Fowler College Class of 2020 Career Spotlight: Krystal Gonzalez
Internship Leads to Full Time Position with SDG&E
Krystal Gonzalez, Class of 2020.
A first-generation college student, Krystal Gonzalez began her San Diego State University journey as a marketing student, but soon shifted her major to management information systems (MIS). Early on, she took advantage of connecting with career services, her professors, and student organizations. Gonzalez eventually became president of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) at SDSU and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi, a business fraternity.
Gonzalez leveraged her leadership role with AITP to gain experience networking with professionals outside of SDSU. Through AITP, she discovered potential opportunities with SDG&E, where she secured an internship, leading to a full-time position. Gonzalez is eager to grow her skill set with SDG&E and hopes to eventually pursue a master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
Q: Can you describe a little bit about yourself and how/when you decided to pursue Management Information Systems as an area of study?
I am a proud first generation Filipino-American college graduate, who grew up in Northern California. In three words I would describe myself as:
- Hungry: For education & food
- Clear: Because of my name (of course) & I like to be transparent with my intentions
- Improving: I always try my best to be a better daughter, student, friend, and person
I originally applied to San Diego State University as a Marketing major because I loved the psychology behind it and the opportunity to be creative. However, I ended up switching majors because of a particularly challenging class. At the time, I honestly didn’t know Management Information Systems was a major, let alone what MIS stood for. All I remember was talking to people about MIS 180 and they told me how much they hated the course. Knowing that this would be an obstacle, I challenged myself to actually learn the material and was surprisingly intrigued. Throughout my studies I discovered that companies were beginning to invest more into technology, which is why I decided to switch (Shout out to Professor Jawad), and keep marketing as my minor. I couldn’t be happier!
Q: Describe the position you currently have.
The program I am in now, at SDG&E, is actually a rotation program within the IT department and we are considered IT Associates. Within this program we are required to do 3 nine-month rotations, which gives us a chance to explore different groups within the organization and align our roles based on our career goals. I am currently doing a split rotation with Digital Customer Experience, learning frontend of web development, and IT Training doing work as program manager.
Krystal Gonzalez with an SDG&E colleague.
Q: When did you receive your official job offer and what was your reaction when you received the offer?
After interning and working part-time over a span of a half year, I was pleased to receive an official offer in December 2019. A huge weight lifted off my shoulders knowing that I was able to secure a job after college, and I was so grateful that they wanted me to continue working there. Plus, I finally received salary pay!
Q: How did you get connected with this company and position?
As the president of the Association of Information Technology Professionals at SDSU, it was my job to coordinate informational meetings led by professionals for our student members. Through this I was able to connect with many companies that we felt would bring valuable experience to our organization. SDG&E was one of the companies that presented and through that connection I was able to develop a good working relationship that led to an interview and eventually a job offer.
Q: Did you use any other campus resources to help you acquire this position? If so, describe the support.
The resources on campus didn’t provide me the opportunity at SDG&E, but what they did do was prepare and polish my professional skills, so that I would be ready for anything that came my way. The following on campus resources definitely contributed most to my growth at SDSU.
- Attending the variety of workshops/info at Career Services.
- Absorbing workforce knowledge from my mentor through the Aztec Mentor Program.
- Learning and leading an organization tied to my major (AITP)
Q: Are there specific skills you learned at SDSU (in class or otherwise) that helped you with the role’s qualifications?
Very early on in my college career I learned to become self-taught. I had to be proactive in the way that I worked to reach the goals I set for myself. I feel as though having that hunger and drive to genuinely want to learn—whether that information is presented to you in a classroom or having to dig through the internet to teach yourself—will help you reach unlock another level of skills. I also took on various roles within the organizations I was in that furthered my communication skills and forced me to work with a large, diverse group of people.
In terms of skills I learned in the classroom, I would say that Professors Nitsch, Abhari, and Chugani were all influential. These professors were amazing, and I really enjoyed all their material in both MIS and Marketing courses. I still use what I learned in the classroom to help me in the position I am in today.
Alpha Kappa Psi Meeting, Fall 2019.
Q: What advice do you have for fellow students, regardless of their field, looking to jumpstart their career and land their first job post-graduation?
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR STUDENT TITLE EARLY & OFTEN!! You will find that so many professionals are willing to help you grow and succeed. You just have to take the first step and be persistent.
One action step you can do right now is reach out to a professional on LinkedIn. I like to find professionals who were Alumni at SDSU, so that gives me something to talk about in the message. To do this I would go to SDSU’s LinkedIn Page, click the Alumni tab, and type in the role that I am interested in. Once I find someone, I’ll message them and set up 30-minute phone call. More likely than not, they will be more than happy to help. It’s a great way to expand your network and pick their brain on what they do. You need to want to give yourself the best opportunity to be successful in whatever you do.
Q: What is it that you are most looking forward to as you kick start this next chapter?
I am really looking forward to picking a niche in my field and working towards the goal of being an influential woman in technology. I also look forward to attending grad school for HCI sometime in the near future!
Q: What experience at SDSU has changed your life the most?
The whole experience, to be honest. I can’t attribute one specific experience that changed my life because it was a culmination of all them. Although, if I had to choose, joining Alpha Kappa Psi was very influential. I was surrounded by so many driven, like-minded individuals who inspired me to continue to be better and reminded me that there’s always more you can do.
Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
Be kind. Be useful.
