Staff Spotlight: Cindy Alvarenga

Cindy Alvarenga recently joined the College of Engineering as an academic advisor in the College of Engineering Undergraduate Office.

In her role, she provides academic advising and support for undergraduates and department academic advisors. Cindy is a first-generation American and transfer student and received a bachelor's degree in chemistry from UC Davis and a master's degree in leadership from St. Mary's College of California. She previously worked in the College of Letters and Sciences before joining the college on May 3.

In this edition of the College of Engineering’s Staff Spotlight, we get to know more about Cindy.

Tell us about your path to UC Davis.

After high school, I knew I would go to community college as that was the path my two sisters took. My intended pathway was pre-med due to family pressure. During my two years attending the Los Rios District Community Colleges, my desire for pre-med shifted into forensics and after receiving my acceptance letter to UC Davis, the compromise was to follow a major in chemistry with an emphasis in forensics while having the goal of continuing my pre-med track. After two years at UC Davis, I realized that my heart was in education. In my last quarter and after I graduated, I got involved in advising within the chemistry department. Soon after, I got a full-time job in the Departments of Economics, History and East Asian Studies. Advising is where I belong and fortunately after many conversations, my parents saw that too. Now, after almost five years and completion of my master’s in leadership degree, it was time to continue my self-development journey. I am excited about the opportunity to work in the College of Engineering alongside amazing staff, faculty and a new population of undergraduate students. 

What is your current position at UC Davis?

I am an academic advisor in the Engineering Undergraduate Office. I started on May 3.

What are your major job functions and responsibilities?

My major job function is to provide academic advising and support for undergraduates and department academic advisors. 

What skill is most important in your job?

Communication.

What are you enjoying and looking forward to in this role?

Meeting new people, building new relationships, learning and growing personally and professionally.

What is your favorite thing about working at UC Davis/in your department (so far)?

So far, the people! As I start this job virtually, the College of Engineering staff have been so supportive and friendly.

Tell us something most people don’t know about you.

I love video games and anime!

If you could do any job in the world what would it be?

I love what I do and if I could do any job, I would still choose to stay in the advising community. As for my future goals with my career, I dream of becoming a supervisor of a unit or center so I can continue advocating for students in other capacities and make improvements for their success.  

What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?

Some of my hobbies include binge watching television shows, watching movies, playing video games and spending time with family, friends and my two fur babies.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I have a big sweet tooth. I love dessert more than I love savory foods. I do not cook but I love to eat!