Oscar Ortega Garduño, a MSc Audio Engineering graduate, has transitioned from studying electronics and telecommunication engineering to making a significant impact in the audio industry. His focus on audio electronics and real-time processing led him to roles at Music Tribe, where he contributed to the Behringer Synth Suite Bundle, and currently at KEF as a Senior Software Engineer. Oscar’s journey reflects his passion for continuous learning and his drive to apply cutting-edge software techniques to the development of innovative audio products. His career trajectory is a testament to the practical and academic skills fostered at Derby.
Oscar Ortega Garduño, Class of 2021
Hometown:
Mexico City
Current location:
Nottingham
Current job + employer:
Senior Software Engineer, KEF
What did you do/study prior to coming to Derby?
Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
Why did you choose to go to the University of Derby?
Great availability and selection of course, Wide experience from lecturers and staff.
Did you start the course with a specific focus or were you undecided?
Yes. Understand more about the electronics for audio components and processing it with software.
Did that focus change on the course? If so, how?
No. It did not change, it just became wider.
Has that focus changed on graduating? If so, how?
Not really. I have been using the knowledge and increasing my understanding.
What was the most useful thing you learned on the course?
Researching tools, know the best places to find the information and novel methods. Also software techniques for real-time audio processing.
What did you learn on the course that you thought you’d never use, but that has come in handy during your career?
I think, understanding more deeply how the electronic components work. It has been useful in replicating and debugging some functionalities of electronic components in software.
What was your favourite establishment in Derby (pub, bar, club, restaurant, etc.)?
The Greyhound
What is your most memorable moment from Derby?
When I was finishing the dissertation viva voce, it was stressful, but a friendly chat about great topics and possible ideas to develop.
What/who at Derby most influenced your life, and how/why?
All lecturers, Adam, Bruce, Mark, Jon. How they explain and share their love and knowledge for audio engineering is easy to follow and understand. They have a broad experience in the industry and academic fields.
What would you say to a Derby first year student, knowing what you know now?
Enjoy every day of your time at Derby Uni. Use all the facilities and try to understand how each piece of equipment works. Lecturers and staff are always super helpful and open to pointing you to the right direction.
What have you done professionally since graduating?
I spent a few months as a software engineer for Logistics. However, that was not my primary goal. After a few months of looking for a job in the audio industry, I joined Music Tribe as an Audio Application Engineer, where I was involved in the design and development of software for synthesisers and the Behringer Synth Suite Bundle. I then moved to KEF, where I’ve been working as a senior software engineer.
What is your most memorable moment from your career so far?
I enjoy each day of work. It has been a great experience because I learn something new daily, and I am available to contribute to a small software team developing exciting products.
What are your future career plans/ambitions?
Just keep learning and enjoying the audio industry.