From Bahia Blanca to EmTech: The Journey that Changed My Professional Perspective

Leaving Bahía Blanca behind was a big decision. It was the place where I had started my journey in Electronic Engineering, surrounded by friends, professors, and the familiar rhythm of university life. 

But as I moved toward new opportunities, particularly in Bariloche, I realized that this leap would reshape my entire perspective on technology and innovation.

The road wasn't easy, and there were moments of doubt and uncertainty, but those very challenges pushed me to grow. My encounter with Guillermo Guichal at the EAMTA conference became the catalyst for this transformation. 

His mentorship, combined with the practical experiences I gained at EmTech and Invap, pushed me to reimagine my professional path. 

In this article, I’ll share how moving from Bahía Blanca to Bariloche led me to discover new horizons in tech, the invaluable lessons I learned, and how my career was redefined in ways I never imagined.

From Bahía Blanca to Bariloche: My Journey in Technology

I moved to Bariloche, and everything changed. I left behind my university life in Bahía Blanca, where I was studying Electronic Engineering. 

This leap pushed me to improve and expand in the tech world. It wasn't easy at first, but it was worth every second for my personal growth.

  • EAMTA marked a turning point in my professional life. Meeting Guillermo Guichal redefined my career path. This connection led me directly to Bariloche, where I applied everything I had learned in real-world situations. This moment completely transformed my journey.

Beginning My Career in Electronic EngineeringI started Electronic Engineering, and it wasn't easy. I struggled with advanced mathematics and had to adapt to a completely new pace. Luckily, I had amazing professors and classmates who were always there to help me when I needed it. Together, we managed to get through.

  • Solid technical foundation: During my time at university, I gained a strong technical foundation. I dove into the design of electronic boards and embedded software development. 

The hours spent in the lab were invaluable – I saw firsthand everything I was learning in class. This stage gave me the tools to take my first steps into the industry.Meeting Guillermo Guichal at EAMTAI met Guillermo Guichal at the EAMTA conference, and everything changed.

We started exchanging ideas about electronics and technology, losing track of time. At that moment, I didn't realize it, but that conversation led me directly to Bariloche with amazing projects. The connections we build in the tech world make all the difference in our careers. A coffee and a chat can turn your professional story around.

  • Guillermo's mentorship: Guillermo's teachings transformed my perspective on work. His unique way of thinking about technology and innovation pushed me to break the mold. 

His advice on project development gave me the momentum to join EmTech. With him, I learned that together we go further, and we never stop growing. His ideas became embedded in my professional DNA.

Moving to Bariloche: A Decisive Change

I moved to Bariloche, and my life took a complete turn. It wasn't easy to leave Bahía Blanca, my friends, and all the moments I had lived there. 

Nerves and excitement mixed as I packed my things. I had a knot in my stomach, but also a smile thinking about everything new that was to come.

  • EmTech as a new chapter: Life in Bariloche led me straight to EmTech, and it couldn't have been better. This step completely transformed my professional path. In this team, I found passionate people who loved to innovate and work together.

My time here made me grow so much that I can't imagine being anywhere else in the tech world.Experience at EmTech: Challenges and LessonsI started at EmTech in the RF laboratory at Invap.

The first few months were tough – the jump from university to the real world wasn't easy. I immersed myself in hands-on work and discovered that books only prepare you up to a point. The reality of daily life in the lab taught me more than any theoretical class.

  • Practical learning: I had to set up secondary radars. This stage opened doors to bigger projects. I had to master sophisticated equipment while working with people from different areas. 

I honed my knowledge in electronics and coding. Every obstacle I overcame strengthened me for the next steps.Working in Invap's RF LaboratoryIn Invap's RF lab, I got my hands dirty with the installation and testing of equipment. You can't imagine how meticulous you need to be at every step of the process. Precision makes the difference between success and failure of systems.

I mastered the use of specialized instruments and followed protocols to the letter. All of this transformed my professional outlook.Developing a Stem Cell BioreactorThe stem cell bioreactor is transforming modern medicine. I managed to replicate the exact conditions of the maternal womb to multiply stem cells. The results are incredible for treating bone marrow cancer and other complex medical conditions.

  • Designing the bioreactor: My work with the bioreactor advanced step by step. I started by designing the electronic boards and then dove into programming the embedded software. Technical challenges arose when seeking precise control over temperature and gases. 

Designing Electronic Boards and ProgrammingThe design of the bioreactor's electronic boards led me into meticulous work. I relied on Altium Designer and KiCad to create the schematics and layouts. I couldn’t afford to make a mistake – even the smallest error would alter the entire operation. Selecting each component required detailed analysis to achieve the best performance of the system.

  • Software development: The embedded software part tested my technical limits. I managed to make the bioreactor's hardware and software work together using C and Python to handle sensors and actuators. Initially, the modules didn’t communicate well, but my team helped me find solutions. 

Overcoming Imposter SyndromeDuring the development of the stem cell bioreactor, imposter syndrome kept creeping in. I didn’t feel enough, and I thought my knowledge wasn't up to par. My productivity dropped, and I lost confidence in myself. Doubts about my technical abilities kept surfacing. I struggled to recognize my own merits and progress.

  • Support from the team: My team became my support network to overcome these tough moments. Their constructive feedback opened my eyes to my real contributions. Hearing that others had gone through similar situations made me feel understood. 

The team dynamics they created strengthened our professional bonds. With their backing, I regained confidence in my abilities.

Reflections on the Journey

My professional path has completely transformed me. Every step, from university to various job roles, has taught me something new. 

I deeply value all the stages because they each added something unique to my formation. Looking back, I better understand the highs and lows of this journey.

  • Gratitude for my mentors: My team and mentors have been crucial in guiding my professional journey. Their advice and support pushed me beyond my comfort zone.

    Thanks to them, I was able to achieve goals that seemed distant. Their teachings helped me grow and strengthen. Having them by my side has been invaluable throughout this journey.