Meet our alumni - Zeke Santamaria
Zeke Santamaria is a seasoned DevOps expert with over 20 years of experience in software engineering. His journey in IT began after earning a degree from St. Thomas University in 2009. Though initially focused on infrastructure, Zeke embraced the emerging DevOps methodology in 2013—just a few years after the term was first coined in 2009. Zeke likens DevOps to the “unicorn of software engineering” for its unique ability to integrate software development and infrastructure management seamlessly.
Today, Zeke is a Senior DevOps Software Engineer at Apple, where he spearheads initiatives that bring value to teams through cloud-based DevOps practices. His work emphasizes empowering teams, fostering collaboration, and incorporating modern agile methodologies to support large-scale global projects. When he’s not working at Apple, Zeke is an adventurer at heart—he loves traveling with his family, flying planes, skydiving, SCUBA diving, and cruising on his motorcycle.
Why did you choose to pursue a Master’s in Software Engineering at the University of Minnesota?
After many years working in IT infrastructure, I realized I lacked formal training in software engineering. The MSSE program was attractive for its well-rounded curriculum and networking opportunities. Initially, I was rejected from the program due to my infrastructure-heavy background, but I appealed the decision. Fortunately, Dr. Mike Whalen, the Director of Graduate Studies at the time, gave me a chance.
I was drawn to the MSSE for its diverse set of courses, ranging from project management to mobile app development and cybersecurity—all highly relevant to modern software development. The diversity of expertise among my peers was another key strength of the program. Some were experts in software testing, security, or quality assurance. I, in turn, shared my knowledge of DevOps, which automates code testing and accelerates the deployment process, creating an efficient “factory” for software development. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to apply these DevOps principles at Fortune 500 companies like Target, UnitedHealthcare, and Optum.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far, and how did the MSSE program contribute to it?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the opportunity to work for renowned tech companies. The MSSE program added credibility to my software engineering skills, which helped me secure interviews with companies like Meta and Apple. Ultimately, I accepted a position at Apple, and I believe the MSSE degree played a significant role in validating my expertise.
What mindset does a successful MSSE student need to have?
As an immigrant from Argentina, I learned the importance of decisiveness and stepping outside my comfort zone. To succeed in the MSSE program, you have to fully commit to it. It’s an investment in yourself. This program is for those who thrive on challenges and have a passion for software development.
One of my former instructors, Carlis, called the MSSE program a “joyful struggle,” and I couldn’t agree more. The program is demanding but also immensely rewarding. It offers not only technical skills but also opportunities to build strong professional relationships and networks. For me, the program provided far more value than the effort I put in.