Melina Ramos ’24 will encourage her fellow graduates to pursue their goals both personally and professionally when she receives her bachelor’s degree in computer science with a concentration in software engineering from Florida Polytechnic University on Sunday, May 5. She was selected by a committee as this year’s student commencement speaker.
After graduation, the student from Spring Hill, Florida, is launching her career with Deloitte, the world’s largest professional services firm and the company where she completed two internships. She is a graduate of Florida Virtual School and was active on campus during her years at Florida Poly, including serving as a career liaison, a Presidential Ambassador, and chair for Florida PolyCon in 2022.
Why did you choose your major?
My dad is a computer science major, so I’m kind of a legacy. He does technology consulting and when I was 9, I asked him what he did at his job. He said he worked with computer systems, to which I responded that I needed an explanation. He said he consults for large companies on how to improve their operations using modern automation. He also manages international technical teams to deliver these large initiatives. Curiously, I asked what’s the best consulting company? He told me Deloitte is a very prestigious consulting company. Fast forward, I enrolled at Florida Poly, eventually did two internships at Deloitte, and landed my dream job with them. My dad is very proud of me.
How well do you feel Florida Poly prepared you for life after graduation?
Florida Poly has definitely prepared me to tackle the real world. Many of the challenges we face pursuing a difficult technical degree prepared us to tackle equally challenging assignments in the workplace. Successfully tackling the demands of obtaining a STEM education boosted my confidence level – I feel empowered to succeed anywhere I apply myself.
What does earning your degree mean to you?
I feel like it’s surreal. My family travels extensively. We have visited many states and started touring universities when I was 8 years old. My parents started planning for my future when I was very young. Now that graduation is finally here, I can’t believe I achieved this goal and am about to start the next chapter of my life.
What’s something you’ll never forget about your time here?
I don’t think I’ll ever forget the Florida Poly community and how it motivated me to be my very best. We spent many nights together studying and waiting for our grades to drop, rise, or occasionally – hopefully – skyrocket. All those late nights together are unforgettable, and some true friendships flourished.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be relocating to another state to start my new position at Deloitte as a government and public services cyber risk and financial advisory analyst. I am also planning to register in an MBA program shortly after I get settled in my new job. My long-term professional goal is to advance my career to ultimately achieve a partner position at the firm. It’s a stretch goal, but it’s doable. In the meantime, I want to enjoy life, travel, and simply unwind.
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of Q&As with several Florida Poly Class of 2024 graduates.
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Lydia Guzmán
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863-874-8557
