When I was a Computer Science student at Universidad EAFIT, I had the chance to be a Teaching Assistant for the Data Structures and Algorithms course led by Professor Mauricio Toro.
During that time, I supported students in understanding core CS concepts and guided them as they built their course projects. I held this role for over two years, and it became one of the most fulfilling parts of my academic life. Beyond the technical side, it helped me grow in empathy, communication, and leadership—skills that have proven invaluable in my professional life.
Now, after graduating and joining the industry, I’ve returned to EAFIT—but this time as a mentor for final-semester Computer Science students during their internship process.
My role involves:
- Regularly checking in on their work and progress.
- Maintaining communication with their supervisors.
- Reviewing and evaluating the formal reports students submit at the end of their internships.
These reports are not just about deliverables—they’re a reflection of what the students learned, how they tackled challenges, and how they contributed to real-world projects. Evaluating them allows me to provide meaningful feedback, but also to learn from a variety of industries and domains where software engineers are making an impact.
It’s incredibly rewarding to watch students transition from the classroom into the workplace—and to be a small part of that journey.
Another aspect I deeply value is the opportunity to speak with incoming freshmen during their induction day at the university.
I share my own experience:
- The importance of going beyond the classroom: joining research groups, becoming a TA, leading student organizations.
- The value of strengthening English communication skills—especially for those aiming to work globally.
- How my academic experiences shaped my path into industry roles, first as a Software Engineer at Mercado Libre, and now at Bold.
These talks usually end with open Q&A sessions, where students ask thoughtful questions about career growth, learning strategies, and what to expect from the tech industry. It’s a privilege to help ease their uncertainty and spark their curiosity.
Mentoring has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey—not just because I get to give back to the university that shaped me, but because I continue to learn, grow, and connect through every interaction.
If you ever have the opportunity to mentor—formally or informally—I highly recommend it. You’ll be surprised how much you gain while helping others.