Pursuing a college degree can seem like a daunting process in itself, but when it’s combined with juggling work, family, and other commitments as a transfer student, it can feel even more challenging.
With our online programs aimed at providing higher education on your time, transferring and completing your degree at SDSU is easier than ever. You have the flexibility, advising, and student support tailored to your needs. We’re here to help you thrive as a transfer student and achieve all of your academic goals.
During National Transfer Week, we want to highlight some of our amazing transfer students.
Meet Angel Vargas, a civil engineering major and a first generation Latino college student currently employed as a construction inspector. He is slowly transitioning out of the civil engineering industry to become a doctor of medicine, yet still admires the SDSU family and everything they have to offer.
1. Can you describe your experience as a transfer student coming into the SDSU Global Campus program?
My experience as a transfer student coming into the SDSU Global Campus program has been nothing short but amazing. This program has given me the opportunity to work in the industry and learn key skills that are directly applicable to my professional development. There is a lot of misconception about being an online student because of its asynchronous format but students are given the opportunity to work in industry and learn key skills that wouldn’t be learned until after graduation. We are already a step ahead of our potential candidates for the same job we would potentially be applying for.
With also being a parent, I now have the time to be part of my children’s lives, which is most important to me. Without this Global Campus Program at SDSU, it would have been impossible to attend a university full-time on-campus, work a full-time job, and take my children to school – all in a single day. This program opened a new opportunity for me and my family. Thank you SDSU family, you guys rock!
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being a transfer student?
The most rewarding aspect of being a transfer student is the valuable information I’ve learned in cultural studies – AMIND 110 American Indian Heritage and AFRAS 380 Blacks in the American Justice System. These two classes are where I found myself as a first generation Mexican college student. Being a transfer student helped me grow more in my personal life and break away from the stigma that surrounds Latinx culture.
3. What kind of support is offered to transfer students that differs from other students?
The kind of support that is offered to transfer students that differ from traditional students is the wide range of support services such as short wait-lines for academic advising. When you work with specialized transfer advisors for your particular major, you are exposed to a larger depth of services and career opportunities. Additionally, when you transfer from a community college, you save on high tuition costs from a university.
4. What does your plan look like after graduation?
My plan after graduation is continuing to work my government job as a construction inspector and get my Professional Engineering License to get promoted to an associate engineer for the City of Santa Rosa. Additionally, I’m hoping to go to The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and land a residency that surrounds pediatric surgery and neuroscience research. There’s definitely a lot I plan on doing after graduation – most engineers see their degree as a means to an end, but I see mine as the beginning.
