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Yash Ahuja (’14 B.S. CS) makes the most of opportunities as a software engineer at Google.COMPUTER ENGINEER FINDS A GOOD FIT AT GOOGLEWhat’s it really like to work at Google? Apart from enticing beneits like free food and lexible schedules, it’s a welcoming and inspiring place for a young computer scientist.“Yes, Google is laid back and amiable,” says Yash Ahuja (’14 B.S. CS), “but what I really like is that the company puts their engineers irst and treats them accordingly. This place really feels like a software company, and even though there are so many smart people at Google, everyone is so helpful and nice. I’ve never had one of my questions rebuffed.”Ahuja is a front-end software engineer working on the customer relationship management (CRM) program used by many of the sales teams at Google. It’s a single-page web app written using Dart programming language and Angular web application framework.“While at Cal State L.A., I learned many computer science-related skills such as algorithmic analysis and applications, software design, and data structures, which gave me a lot of conidence on the job,” he says. “In addition, my classes provided practice in working and communicating with others, skills that are indispensable in my career.”As for the unusual perks Google is known for, Ahuja is a real fan. “As a young male who lives on my own and can’t cook, having free food three times a day and 24/7 access to a gym is extremely convenient,” he says.FLYING HIGH IN AN AVIATION MANAGEMENT CAREERAs a consummate people person, there is no better job for Sean Moran(’12 B.S. AVAD) than a noise abatement analyst at Hayward Executive Airport. From investigating and responding to noise complaints to acting as liaison with the City of Hayward and airport users, Moran thrives on the daily interactions with pilots, residents, and airport staff that help him make sure the airport runs the way it should.“This position requires analytical thinking and creativity to develop solutions to issues, which makes for a fun and rewarding job,” he says. “My job at Hayward is a good it for me. It’s multifaceted and no two days are the same.”Moran appreciates that his undergraduate education provided him with plenty of networking opportunities, which in hindsight, helped him land his job.“I participated in a few of the airport management conferences and got to meet the then-operations manager at Hayward, who also happened to be a Cal State L.A. Aviation Administration alumnus,” he says. “We connected and he was the one who encouraged me to apply to the position I have now.”Networking continues to be an important on-the-job skill for Moran, who has developed relationships with those in similar positions at other airports. “When it comes to noise issues, I am grateful that I can call on my colleagues at the Oakland, San Francisco, or San Jose airports for guidance. I don’t know what I would do without the help they have offered me,” he says. •Sean Moran (’12 B.S. AVAD) plays an important role in making sure Hayward Executive Airport eficiently serves the needs of local businesses and residents.InSights | 19