Uber Career Prep: Software Engineering Fellowship Program

EMEA 2024

"After 5 workshops, I became so comfortable with algorithm questions that I even surprised myself. I went from being afraid to attempt them to feeling curious and excited about figuring out how to solve any problem in front of me. I learned so much from the amazing guest speakers and walked away inspired and full of new ideas.

The meetings I had with my mentor were also incredibly meaningful to me. They were a safe, supportive space where I could openly share my fears, doubts, and even mistakes, knowing I was being heard by someone who genuinely cared and wanted to help."

NAMER 2022

"I entered college unsure of my true interests—so much so that I explored four different majors—until my first computer science class sparked a passion for programming. Switching into CS was exciting, but it also brought imposter syndrome.

That’s when UCP stepped in. Through personalized mentorship and hands-on workshops, UCP helped me build both technical expertise and self-confidence. With that support, I dove into hackathons, research projects, advanced machine learning courses, and full-stack web development—each experience fueling my growth. Today, I’m proud to call myself a Software Engineer at Uber, doing what once felt out of reach."

LATAM 2022

"One of my favorite moments was a quote from an Uber employee during a self-marketing workshop. She asked, “What is something you have that no one else in the world does?” Her answer: “Your story.” UCP participants come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences across the globe, contributing to a culturally rich and diverse cohort to learn from and lean on."

EMEA 2024

"Find your community: Surround yourself with peers who help you feel like you belong and support the identity shift that comes with a career transition. They’ll offer not just encouragement, but also valuable advice and opportunities for growth. Community truly is one of your greatest strengths.

And don’t be afraid to leap before you’re ready: Step into hackathons, discussions, and rooms where you might not feel like you fit in—yet. Don’t let the fear of not being “ready” keep you from showing up. Every experience, including setbacks, is a chance to learn. The more you embrace the discomfort of growth, the more confident and resilient you’ll become."

NAMER 2018

""Impact isn’t solely technical at the start! Supporting tasks like documentation, report generation, or even administrative work can leave a positive impression on senior team members as you build your skills and get up to speed."

NAMER 2018

"It's amazing to see how quickly and widely the program has grown. When I started, there were about 14 fellows, all from the US. Now, fellows from around the world are participating. I even run into people in the hallways who’ve gone through the program. The supportsystem is incredible.

To my younger self, I’d say: drive is incredibly important. Ask lots of questions, and always stay engaged."

LATAM 2021

"I loved meeting the other Brazilians in my cohort. We supported each other emotionally and technically throughout the journey, from mock interviews to sharing resources.

My advice for others is to invest intentionally in communication—not just in English, but in how you present yourself, tell your story, and highlight the unique perspective you bring with confidence.

One standout program moment was a nearly one-on-one conversation with Uber's CEO where I had the chance to ask direct questions and learn from leaders who continue to inspire me at Uber."

NAMER 2019

"UCP’s structured mentorship and supportive community offered personalized guidance that refined my skills, clarified my goals, and deepened my understanding of growth in tech. It opened doors, expanded my career opportunities, and strengthened my abilities—leaving me more prepared and confident in my professional journey."

NAMER 2023

"Meeting former UCP alumni was one of my favorite parts of the program. Learning from their experiences, whether in UCP, college, or post-grad life, was incredibly valuable. I appreciated their honesty in sharing both successes and challenges.

During UCP, I picked up the habit of jotting down two or three things that went well each day, no matter how small. On overwhelming days, looking back at those notes helps ground me and reminds me that I’m still making progress, even when it doesn’t feel that way."