Raul Figueroa is pursuing a degree in business management at Oxnard College while working full-time as a Logistics Manager for Mission Produce, a position that allows him to travel the world. It’s a lot to balance, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Figueroa’s career with Mission Produce started when he took a position as a forklift driver after graduating from high school. He quickly progressed through the organization because of his proficiency with technology and moved from the warehouse floor to the office.
“Taking global trade/business classes and speaking a second language played a big role in my success; this can help others succeed in finding a great position.”
Figueroa is responsible for logistics on avocado imports and exports, which includes everything from arranging freight to negotiating contracts and proposal requests. The position has allowed him to travel across the U.S. and around the world to avocado-producing countries like Mexico and Peru.
He is fluent in Spanish, which has proven extremely helpful on some of those international site visits. He recommends that any student interested in the global trade field take classes in a second language. Figueroa will finish his associate degree at Oxnard College this fall and start his bachelor’s degree at California Lutheran University next semester.
