Q&A with Nik Devereaux
Nik Devereaux, Software Engineer and Program Manager at Viasat (B.S. in computer science ‘01; M.A.S. in architecture-based enterprise systems engineering ‘11)
What is your background?
My background is in software engineering, primarily C/C++ application development for embedded devices such as network encryptors, satellite modems and other network and communications equipment.
What is your favorite part of being on the CSE Alumni Advisory Board?
I learn from the other board members constantly; their examples have helped me grow personally and professionally. It’s very rewarding to meet with students, listen to their stories, and provide them some (hopefully) helpful feedback and mentoring. I also like helping grow the UC San Diego alumni community by finding opportunities for other UC San Diego alumni at Viasat to engage with students, staff and faculty.
What has been your proudest accomplishment in a leadership role?
For a while, I was one of the people leading Viasat’s university relations, recruiting and internship program for engineers. We were very successful, and I think we helped other departments hire many more interns and college graduates. For many years, I was also the hiring manager for software engineering interns and new graduates in our HQ office. I’ve personally hired hundreds of employees, and it’s amazing to see their careers develop and for them to grow into leadership roles.
What is a major goal that you would like to accomplish in the year ahead?
Professionally, I plan to help evolve the practice of software engineering at Viasat and grow Viasat’s reputation as a software powerhouse. We are doing amazing, innovative and cutting edge things in software, cloud engineering and data science to build the infrastructure that will enable us to become the world’s first truly global ISP.
What career advice would you be interested in sharing with a CSE alumnus who is new to the job market?
Believe in yourself. Be curious. Never stop asking questions, never stop learning. Be honest and have integrity. Support other people and lift them up. Recognize and destroy the barriers that others face in connecting with opportunity and success.