The community engagement department in our branch campus in Cuenca held the program titled “Alumni in the classroom” which brings alumni back to the university to share their experience. Alumni from computer science, mechatronics, mechanics, economics, telecommunications, automotive engineering, electronics, automation and accounting, spoke to students about the challenges they faced and gave advice on how to take advantage of everything the university has to offer. 

The talks addressed key topics such as innovation and technology in their fields, such as how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics are transforming the efficiency and accuracy of accounting processes, how automation and maintenance of mechatronic equipment are optimizing industrial production, and how solar energy is promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in Ecuador through photovoltaic systems.

Additionally, automotive service centers are adopting advanced technologies; software development ventures continue to grow as a key opportunity in the digital era. Professionals also shared the opportunities and challenges of being a contractor in the public sector, they stressed the bureaucratic difficulties and the opportunities for stability and growth that this sector offers.  

This event has reaffirmed the importance of seeing the classroom as a space of continuous learning, where graduates not only share their knowledge, but also continue learning. Education does not end with graduation, but rather becomes a constant cycle of new challenges, subjects and projects. Graduates have the opportunity to expand their academic and personal horizons, facing new professional realities.

Students interacted directly with the speakers, David Lupercio, student majoring in Mechatronics said: “This teaches us that Mechatronics can expand in many fields, which motivates us to see our major in different areas.” 

Juliana Meza, a graduate of Accounting and Auditing, thanked the university for the fundamental values it teaches, such as ethics. “It helps us to be professionals committed to the activities we carry out in our companies.”