黑料不打烊

As a technical program manager at YouTube, alumnus Ryan Liu 鈥�07 leads projects that shape how hundreds of millions of users experience gaming content on the platform鈥攁nd he credits his Pacific experience with helping prepare him for the impactful role.

鈥淧acific allowed me to become a well-rounded engineering professional,鈥� said Liu, who double majored in electrical engineering and engineering management. 鈥淚t鈥檚 because of that foundation of liberal arts, coupled with the technical aspects, that I was able to go into the workforce and continue to improve myself.鈥�

Liu started working at YouTube in 2020 and now oversees a team focused on GTX鈥攇aming, teens and extended reality. He collaborates with engineers, designers, product managers, researchers and data scientists. He also works on developing cutting-edge features like interactive 鈥済aming recaps鈥� and 鈥減layables鈥濃�攎ini-games you can play directly in the YouTube app.

As a student at Pacific, Liu explored both the technical and business sides of engineering. Through the School of Engineering and Computer Science鈥檚 CO-OP program, he worked at Calpine Energy as a plant engineer and completed a second internship in Japan at Daiwabo Polytec, a manufacturing company, where he helped develop advanced synthetic fibers. 

鈥淔iguring out how to navigate that environment by living, working and adapting in another country was an important part of being able to shape my skills for the better,鈥� Liu said.

He attributes much of his growth to the close mentorship he received at Pacific, especially from his adviser, Professor Abel Fernandez, who taught project management. 

鈥淚 credit him for basically getting my first job out of Pacific because of his support and coaching,鈥� Liu said, adding that he referenced the project management textbook from Fernandez鈥檚 class long after graduating. 

Working in a fast-moving industry, Liu emphasized that learning to think critically, communicate effectively and approach problems from multiple angles, has made the biggest difference in his career.

鈥淲e鈥檙e in a world now where the pressure to specialize is so high,鈥� Liu said. He compares it to San Francisco鈥檚 Millennium Tower, which has tilted over time due to foundational issues. 

鈥淪tudents who jump into investing so much time and money to specialize in one thing without building that crucial liberal arts foundation are like the sinking tower,鈥� Liu explained. 鈥淭he short-term benefits are there, but the shortcuts will catch up to you.鈥� 

His advice for students considering a future in tech is to be curious and embrace change. 鈥淪eek out opportunities to learn and grow, even if they take you outside your comfort zone,鈥� Liu said. 鈥淎nd never underestimate the value of a well-rounded education.鈥�