SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 — UTSA graduates are entering the workforce with the knowledge and skills employers seek, in turn earning competitive salaries that enable an improved quality of life.
Tra-My Ho ’23 graduated as a double major in information systems and cybersecurity.
She credits her education for leading her to her current job, which combines travel and her passion for technology.
“Coming out as the first one to graduate in my family, and with a six-figure salary as my starting job, I could not have done that without UTSA and the incredible organizations that introduced me to countless opportunities,” Ho said.
As a software implementation consultant for Fast Enterprises, a government software and consulting service provider, the UTSA graduate is thankful to be in a position where she can support her loved ones.
“At the age of 23 right now, I’m fully supporting my mom financially, and I am just so grateful to have the privilege of being able to do so,” Ho said.
Earnings data shows that students who receive bachelor’s degrees from UTSA typically earn a median of $40,000 one year after graduating and about $59,000 five years after graduation. In comparison, Texans whose highest degree is a high school diploma earn about $28,000.
Earnings data also shows that graduates with a UTSA master’s degree earn about $61,000 one year after graduating and over $68,000 by their fifth year. UTSA’s doctoral degree graduates earn about $77,000 one year after graduating and about $90,000 five years after graduation.
The skillsets students gain during their time at UTSA align with the qualities innovative local companies seek, like Plus One Robotics.
Shaun Edwards, chief technology officer and co-founder of the firm, said gaining hands-on experience as a student is critical for future careers in the evolving technology industry. Plus One Robotics uses artificial intelligence to automate robots in warehouses and distribution centers.
“There are robotics labs at UTSA that have industrial robots, drones, mobile robots and real hardware. I think it’s always exciting to go into those labs and see the students there because they’re not doing stuff in a simulation or learning things out of a textbook,” Edwards said. “They’re actually working with the hardware that we have and that we utilize.”
Edwards says that UTSA students are proficient in hard skills, including artificial intelligence cybersecurity, software development and electro-mechanical engineering. He also says that students possess soft skills, such as effective communication and composure in stressful situations. This makes them competitive job candidates.
The company, which is headquartered at Port San Antonio, has among its workforce 10 full-time team members who are UTSA graduates.
Every year, students leave UTSA with a life-changing education, leading to more opportunities and strong connections.
“Where I am now would not have been possible without all the people and the support at UTSA,” Ho said.
