Background

Sam Vazquez  ·  Portfolio

Summary

Computer Science student at DePaul University with a passion for technology, design, and creative problem solving. Experienced in both customer-facing and technical environments, with a background spanning food service, graphic design, and software development. Proficient in multiple programming languages and Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong eye for visual communication developed through years of hands-on design work. Eager to bring a blend of technical skill and creative thinking to opportunities in tech, UX, or design.

Experience

Panda Express — Crew Member

4140 N Harlem Ave, Norridge, IL 60706
2025 — Present

Delivered fast and friendly customer service in a high-volume fast-casual environment. Cross-trained and operated efficiently across both the front and back of house, including the service line, cashier, food prep, and kitchen stations. Maintained food quality and safety standards while supporting the team through strong communication and a positive attitude.

Chipotle Mexican Grill — Crew Member

4657 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
August 2023 — Present

Delivered exceptional customer service in a high-volume, fast-paced environment, creating a welcoming and positive experience for all guests. Prepared fresh, high-quality food in accordance with health, safety, and quality standards. Cross-trained and operated efficiently across multiple stations including grill, prep, cashier, salsa, and expo. Supported overall store operations through effective communication, collaboration, and teamwork. Actively contributed to Chipotle's mission of serving real, sustainable food to the community.

BTEC — Graphic Design Intern

3942 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
June 2022 — August 2022
Visit BTEC on Facebook

Worked as a graphic design intern gaining hands-on experience with Adobe Photoshop to create and edit visual assets. Focused on typography and creating visual effects, developing a strong eye for layout, hierarchy, and design aesthetics. Contributed to projects that supported the organization's creative and community outreach goals.

Mariano's — Clerk

1900 S Cumberland Ave, Park Ridge, IL 60068
August 2021 — August 2023

Provided outstanding customer service both in-store and through the online order pickup program. Bagged groceries with care and efficiency, assisted customers with loading orders, and maintained a clean and safe store environment. Selected and assembled online orders with attention to freshness, accuracy, and special instructions. Supported store operations by restocking shelves, handling seasonal displays, collecting carts, and ensuring cleanliness inside and outside the store. Demonstrated core company values including integrity, respect, inclusion, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Certifications

Adobe Certified Professional — Photoshop

Adobe Certified Professional Certificate

Earned through a graphic design program at William Howard Taft High School. This certification demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Photoshop including image editing, compositing, typography, and visual effects.

Skills

Languages & Syntax

Python — 2 years
JavaScript — 2 years
HTML — 2 years
C++ — 1 year
Bash — 1 year

Game Engines & Tools

Unreal Engine — 1 year

Creative Software

Adobe Photoshop — 5+ years
Adobe Premiere Pro — 5+ years
Adobe Illustrator — 1 year

Soft Skills

Team Leadership  ·  Customer Service  ·  Adaptability  ·  Problem Solving  ·  Creative Thinking  ·  Technical Communication  ·  UI/UX Thinking  ·  Game Design  ·  AI Prompt Engineering  ·  Technical Documentation  ·  Attention to Detail  ·  Self-Motivated

Hobbies & Interests

Outside of tech I stay active by biking the long trails around Chicago — there is no better way to explore the city than on two wheels. I am also a self-described novice cook, slowly working my way up from eggs and bagels to more adventurous recipes. Both hobbies keep me curious, patient, and always learning — qualities that carry over into everything I do.