In 2023, Alejandra Espinoza was working for Tesla, a company known for its innovation in electrical vehicles. One day on the job, she crossed paths with one of the engineers and got to chatting about what his job entails. She found it fascinating, and four months later, she was transferred to a new position to feed that interest. Although she didn’t have experience in the electrical field, she quickly adapted and rose to the challenge of her role.
“I had to learn and adapt to everything in two weeks,” she recalls. Her responsibilities included inspecting and analyzing batteries that powered solar packs and reporting her findings to on-site engineers. This hands-on experience sparked her passion for electrical work. “I think this is what I want to do,” she told her supervisor, “I could see myself doing this.”
He told her to look into programs and she landed on the Electrician Technician program at UEI College in Stockton. She knew a formal education would propel her into the career she wanted. Despite her initial hesitation about entering a male-dominated field, Alejandra found encouragement and respect from her peers and instructors at UEI.
“The teachers actually care about your future,” Alejandra notes, highlighting the supportive environment she found at UEI. Her journey was not without challenges, particularly being one of the few women in her program. “I was terrified because, you know, I thought they were going to treat me differently,” she admits. However, her fears were unfounded. “Everybody treated me with respect,” she says, reflecting on the camaraderie that defined her experience.
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At UEI, Alejandra learned about basic safety protocols and more advanced tasks like bending conduit, hooking up motors, and working with PLCs and solar systems. The program’s combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice provided her with the tools she needed to succeed. “This trade is not for everyone; it’s a challenge within itself. It’s book knowledge and hands-on,” she explains. The extensive curriculum and supportive instructors were pivotal in her education, helping her to overcome initial fears and excel in the program.
“It’s hard to go into a field that’s not really known for women, but just go in there and show what you know,” she advises. Her own journey is a powerful example of perseverance and believing in oneself.
Looking ahead, Alejandra plans to continue her education in electrical engineering, aiming for a bachelor’s degree and possibly a master’s degree. Her ultimate goal is to work with companies like SpaceX or Boeing, where she can contribute to groundbreaking projects.
Alejandra is poised for success and hungry for more knowledge. She has truly found her passion and is dedicated to a life of learning. Her experience at UEI Stockton has not only equipped her with essential skills, but also reinforced her belief in her capabilities and limitless potential.
