KENNESAW, Ga. | Dec 12, 2018

Graduate brings user experience to his life

When Elias Escobedo crossed the stage to receive his bachelor’s degree in technical communication during Kennesaw State University’s fall Commencement ceremonies, he became the first person in his family to earn a college degree.

For Escobedo, his graduation is more than just a personal accomplishment. He believes that his achievement serves as further motivation for his younger family members and for some of his fellow international students. Having gone through his own adjustment period, Escobedo wanted to help others.

He served as part of the University’s International Peer Leader Program (IPLP) and as part of the Safe Space Student Leadership Initiative (SSLI). Through these mentorship programs, he helped many students find a home at KSU. Escobedo attended orientation and helped new students acclimate to their new surroundings. He continued to serve as a resource for new students even as they found their own path at KSU.

“I understood what they were going through, and I felt that I could help. It’s a lot easier to guide people when you’ve been through that process,” he said.

Escobedo’s interest in helping people extended to his career aspirations. It was in his technical communication classes that Escobedo learned about user experience design, and he saw the opportunity to combine his passions – technology and helping people.

During one course, Home Depot representatives visited the class to talk about their work and encouraged students to apply for internships with their company. Escobedo jumped at the chance and soon joined Home Depot as a user experience design intern where he worked on an app and created wireframes to improve the user experience.

“Internships are a great way to get hands-on experience and get your foot in the door,” he said.

His internship with Home Depot allowed him to demonstrate his abilities, and he was offered a full-time position, which he will start in January following graduation.

From the computer to people, Escobedo focuses on making the world and the way we interact with it friendlier. He’s bringing user experiences to the forefront in his life and showing a path for others to follow.

– Andrea Judy

Photos by David Caselli

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.