SPDP Graduate Spotlight: Building Tech for the Future
As spring graduation approaches, Information and Educational Technology (IET) is spotlighting standout seniors in the Student Professional Development Program (SPDP). The program provides student employees with opportunities to innovate and succeed by building real-word products and services used by the campus.
One of those students is Alp Guler, a computer science major who joined the SPDP in October 2023. Since then, he’s been hard at work alongside IET mentors to build applications that serve the campus community.
“I'm still a student, but I'm able to give back to the school and hopefully make other people’s lives easier with the websites and the apps that they're using,” said Alp Guler, SPDP employee.
Through SPDP, Guler developed an AI vision app for campus. It’s a project that gave him invaluable AI skills and introduced him to the full app development cycle—an experience that’s difficult to find in the classroom alone and helps him stand out to employers.
“Everyone strives to get these real-world experiences before they graduate but I feel like some people overlook campus jobs,” Guler explained. “This project has helped me understand how to take a client’s vision and turn it into something real.”
The SPDP isn’t just about sharpening technical skills. It’s also a launch pad. Graduates from the program have gone on to work at major tech companies, and Guler says the skills he’s gained have helped him shine in interviews.
“In every job interview I've had so far, I brought up a story about a project that I worked on in this program,” he explained. “Interviewers are impressed when they see all those skills and tools on my resume.”
Equally important, Guler says, has been the SPDP support system provided.
“It’s been really nice having a circle of engineers and coworkers that I can rely on—not only to get technical help, but career advice.”
As Guler prepares to graduate, he has some advice for other students interested in tech careers.
“Regardless of your major, anyone who wants a future in tech should join the SPDP.”
Learn about the Student Powered Development Program: https://studentpowered.ucdavis.edu/
Browse job openings in in Information and Educational Technology and across campus: https://ucdavis.joinhandshake.com/login (UC Davis login required)