Student Profiles

Joshua Batres

Hometown: Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
Anticipated graduation year: 2022
Degree: BA in business and BA in engineering science

Why did you choose the University of Rochester?

It was one of the few universities in the US that offered a supporting environment to international students, and as I found more about the university, visited and really liked the look I saw in the eyes of students here. It was my childhood dream to attend university in the US in hopes of helping Mexico and rest of the Americas move forward.

Why did you choose to major in business?

I started as a chemical engineering major, with a major interest in clean energy and water. I joined Engineers Without Borders at the University of Rochester and as I worked hands-on on a water chlorination project at the Dominican Republic, I slowly began to notice that not all issues are technical. During the summer I interned with an AZ based start up, FLI Right, that recycles plastic to reduce micro plastic in water, as part of a GCSP Entrepreneurial program by ASU and I really enjoyed the business aspects of managing a project, I came back that fall and added business as a 2nd major.

What has been your favorite undergraduate business course and why?

It was MKT203 Principles of Marketing with Professor John Schloff since the class was very interactive despite being over zoom, and the content was very relevant to a remote internship in marketing that I was doing at the time, so it was an amazing experience being able to see the course content reflect in real life.

What are your activities outside of class?

I am part of the University of Rochester chapter of Engineers Without Borders, and a brother of the Pi Chapter of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. I also work part time as student aid (community policing) for the Department of Public Safety, and marketing assistant for the Hajim School of Engineering. I enjoy dancing salsa / cumbia and swimming.

Have you completed any internships?

I've completed 2 internships so far. During summer of 2018 I worked with a plastic recycling start up in Phoenix, AZ as a product development intern, and the summer / fall of 2020, I interned remotely with an AZ based health IT start up, WaitLess Medical as a marketing and strategy intern. It was great working with start ups and I really enjoyed working in a small and agile team.

What are your career goals?

I'm interested in helping entrepreneurs in Mexico and rest of Latin America and working in the sustainable industry back home eventually. In terms of roles, I intend to get into management eventually, but currently I am interested in project management and operations.

What is your favorite spot on campus? iZone

Starbucks order: Caramel Macchiato

Favorite Rochester restaurant: Dogtown

What has been your go to quarantine outfit? Khakis and a hoodie

What is one positive thing that has come from the pandemic for you?

Re-evaluating my priorities in life and valuing human interaction more.

What is one piece of advice you would tell your past self the summer before starting at UR?

Look up stoicism on Google now, and try to follow it closely throughout the rest of 4 years, also be less materialistic.