UDP Internacional

Tuesday September 30th, 2025

Hernán Pozo Molinet, a graduate of the Computer Engineering program, is currently in his second year of a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at École Polytechnique de Montréal, one of Canada’s top academic institutions.

He explains that this experience has allowed him to delve deeper into his field, especially in a context where the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become widespread. “Computer Science is going through a period of expansion,” he says.

“With the rise of AI, instead of a decline, we’re seeing a proliferation of specializations: cybersecurity, data science, cloud computing, process automation, technology ethics, among others, and these are already reflected in the job market,” he notes.

Hernán recounts that in 2003, when he was about to graduate, he considered pursuing international opportunities. He then began the application process, which led to his obtaining residency status in 2005. “At that time, I was working as Head of IT at the Metropolitan Park of Santiago, and I had also started an engineering company with two friends that was just getting off the ground, which made the decision to emigrate immediately difficult; I even had doubts,” he recalls.

“In 2008, the last year I had to do so, I took the risk and left with my whole family for Canada, to start from scratch, because my status didn’t guarantee me a job,” he reminisces.

The professional also indicates that, once in Canada, the adjustment was complex and that, initially, he studied a Diploma in Cybersecurity at Maisonneuve College. After that, he obtained a scholarship to study at École Polytechnique de Montréal.

Regarding this process, he comments that, although the official language of instruction is French, “English remains the universal language for more easily understanding how certain processes or practical examples of applications we use during our studies work.”

In that sense, Hernán says his international experience has been challenging, but above all, enriching. For this reason, he emphasized the invitation for other students to take courses to complement their studies and/or specialize abroad. “The best thing is to dare to seize opportunities and take risks; whether good or bad, you always learn from those experiences, especially when you’re young,” he concludes