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Clau González

Clau González

University of Washington

Career Roadmap

Clau's work combines: Business, Science, and Problem Solving

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Day In The Life

Doctoral Student

I ask questions to understand how organizations work.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

    Winston Churchill High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Business Administration and Management, General

    Texas Tech University

  • Graduate Degree

    Business Administration and Management, General

    Texas Tech University

  • Graduate Degree

    Business Administration and Management, General

    University of Washington-Seattle Campus

  • Doctorate

    Management Science

    University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Social Science Research Assistants:

High School

Bachelor's Degree: Business/Managerial Economics

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    I was born and raised in México, then my family moved to the US unexpectedly when I was 15.

  • 2.

    I had to teach myself English and learn a new culture.

  • 3.

    I was the first one in my family to go to - and graduate college. I worked three jobs to pay for it.

  • 4.

    I earned an MBA while working a full-time job.

  • 5.

    I got a fellowship at the National Institutes of Health and worked for three years.

  • 6.

    Then it was time to learn more. I went back to school to earn a Doctoral degree.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Teachers:

    You are never going to make it to college with those test scores.

  • How I responded:

    Every time I was told no, I would promise myself "YES." It was a promise that I worked to keep every day. I made realistic and practical plans to achieve my dream: to go to the University. I had no idea how to achieve them, so I read and asked questions. I focused on making sure that each step I took was taking me in the general direction of my dream. I made a lot of corrections along the way!

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • My family did not have much money. And what little they had was theirs: not for my education. I had to put myself through college. Since I was an immigrant, I did not qualify for financial aid. At one point I had three jobs. It was worth it.

  • My family moved to the US when I was 15. It was not planned in advance. I did not speak English at all. We did not understand how anything worked. Slowly, I learned the language and the culture. I also work hard to make sure I remember my language.

  • I am Dyslexic. Sadly, I could not afford the tests to secure accommodations. Self-awareness, flexibility, and determination have helped me to find ways to cope as a student and as a professional.

  • Not only was I the first to go to college, I was also doing this in a new country. I made a lot of mistakes (took the wrong classes, did not apply my AP credits). I had to change Universities after two years. And it took me 5 years to finish.