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A Journey of Growth: Juan de Joya at SIGGRAPH

The Spark of Inspiration

Juan Miguel de Joya's relationship with SIGGRAPH began while he was an undergraduate at UC Berkeley. He had been searching for an avenue to bridge his artistic and engineering interests. A recommendation from one of his professors led him to apply for the Student Volunteer program at SIGGRAPH. “I was looking for something that merged my creative and technical sides,” said De Joya, reflecting on how this decision transformed not only his career trajectory but also his personal development.

Building Connections and Skills

What started as a brief volunteering stint blossomed into a long-term commitment to the SIGGRAPH community. Throughout his journey, De Joya embraced leadership opportunities, including his time as Posters Chair, where he honed skills crucial to any professional environment—collaboration, patience, and effective communication. “That role taught me how to lead, how to listen, and how to build on my experiences year after year,” he highlighted, revealing that each step of the way offered him invaluable lessons about leadership and teamwork.

Through these experiences, De Joya connected with industry mentors and recruiters that led to internship opportunities at renowned studios like Disney and Pixar. Ultimately, these experiences paved the way to his current position as a senior software engineer at Autodesk, where he plays a pivotal role in the Developer Support Program for the Arnold renderer, a critical tool in visual effects and animation production.

More than Just a Job

“Through SIGGRAPH, I didn’t just find a job; I found my voice,” De Joya reflected, emphasizing the vital role that networking and volunteering played in his career. Each conversation and every volunteer moment contributed to shaping not only his professional identity but also his confidence and clarity in his aspirations.

Amira Malcom, who chairs the Student Volunteer program for SIGGRAPH 2025, emphasizes the importance of these volunteers as the lifeblood of the conference. For many, attending SIGGRAPH is their first opportunity to experience a professional conference in their chosen field, making the excitement of networking with peers and industry leaders a vital part of their growth journey. “They are excited to meet people and make connections—to make a difference,” she stated, mirroring De Joya’s sentiments on the value of community.

An Inclusive Environment

Every year, SIGGRAPH's Student Volunteer program gathers hundreds of students from across the globe, allowing them to engage in various roles—helping with registration, guiding attendees, and working with technical teams. This environment fosters collaboration and professionalism, essential elements in the fields of computer graphics and animation. Moreover, the program encourages students to develop project management and mentorship skills, which are vital to their future careers.

Malcom describes SIGGRAPH as a place where students can immerse themselves in an ecosystem that brings their dreams to life, complete with direct access to industry sessions and talks. “The sense of community that we develop within the Student Volunteer program is something we work hard to cultivate. We focus on creating opportunities for everyone to get involved and learn more,” she asserted, highlighting the enriching culture cultivated at SIGGRAPH.

Giving Back

Now residing in Switzerland, Juan de Joya is dedicated to giving back to the SIGGRAPH community through mentoring and volunteer efforts. “SIGGRAPH became a kind of found family,” he said, explaining that the connections he forged throughout his journey played an integral role in his personal and professional growth. His commitment to the community manifests in his efforts to support new students, ensuring others can have the same transformational experiences that he did.

As SIGGRAPH 2025 approaches, set to take place in Vancouver from August 10-14, more than 300 student volunteers from over 40 countries will gather to support the conference and engage in its dynamic community. These volunteers come from diverse academic backgrounds—from computer science to fine arts—eager to gain hands-on experience in event operations, learn from industry pioneers, and step into the next phase of their careers.

Juan de Joya's story mirrors those of many others who began as volunteers at SIGGRAPH, nurturing a lasting sense of belonging within the industry. A testament to the program’s success, many past student volunteers have transitioned into leadership roles, with several even taking the reins as conference chairs in subsequent years.

Career Opportunities at SIGGRAPH

The SIGGRAPH Job Fair, held on August 12-13, provides an invaluable platform for students and job seekers to connect directly with recruiters and seasoned professionals. Attendees can not only explore job opportunities but also participate in roundtable discussions focused on career development, essential skills, and hiring insights.

In summary, SIGGRAPH's commitment to fostering talent within the computer graphics domain is exemplified through stories like that of Juan de Joya. It is an inspiring reminder of how opportunities for hands-on experience and community support can lead to amazing career trajectories in the world of technology and creative arts. For more information on the SIGGRAPH 2025 Student Volunteer program, visit s2025.siggraph.org/program/student-volunteers.