Interview with Carla Treviño
A Journey of Growth: Carla Treviño’s HECTOR School Experience
HECTOR School alumna Carla Treviño talks about her unique journey through her professional life and education in Germany. Originally from Mexico, Carla was already employed by a German automotive company when she decided to pursue a master’s degree in Germany. Her motivation to join HECTOR School stemmed from a desire to study internationally while maintaining her professional momentum. The program’s flexible format—allowing full-time professionals to continue working while studying—was a key factor in her decision. It offered a practical solution that supported her educational advancement while sustaining her income—a structure and balance that she greatly appreciated.
Engineering a Career Aligned with Passion
Reflecting on her decision to join the Mobility Systems Engineering and Management (MSEM) master’s program, Carla emphasized how closely the curriculum aligned with her professional background and career aspirations. At the time, she was working in a major automotive company, focusing on emerging mobility technologies. The MSEM program served as the perfect academic counterpart to her work, reinforcing her expertise while expanding her perspective.
“It was a direct overlap with what I was doing professionally,” she shared, “especially in areas like autonomous driving, which I was passionate about.” Being surrounded by like-minded peers during academic modules and then returning to her professional environment provided both intellectual growth and valuable perspective.
An unexpected turning point came during a lecture on cybersecurity, which sparked Carla’s interest and provided the foundational knowledge needed to pivot her career. Today, she works in automotive cybersecurity—a transition she attributes in part to that early academic exposure.
Combining Technical and Managerial Skills
HECTOR School’s unique combination of engineering and managerial expertise offered Carla more than just knowledge—it equipped her with tools to adapt, grow, and lead in a rapidly evolving industry. In addition to engineering courses, she highlighted the value of management-focused modules, particularly those on business development frameworks and finance basics.
As an engineer, these courses introduced her to the language of business and leadership. “The concepts helped me feel confident discussing business cases and understanding how organizations operate,” she explained. They also played a key role in her eventual promotion to her current leadership role as EV Director at Irdeto. Irdeto is a major global Dutch cybersecurity company for digital platforms, helping businesses innovate for a secure, connected future by protecting revenue, enabling growth, and fighting cybercrime across video entertainment, video gaming, and connected industries such as transportation and infrastructure.
Global Network for a Broader Perspective
Carla emphasized the value of networking opportunities during the master’s program. While much of the networking took place within her own study group, she also benefited from cross-program interactions—particularly during the management modules, where students from all executive master’s programs come together. The modules connect professionals from a wide range of industries, including energy, IT, and financial engineering. This experience helped her break out of the “automotive bubble” and gain a broader perspective.
Besides the interdisciplinary collaboration, Carla appreciated the program's strong international character. She highlighted the diverse cultural backgrounds of her peers, which created an enriching learning environment that allowed her to build meaningful connections with German and international students.
Advice from Experience: Dive in Fully
To future students, especially those coming from abroad, Carla offers clear advice: immerse yourself.
“Don’t just focus on the coursework. Learn the language, volunteer, explore—there’s so much more to gain if you allow yourself to live the full experience.”
The program’s flexibility, she says, isn’t just about managing your job and studies—it’s about making space for personal growth, too.
Always Moving Forward
Of course, Carla’s professional journey will continue just as technology develops, requiring companies and individuals to adapt their skills and strategies.
To keep her skills sharp and relevant, Carla expressed interest in continuous education through short, focused programs.
Her journey is a true testament to the power of international education—one that equips professionals not only to adapt but to lead.
We thank Carla Treviño for sharing her inspiring journey, serving as a role model for future HECTOR School participants, and actively contributing to the alumni community.
