Eric Noriega

What’ve you enjoyed most about your area of study? Was there a particular discovery, new skill or way of thinking, or insight that you found especially valuable? Please share an example from your favorite class or experience.

My favorite part of my French studies was definitely learning about the cultures of the various francophone countries. As for experiences more generally, nothing beats my trip to Paris through January Scholars in France (JSF). There, I got to live French history, see incredible museums, and open my eyes to a different way of life.

How does the knowledge from this field, or your interest in it, combine with your other major or minor studies at MIT?

Speaking French makes obtaining opportunities abroad much easier. There is a growing tech presence in France, and Switzerland has many opportunities for STEM graduates within finance and in research institutions such as the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).

An MIT education includes study in the scientific, technical, social science, arts, and humanities fields. How do you think that wide range of knowledge and perspectives will be valuable to you – for your career success and for your enjoyment of life?

My language and culture studies give me a more global understanding of my work’s impact. Many of the companies within big tech also have offices abroad, and I will often have to work with members of these offices. My broadened perspective will also help me immensely beyond my career. Although my STEM classes directly impact how I will make a living, my SHASS classes help me understand why I live: to see the beauty in everything and create meaningful relationships with those around me.

What are your plans for the future?

I will be working as a software engineer in San Francisco. After a few years, I would like my work to move me abroad – allowing me to work and travel simultaneously. In the long term, I could see myself being a teacher, perhaps going back to my high school to teach computer science.