Industrial Technology Senior Spotlight: Juan Soria

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Before he becomes a #FresnoStateGrad soon, industrial technology senior Juan Soria has already compiled one of the most impressive resumes you can find.

The first generation college student has already done internships with Sierra Pacific Windows, International Paper, Betts Company, Bee Sweet Citrus and Land O' Lakes where he has developed key project management, operations, and data analysis skills.

On campus, he has also been busy as the president of the @Fresno State Advanced Technology Enterprises student club.

Next up for the Turlock native is a full-time job working for The Wonderful Company with almonds and pistachios, and learn more about him in this recent interview.

 

What attracted you to an industrial technology degree?

Soria: “I was drawn to the department because of the diversity of skill sets that industrial technology majors acquire after completion of the degree. The skill sets taught within the degree are extremely valuable to the local manufactures and processors.”

 

What organizations have you done internships with?

Soria: “I was fortunate enough to have been a part of various organizations, each giving me a different perspective on technology and business. I was part of Sierra Pacific Windows, where I was given the opportunity to work as a department lead. I then was accepted into the Fresno State VIP program where I had the opportunity to join International Paper as a project manager, and Betts Company as a continuous improvement intern. I was then given the opportunity to join Bee Sweet Citrus as a production management intern/ technician. All of that leads to where I am currently interning, which is Land O' Lakes, where I am working as a supply chain and operations intern.”

 

What were your main responsibilities in the internships?

Soria: “Project management, operations, and data analysis.”

 

Did any of your co-workers or mentors in the internship have Fresno State ties?

Soria: “Yes, Phirun Keo. He works as the manufacturing engineer at Betts Company, I had the pleasure of working alongside him. During my time there I learned that Phirun not only had attended Fresno State as a student but also held a position as treasurer in the ATE club on campus.”

 

What is the next step in your career path? 

Soria: “I have accepted an offer to work for Wonderful pistachios and almonds. My aim is to continue to learn new skill sets and work my way up within the company.”

 

What types of skills or experience have you gained from the internships that will help you along this career path?

Soria: “The most important skill that I learned has been to be resilient and the change of mindset from "that cannot be done" to a "how can this be done". The limit is and will always be set by the mind, don't let that happen and BE BOLD!”

 

What were some of your favorite Fresno State classes and why?  

Soria: “My favorite class was IT 156 Automated Controls Systems. I have always had a thing for building and this class opened a realm of possibilities for my future projects while helping me understand the PLC hardware and ladder logic for a better understanding of the manufacturing technology.”

 

Which faculty members had the biggest influence on you while at Fresno State and why?  

Soria: “Nick Simonian was my biggest influence. He challenged the thought process and made us ask the right questions.”

 

What was your background in agriculture before you started at Fresno State?

Soria: “My background in agriculture was limited. The only experience that I had was from herding when I would visit my family in Mexico during the summer vacation.”

 

Were you a part of any clubs/organizations at Fresno?

Soria: “I had the pleasure of serving as the Advanced Technology Enterprises (ATE) Club president for two semesters. And given my limited background in agriculture last summer I was given the honor to join Western Growers in their Central Valley tours.”

 

What was your most rewarding experience at Fresno State?

Soria: “My most memorable experience was the ATE club meetings where I was surrounded by motivated people who want to see their community thrive.”

 

Are there people you would like to thank in your family that has been key influences for you receiving your diploma, and how?

Soria: “My parents’ hard work, dedication, values, and guidance is what led me to where I am today, and I will be forever grateful to them.”