DECEMBER 11, 2020 — As a lifelong Texan born in the small town of Saint Hedwig, Chandler Santos desired to create and grow a business with interests in tech. After having his personal information exposed during a security breach during middle school, he learned about malicious threats, pulling him down a rabbit hole of privacy issues. Feeling compelled to be part of the solution, he decided to pursue a degree in cybersecurity.
“No one ever told me to be in cybersecurity; there were no influences outside myself,” said Santos, who just completed his bachelor of business administration in cybersecurity and information systems from UTSA’s College of Business.
Although his mother completed a college degree by enrolling part-time, Santos likes to view himself as a first-generation college student. He was the first in his family to have a full college experience, which helped him make the best out of his time at UTSA. After seeing a few friends land job offers, he started forming relationships with fellow students active in organizations.
“I started sacrificing my time to get into new roles, doing anything and everything for them,” added Santos.
He joined the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization at UTSA, finding a calling as vice president. He learned about vital resources within the College of Business and felt the need to share the essential resources with cybersecurity students. His involvement with Start-Up Grind UTSA gave him the opportunity to speak to local chief executives.
“When the first time came around, talking to CEOs was nerve-racking,” Santos said about his feelings when approaching the senior leadership. “Over time the conversations morphed from contrived, inauthentic dialogue to informal talks while maintaining a level of professionalism.”
The CompTIA nonprofit organization stands out as his most significant social impact while at UTSA. Despite COVID-19 and its challenges, Santos managed to grow the organization to more than 200 members. Starting the chapter has allowed students to connect over robust study sessions online, despite their busy schedules. According to Santos, these students not only gain confidence but also see job offers before graduating.
The nonprofit organization led to another networking opportunity: Rowdy Con, a conference featuring a full slate of tech speakers. His involvement allowed him and other students to foster long-term relationships with industry professionals, which he believes is vital to student success.
“If you’re not doing it, you’re wasting your time,” exclaims Santos about student involvement. “If you are a new student in your first semester, I encourage you to get involved from Day One.”
Santos’ future is solid. He is contracted with Ferrari of San Antonio to develop and secure its website and assets. He aspires to work for a Fortune 500 company that focuses on innovation and growth. He also would like to seek a research and development position as part of a team that builds products from scratch while maintaining a welcoming business culture that values its employees.
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At this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusJoin us for a tribute to Willie Velásquez, honoring the legacy of Willie Velásquez, a pivotal figure in shaping the history of Latino and Hispanic participation in the American voting process. Delve into his life and contributions as a champion of Latino voting rights. Moderated by UTSA's Teresa Niño, the event will feature influential voices, including Jane Velásquez, María Antonietta Berriozábal, Dora Oliva, and Anthony Gonzales.
Buena Vista Building, Gregory Luna Room, Downtown CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
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