Arturo came to the University of Oregon as a pre-business major with dreams of becoming a sports agent. But he soon realized his passion lay elsewhere — in writing. He switched to a journalism degree and graduated in 2014. Struggling to secure paid work in that field, however, he began his career as a college advisor at his former high school, followed by a similar role at a nonprofit. 

Arturo then became an admissions counselor for Southern Oregon University and later for Oregon Health & Science University. But helping others pursue their dream jobs made him wonder: “Why am I not doing mine?”

Arturo decided to revive a childhood dream of becoming a police officer, particularly after witnessing the 2020 Almeda Fire. The blaze destroyed much of his hometown of Phoenix and left local law enforcement overwhelmed. Motivated to make a tangible impact, he joined the Oregon State Police, where he has now served as a state trooper for four years.

Drawing on his communication skills and knowledge of the local community, Arturo excels at de-escalating tense situations and fostering trust. He enjoys the ever-changing nature of the job, even with its inherent risks: he recently emerged unscathed after rolling his squad car during a high-speed pursuit. For Arturo, policing is a meaningful way to serve and protect his community, while also demonstrating empathy to people on their worst day.

Q&A with Arturo

“PathwayOregon was such a big help for me as a first-generation college student. I didn’t know what I was doing when I got to UO, but my PathwayOregon advisor was always there to help me figure things out— classes to take, how to navigate financial aid, or just talking through my career goals.

One of the best pieces of advice I got was not to feel pressured to follow a specific path. They encouraged me to study something I enjoyed, journalism, which ended up teaching me important communication skills that would be useful in any career, including policing.”

“It’s OK to ask questions. A lot of times, especially when you’re new at a job, you shy away from asking because you don’t want to seem like you don’t know what you’re doing. But people generally will want to help you.

Now, as a field training officer, I tell my trainees the same thing: ‘If you don’t know something, ask. I’d rather show you how to do it than have you guess and get it wrong.’ Asking questions doesn’t make you look weak; it shows you’re willing to learn and grow. That’s something I wish I’d been more confident about on Day 1."

“Learn from every job interview you have, even the unsuccessful ones. Each interview can teach you something — what questions to expect, how to present yourself, and how to better prepare for the next opportunity.

I’d also say do your research. Look into the company or organization you’re applying to. Learn about their values, the people who might interview you, and the role itself. Knowing some little details that no one else mentions can set you apart.

Interviews are as much about demonstrating your interest in the organization as they are about showcasing your skills. Having that mindset makes a big difference.”

More Pathway to Career Stories

Back to Top