Computer Engineering student from ESEG selected as Google Student Ambassador.

Student Rafaela Castro, from the 7th semester of Computer Engineering from ESEG College, She was selected on July 12th to join the Google Student Ambassadors program in 2026. The initiative brings together students interested in technology and innovation to work on disseminating knowledge, tools, and opportunities within their academic communities.

For Rafaela, the opportunity represents the chance to expand her experience with artificial intelligence, develop new skills, and share that knowledge with other students. Her application process began unpretentiously: she found the program advertised on LinkedIn and decided to participate.

“I responded casually. When I got the reply, my first reaction was surprise and great joy. It ended up becoming an extremely rewarding achievement that gave me even more motivation,” she says.

An application that went beyond technical expertise.

During the selection process, Rafaela had to demonstrate her interest in artificial intelligence and show how she could contribute to the academic community.

According to the student, Extracurricular experiences, communication skills, proactivity, and a willingness to share knowledge with other students were also important.

The selection process included the presentation of ideas related to the integration between artificial intelligence, academic routines, and software development.

For Rafaela, the result represents recognition of a trajectory that is not limited to undergraduate activities. "Having an active history in technical groups and projects demonstrated to the selection committee that I already possessed leadership skills, teamwork abilities, and a constant pursuit of practical learning," she assesses.

New challenges as an ambassador

Through her selection, Rafaela will have the opportunity to participate in a community focused on technology and artificial intelligence, and to share this knowledge with other students.

Among their expectations are a deeper technical understanding of Google's ecosystems and solutions, the development of leadership and communication skills, and the exchange of experiences with students who are also participating in the program.

The student also intends to transform this learning into actions within the university itself. “My idea is to organize practical workshops and hands-on sessions on applied artificial intelligence, as well as create opportunities for exchange and support so that students can integrate these innovative tools directly into their classroom projects and daily work,” he explains.

From Speedy Coders to new opportunities

Rafaela's journey at ESEG also involves Speedy Coders, a competitive programming group at the college that prepares students for national and international challenges and competitions.

This initiative is part of the ESEG program. Tech & Business and promotes hands-on activities aimed at developing logical reasoning, agility, and programming skills.

Rafaela met the group. during Computer Engineering classes, when Professor Bruno de Abreu Iizuka Moritani He presented the initiative to the class.

Among the experiences that most contributed to her development, she highlights her participation in programming marathons. “Having the experience of competing in a team, dealing with the adrenaline of time constraints, and solving difficult problems together makes all the difference. The team's support during those high-pressure moments not only strengthens technical learning but also teaches resilience and collective focus,” she says.

The experience also helped Rafaela realize The importance of seeking opportunities outside the classroom. For her, the projects and groups she participates in complement the knowledge developed during her undergraduate studies and contribute to building skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.

An achievement that is also a source of pride for the professor.

Bruno, a lecturer in the Computer Engineering course and head of Speedy Coders, has followed Rafaela's career since she joined the group. According to him, one of the The characteristics that stand out most in the student are her willingness to learn and challenge herself., even when faced with problems for which he does not yet know the way to find a solution.

For the professor, selection as Google Student Ambassador It represents an achievement built by the student herself.

“I am very happy and proud. As a teacher, it is very rewarding to see a student who participates in a project that I follow achieve such a great opportunity. We can teach, encourage, and create an environment for them to grow, but the achievement is hers,” he says.

The Speedy Coders experience also contributes to developing skills that go beyond solving a programming problem. In the group's activities, students need to analyze challenges, research, test solutions, identify errors, and change strategy when necessary.

The initiative's own history demonstrates this commitment to hands-on learning. Students from Speedy Coders have already represented ESEG. in competitions such as SBC Programming Marathon, the São Paulo Programming Marathon and the Women's Programming Marathon.

Advice for those who don't yet feel ready.

For Rafaela, being selected for the Google program also reinforces an idea she intends to share with other students: opportunities can arise even before someone feels completely prepared to take advantage of them.

“My advice is: don’t wait to feel ‘100% ready,’ because real preparation is built throughout the process. Apply for selection processes, do projects outside the classroom, join college groups, and take risks. You will discover surprising opportunities and experiences along the way,” he advises.

Now, as a Google Student Ambassador, Rafaela intends to share with other students some of the knowledge and experiences she has accumulated during her studies at ESEG — expanding a trajectory that began in her undergraduate studies, gained traction in initiatives like Speedy Coders, and now reaches a new stage alongside one of the world's leading technology companies.

A ESEG College Congratulations to Rafaela on her achievement and for representing the academic community in an initiative that brings together students interested in technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence.