging with Career Compass?
I want to advocate for students with disabilities and encourage all my fellow students to take advantage of the events and opportunities available on campus. As someone with a learning disability, I’ve found that hands-on, face-to-face activities and the chance to reflect on sessions opens doors far beyond the classroom. Career Compass has introduced me to so many tools, like apps for employment and internships, VMock for resume writing and LinkedIn for building a professional profile. Through the program, I’ve also earned certifications and gained resume-worthy experience with simulation projects from Forage, which have been invaluable for my cyber security goals.
These experiences have transformed me, not only professionally, but personally. I’ve updated my wardrobe to reflect a more polished, professional image, and I’ve even secured my first technical job as a seasonal IT support specialist thanks to what I’ve learned over the past eight weeks. As a transfer student, I’m incredibly grateful for the recruiter I met at Austin Community College, who introduced me to UTSA’s transfer events. That connection changed my path, and my transfer to UTSA has been nothing short of transformational. I’d love to help other students discover the same opportunities and encourage them to engage fully with Career Compass.
What’s next on the horizon for you?
When I first started at UTSA, I had a clear plan, but the opportunities I’ve encountered here have opened doors I never expected. My immediate goal is to gain hands-on experience in IT, cyber security and support systems through seasonal roles, internships or temporary positions. At the same time, I’m committed to continuing my schoolwork and working toward graduation, with the possibility of pursuing a master’s degree in the future. One day, I hope to teach in this field and advocate for students with disabilities, promoting hands-on approaches like Career Compass, which has been invaluable to my growth.
I also plan to stay engaged by attending workshops, events and training sessions to continually refine my skills, especially in professional development and interviewing. In the long term, I aim to stay current with technical education to remain competitive in today’s fast-paced job market. I’m passionate about advocating for students with reading and learning disabilities, and I hope to create mentorship opportunities that help them succeed in college programs. Ultimately, I envision a career in cyber security, potentially serving in the Air Force, Civil Service or government. These goals reflect my journey so far, and my commitment to making the most of every opportunity UTSA has provided me.
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
