A.J. Rivero
Torc Robotics
Austin, TX USA
"If you’re going to do something, do it with intent."
Career Roadmap
A.J.'s work combines: Engineering, Technology, and Problem Solving
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I do think it's important to get an engineering degree. I also recommend that you focus on doing. It's very easy to read, listen to podcasts, and do research and feel like you're doing things. Those are all great ways to gain knowledge. However, actually doing the tasks and gaining hands-on experience is key. In this industry, when you actually do something, the chances of you getting it right the first time are slim. So get comfortable with trying, failing, and learning.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Industrial Engineering
Texas State University
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I was born and raised in Austin, Texas.
2.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering with a minor in applied mathematics from Texas State University.
3.
After graduating, I found a contract position with an automotive manufacturing company.
4.
I initially thought that manufacturing was what I wanted to be doing but COVID-19 changed the environment and it didn’t seem like the right fit for me anymore.
5.
As I gained experience, I became more interested in technology and how humans interact with technology.
6.
I found a position with a small robotics startup company and realized that robotics is where I wanted to stay.
7.
When Torc Robotics opened up a location in Austin, Texas, I knew I wanted to apply because the company culture seemed like a good fit for me.
8.
Now I’m working as a systems integration engineer for Torc Robotics.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
Oh, you want to major in engineering? You're going to change your major by your second year.
How I responded:
Engineering can be a difficult field of study and there will always be people discouraging you from it. They'll tell you that you're going to end up changing your major when it gets difficult. I failed a class while pursuing engineering but I wasn't going to let that define or alter my path. I retook the class and passed it. I got more comfortable with failure and learned how to learn from it rather than let it stop me.