Crafting a New Future: Giuliana Ciccarino’s Path to Becoming a Brewmaster

When Giuliana Ciccarino immigrated to the United States from Brazil she had to restart her life from scratch. “The most challenging part of this transition was waiting for all the necessary documentation,” said Giuliana. 

In Brazil, she worked at a brewery in the QA/QC lab, which solidified her desire to become a brewmaster. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, she applied to the online UC Davis Master Brewers Certificate Program to make her dreams come true. The program played a crucial role in helping her achieve her goals, and served as a lifeline during her transition to the U.S. “The program kept me engaged and productive until I became a legal resident and was authorized to work.” 

Today, she works for AleSmith Brewing Company in San Diego, California. “I had hoped that this program would lead me to my first job in the U.S.,” says Giuliana. “It certainly did! Completing the program carried significant weight during my job interview.” 

Why are you passionate about brewing? 

Beer unites people. Being able to make a product that historically brings humans together and makes them share stories, celebrate moments and connect on a deeper level is truly remarkable. Crafting beer is not just about the final product; it's about the journey, the community and the experiences that it fosters. 

Did you have any concerns going into the program about how well you could actually “learn brewing” online? 

I was uncertain about the level of qualification I would achieve by the end of the program to perform a job in a brewery. While technical knowledge complements practical skills, it does not replace them. However, applying the extensive knowledge gained from the program has equipped me with the capabilities to succeed in the industry. 

What opportunities did you have to connect with instructors and other learners in the program? 

The program fully immerses you in the world of brewing. Since I started, I've been thinking about brewing every single day, which keeps me highly engaged. The required literature consists of excellent books that deepen your understanding of the brewing process, while the lectures provide guidance and clarify any complex points. 

The instructors were always available to us, both through weekly Zoom meetings and email, which was incredibly helpful. They consistently provided feedback, and the online meetings were filled with shared experiences, making them truly valuable. 

I greatly appreciated our class interactions on Canvas and the mutual support we offered each other through a private Slack channel. It created a collaborative and supportive learning environment. 

What did you find most valuable about the program? 

The People. There are numerous brewing programs available, but they are not taught by the same instructors. All the instructors are distinguished professionals in the industry. I researched many institutions and, once I started the program, I understood why the UC Davis program was the most highly recommended. Plus, you can take the course from anywhere in the world. I was able to establish a network of contacts both within the U.S. and internationally. It was exceptional! 

How do you feel the program helped improve your brewing knowledge? 

I have undoubtedly become a better professional. The program opens your mind, allowing you to understand every detail within a brewery. This is crucial because brewing is a combination of art and science, and sometimes it's not precise and presents you with new situations. To troubleshoot and navigate these challenges, you need that technical knowledge. 

Why did you choose to participate in the in-person bootcamp and what was the experience like? 

I truly wanted to get to know everyone I was working with throughout the program! While we communicated a lot via text and saw each other on Zoom, actually getting to meet everyone in-person was a genuinely warm experience. 

And, of course, I was eager to spend some time brewing alongside experienced and highly capable people in the impressive facilities at UC Davis. 

What are your plans for the future? 

I am a curious individual, and the brewing industry is rich with unknowns and opportunities for research. I will continue to educate myself and improve as I grow within the industry and, perhaps one day, contribute to its improvement, whether by making processes more efficient, easier or more environmentally friendly.