MEET OUR GRADUATES: Frederick Torres, CIS Whiz

He’s not an athlete but, from an academic standpoint, 23-year-old Frederick Torres is a world-class sprinter. As a student, he has already interned at a major financial firm – Citizens Bank, had a finance internship at a law firm – Darrow Everett LLP and is employed by Apple Providence Place as a tech specialist.

Torres credits RIC for turning him onto computer information systems (CIS), a major that combines his knack for finance with his love for technology. When asked which he prefers, Torres says:

“Apple is a technology company. Citizens is a financial business. I can do business at Apple and I can do technology at Citizens. One skill really doesn’t exclude the other.”

And job prospects are good for graduates with CIS degrees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary is around $169,510.

Along with his strong work ethic (juggling two jobs while going to school full time), Torres has a deep desire to be of service to others.

“I guess you could say I’m a helper by default,” he says. “People come to me a lot for help and I never say no to anybody. Even if I don’t have time, I try to make time.

“I’m the technology person in my family. I’m always being called on to help family members with technology, whether it’s installing software or explaining how to use an application on their phone. 

“But I didn’t realize how passionate I was about tech until I went to work for Apple. It was the first time I said I really liked something. I’ve always been good at business but I’m passionate about technology. Being able to combine something I’m good at with something I’m passionate about is like having the best of both worlds.”

As an Apple tech specialist, Torres’ job is to troubleshoot hardware and software issues.

“I like problem-solving,” he says. “You bring in your device and I run some diagnostics to figure out the problem. If it’s a hardware problem, the technical experts take it from there. I would love to stay with this company. The benefits are crazy – 401K, Roth IRA, Apple stock.”

Other employment options have come through his mentor, RIC Vice President of Administration and Finance Sara Enright, who has introduced him to her own professional network – managers at Fidelity, Amica, Google and a start-up in Boston.

“She’s been my greatest mentor. I owe her everything,” he says.

As Torres looks toward graduation, his academic accomplishments mean even more to his family. He will be the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“I’m first generation. My parents are from the Dominican Republic. Growing up, I didn’t want to go to college. I couldn’t imagine going to college. It was my mom who really got me here. That’s one thing I tell everyone: ‘I’m a mama’s boy by default. Whatever makes her happy, I’ll do it.’ One day she said to me with a smile, ‘Why don’t you go to college?’ I’d do anything to keep that smile going.”

What’s next for Torres? “With a CIS degree, the doors are wide open,” he says. “You could say I’m almost fearless. I feel like I can go anywhere. And I’m ready. I’m up for the next challenge.”

Learn more about RIC’s B.S. in computer information systems.

Also see “Transferring to RIC Was Seamless, Says Frederick Torres.”