HR Student Spotlights: 2024 Fall

Where is your hometown?
I am from Little Elm, TX.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I always knew I wanted to be a business major; however, I was unsure of which path to take. When searching for a major to pursue, I wanted a career with diverse opportunities and significance in the workplace, and that led me to HR. I am thrilled I found this major because it is exactly what I was looking for.
How has the HR Program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals?
After declaring my major, I was excited to learn more about HR. I had always been told that HR handles hiring, firing, and enforcing company policies. However, being in the HR program at UNT has shown me that there is so much more to HR. It involves employee engagement, payroll administration, benefits, and much more.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
As an HR professional, the most important things are to document everything and remain neutral. We are not there to manage the employees but to coach the managers on how to manage them. Documenting everything and keeping detailed notes of situations can help ensure you are protecting both yourself and the company.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
When I first transferred to UNT, I set a personal goal to make the Dean’s List every semester, and I have achieved it so far. Last semester, I made the President’s List, which has been my greatest academic accomplishment.
Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
I did not complete an HR internship over the summer, but I have a part-time job as a front desk receptionist at a chiropractic office, where I have worked for almost two years. This job has taught me many valuable lessons and allowed me to improve my customer service and communication skills. It has also prepared me to handle the unexpected.
What are your career aspirations?
When I graduate in December, I would love to start off my career as an HR Generalist. Over the course of my career, I would like to work my way up to HR Director.
If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.
I joined UNT SHRM last semester, and it has been a wonderful experience. It has allowed me to network with other HR majors and find a sense of community at the university. I have participated in fundraising and volunteer activities, and being part of UNT SHRM has helped me develop my networking skills and gain confidence in my abilities.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?
I strongly recommend joining UNT SHRM as soon as possible as it offers many opportunities for growth and development. Another important piece of advice is to get comfortable with networking because it can be the key difference in your success.

Where is your hometown?
I am from Fort Worth, Texas.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I wanted a career where I can help people in any way that I can, and HR satisfies that need.
How has the HR Program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals?
The HR program at UNT helped elevate me as an HR professional in a variety of ways. I was able to acquire knowledge on HR policies, and really understand what HR is all about. The HR program has also helped me develop skills that I was lacking previously, such as speaking and presentation skills.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
The most important thing that I learned in the HR program is to put yourself out there and connect with others. Networking is important in any major/program but connecting with people and developing interpersonal skills is extremely important in the HR world.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
I believe my greatest academic achievement would be when I was selected to be on the President’s List in 2023. I believe that it really showcased all my hard work that I have done in my undergraduate years. I tend to put myself on the short end of the stick when it comes to achievements and getting on that list showed me personally that I am deserving.
Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
I have completed my HR internship at GBCS Group, a fleet management company in Calgary, Alberta, in Canada. I was able to successfully complete my internship remotely.

Some key takeaways that I have gathered from my internship would be:
- Don’t be afraid to share your ideas freely
- Use effective communication for an efficient process
- Collaborative teamwork is important to be successful
What are your career aspirations?
My career aspirations would be to first get an entry-level HR job and work from the bottom of a great company and move up to the top to grow personally and professionally. My main goal is to be happy working at every level and company.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?
My advice to future HR students would be not to be afraid of making mistakes and putting yourself out there. Human Resources is all about humanity and creating connections. To build those connections, have conversations and allow yourself to grow.

Where is your hometown?
I am from Lewisville, TX.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I decided to pursue a degree in HR because I loved the fact that you have the influence to support and benefit employees through different areas in HR! Whether you specialize in talent acquisition, benefits, compensation, employee relations, etc., you have a direct impact on the experiences of associates.
How has the HR Program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals?
Pursuing my degree at UNT was a great choice for me. I was originally pursuing a career in teaching for most of my college career and decided halfway through junior year to switch my major to HR Management. The transition into the Ryan College of Business and the HR Program was seamless! I have gotten so much support over the years from my professors, and I have had access to so many opportunities to network and learn more about the HR space from being a member of UNT SHRM during my junior year, as well as the classes I have taken over the years.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
The most important thing I’ve learned in the HR program is strategies to best align HR policy and practices with organizational goals. An organization cannot achieve its goals without supporting its people.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
My greatest achievement has been the improvement in my confidence, especially in the workplace! I struggled with public speaking and especially the feeling of imposter syndrome. By forcing myself out of my comfort zone both in school and during my internship, I have grown so much more confident in myself and my abilities. I have opened the door to many opportunities for myself.
Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
I completed my internship at Fidelity Investments during Summer 2024. I was in a Project Coordinator role where I was able to gain hands-on experience with early and mid-career programs for Operations associates. The biggest takeaway I learned through that experience was the importance of collaboration and the coming together of ideas. In program development, as well as any other area of HR, it is so important to learn from others and exchange ideas.
What are your career aspirations?
I will be returning to Fidelity next summer as an HR Associate in the HR rotational program! This is a two-year program consisting of four six-month rotations across various areas of HR. I will graduate from the program and be placed in a final role that leverages all the experience I will gain. I am excited to learn how to grow my strengths and continue to build my HR knowledge!
If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.
I was a member of UNT’s SHRM chapter for two semesters. It was extremely beneficial for me because I was able to learn from and connect with HR professionals beyond the classroom. For example, I was able to represent the chapter at an HR Legal Symposium event where there was a discussion of different legal and ethical issues in HR. There are so many other great opportunities the organization offers students to get involved and learn more about HR!
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?
Network, network…and network some more! The saying that “it is who you know” is very true. My biggest piece of advice is to reach out of your comfort zone whenever possible and continue developing your soft skills and personal brand. Go to the career fairs, student organization meetings, or networking events that UNT offers. You never know who you might meet that could build connections to help you in the future. And of course, never lose your passion for HR. Soak up all the knowledge you can about the HR field while you are a student!

Where is your hometown?
Rowlett, TX
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I'm pursuing a degree in Human Resources because it's a crucial element of any organization. I want to contribute to creating a positive work environment. I enjoy meeting new people and helping others whenever I can. I also love the variety in this field, knowing that each day could bring something different. My role could involve employee hiring and training, managing compensation and benefits, or working with information systems. Lastly, I want to help solve problems as they arise.
How has the HR Program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals?
The HR program at UNT has significantly helped me achieve my personal, academic, and professional goal of securing at least one internship. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Cathy Westurn for providing a list of HR internships that I used to secure my position while enrolled in her MGMT 3860 HR Management class. I would also like to thank both UNT SHRM advisors, Mariya Gavrilova Aguilar and Erin Welch, for their continuous guidance and support throughout this journey.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
To take advantage of all the opportunities offered to students in the program.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
Completing two summer internships has been one of my greatest accomplishments. The process of finding an internship was discouraging at times, but I persevered until I secured one! These experiences will have a significant positive impact on my career, as they solidified my interest in HR and demonstrated how I can make a difference in the workplace by utilizing my skills. I was also able to apply what I learned at UNT in a practical setting. During these internships, I learned from various accomplished professionals while building my network. Additionally, I formed long-lasting friendships with co-workers, and we still catch up and encourage one another.
Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
I had the pleasure of completing internships at Volvo Group in summer 2023 and Caterpillar Inc. during summer 2024. Some key takeaways I learned include never being afraid to ask questions, maintaining a positive attitude, and taking initiative to complete assigned tasks.
What are your career aspirations?
I aspire to contribute to the employee relations and learning and development functions of HR while positively impacting the workplace. I am passionate about creating a positive and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their background.
If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.
I served as the Director of Chapter Information Systems for two semesters with UNT SHRM. I tracked attendance and participation records. I also had the privilege of participating in the 2023 Purdue HR Case Competition & Conference, hosted by Purdue University. During the event, my team and I presented strategic solutions for a case study provided by the sponsoring organization. The conference also gave me the opportunity to meet various HR professionals and students from different universities. UNT SHRM has helped me prepare for my career by allowing me to develop my leadership skills, network with professionals, attend conferences, and connect with like-minded HR students.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?
My advice to future HR students is to get involved and not be afraid to ask for help. Get to know your peers—you never know what connections you might make. Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there. There are many opportunities available for students, so always be open to new possibilities.

Where is your hometown?
Valley View, TX
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
After being introduced to the HR field in a previous career, I saw the great potential in HR. There are a variety of roles to choose from such as working directly with employees, working with data, or managing a team. I love how dynamic the HR field is because each role is unique and there is so much to learn.
How has the HR Program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals?
The HR courses at UNT have been a great aid in laying the fundamental basics of HR. The wonderful professors in UNT's HR program helped guide my eager pursuits of more advanced concepts. Dr. Aguilar, Professor Welch, and Professor Westurn have all been amazing instructors. They have taken the time to meet with me and provided additional resources for questions that I have had.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
The most important thing I learned about HR is that the field is changing every day. Change can occur from a new law, new technology, culture development, or environmental shifts. It is important to stay up to date with new changes as they can have dramatic impact on how processes are performed.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
My greatest academic accomplishment was representing UNT in the Texas SHRM 2024 Case Competition. It was a unique experience to be one of four students representing UNT and being able to compete against such amazing students from universities across the state.
What is the most rewarding part about working in HR?
Every day there is a new problem to solve. There is never a dull day in HR.
In your experience, what makes a successful HR professional?
Being creative/resourceful. There are so many things that HR professionals have to create and fix on a daily basis. A solution that worked for one situation may not work in another similar situation. The better and more quickly an HR professional can think outside the box, the better they will be in their role.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?
Network with HR professionals and organizations outside of UNT. There is so much more to HR than what is covered in the coursework. I learned so much about different areas of HR through professional organizations such as SHRM and the North Texas Compensation Association (NTCA). It is a great time to connect with these recourses while you are at UNT so that you are familiar with them when you graduate. You will be able to meet many people who can provide information and opportunities to you post-graduation.

Where is your hometown?
Carrollton, Texas
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
Growing up, my mother emphasized the importance of four things: Dependability, Empathy, Patience, and Mindfulness. There wasn’t much hesitation when deciding to pursue a degree in Human Resources because I feel as though being taught these principles at a young age has allowed me to relate with others at a high level.
How has the HR Program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals?
The HR program has played a vital role in my academic success since transferring to UNT in 2021. Words truly cannot explain how grateful I am for all the advice I have received from the same professors that have provided a great learning experience for me as well. Not only are the professors very attentive and resourceful, but the university has also provided endless opportunities to strengthen my network.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
I’ve learned many great things through the HR program so it can be somewhat of a challenge when looking to narrow it down to what seemed to have been the most important thing as they were all very valuable. Specifically, I enjoyed learning about the extensiveness of Payroll and Compliance Management as I was most eager to learn more about those areas of Human Resources.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
One of my greatest academic and professional accomplishments has been serving as the Vice President of UNT SHRM during my senior year. This role was a significant milestone in my journey and provided me with invaluable experiences and insights into the field of Human Resource Management. This role not only enhanced my understanding of HR but also reinforced my passion for the field. It solidified my career aspirations and enabled the confidence and expertise needed to pursue advanced opportunities in this field. The skills and knowledge I gained as Vice President have been invaluable in shaping my approach to HR challenges and have prepared me for a successful career in the industry.
What are your career aspirations?
Upon graduating I intend on pursuing my Master’s degree through UNT’s Management Consulting Cohort MBA Program in the Fall of 2025 where I hope to learn more about the way in which organizations within an industry interact with one another. I hope these two areas of study can enhance my career and allow me to provide great expertise in organizational development.
If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for industry
I am very grateful to have been advised to join SHRM my junior year. I am a firm believer in surrounding myself with like-minded people and it was amazing to have been surrounded with people with similar interests as me. I learned a lot about Human Resources in its entirety from the perspective of various HR professionals. My senior year I was elected as Vice President of UNT SHRM where I collaborated with Dr. Aguilar, Professor Welch, and fellow officers in assuring the efficiency of chapter operations and member engagement.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?
I would strongly emphasize how beneficial networking can be as students continue their education. I learned a lot from my professors, and throughout my time at UNT, I learned a lot from my classmates as well. You begin to recognize how many of your classmates share similar aspirations and experiences as you, and I feel as though being able to relate to others can be reassuring when navigating through college.

Where is your hometown?
I am originally from Lancaster, Texas. It is located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I decided to pursue a degree in Human Resources because I am passionate about helping others find their desired career and working within the legal aspect of the field. This career path allows me to be the spokesperson between employees, management, and the company itself, while also ensuring legal compliance.
How has the HR Program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals?
The HR program at UNT has helped me significantly to achieve both my academic and professional goals. Our professors are genuinely invested in our growth, making sure that we’re aware of the resources and opportunities available to us. They also align our coursework to prepare us for real-world scenarios, ensuring that we are ready for the next step after graduation.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
The most important takeaway I have learned from our HR program is how to understand and apply various laws and regulations established to protect employees in the workplace.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
My proudest academic achievement has been making the President’s List and Dean’s List numerous times while attending UNT. My mother instilled the value of having good grades in me from a young age. Therefore, I’ve always made it a priority to excel in my studies.
Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
I completed my internship with Safran Seats in Gainesville, Texas, and had a fantastic experience with the HR team. They were welcoming, polite, and always very helpful. I gained valuable knowledge in various areas of Human Resources, and my biggest takeaway was the importance of monitoring and adapting to changes in industry.
What are your career aspirations?
My long-term career aspiration is to become the Human Resource Manager for a company with nationwide locations where I will have the opportunity to travel to different branches for professional meetings and to recruit employees.
If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for industry
I joined the UNT SHRM organization last semester and greatly appreciated the exposure we had to connect with other HR professionals. Returning as a member this semester has allowed me to have a more realistic understanding into what a career in human resources would look like. My involvement in UNT SHRM has helped me prepare for the industry by participation in the networking events and workshops to strengthen my professional skills.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?
I would recommend getting involved early and stepping outside their comfort zone. By joining HR related student organizations and attending networking events, students can build a support system with classmates and professors, as well as gain the opportunity to connect with industry professionals.

Where is your hometown?
I currently reside in Haslet, TX.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I decided to pursue a degree in HR because it incorporates a wide range of disciplines, including management, business, law, and people engagement. The versatility of this degree is appealing to me, as it would allow me to work with various aspects of a business organization while keeping people at the forefront. I genuinely enjoy engaging with others and thrive in environments that foster continuous learning. Therefore, I believe a degree in Human Resource Management is a perfect match for my interests and aspirations.
How has the HR Program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals?
UNT's amazing support system, including my UNT SHRM advisors, has played an important role in my success. They've offered encouragement, guidance, and opportunities to connect with industry professionals. Additionally, the opportunity to attend career fairs on campus has been incredibly beneficial. These events have allowed me to practice my networking skills and gain confidence in approaching prospective employers, ultimately leading to valuable connections and potential job opportunities.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
The most important thing I've learned throughout the program is the understanding that HR is not just about administrative tasks, but about strategically aligning people and processes to achieve organizational success. I’ve gained the understanding that it’s not simply about hiring, and processing payroll. It's about fostering a positive work environment, developing talent, ensuring that employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their best. It's about understanding business goals and translating them into effective HR strategies that support those objectives.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
My greatest accomplishment has been successfully balancing the roles of being a UNT SHRM officer, full-time student taking seven classes, and a mom of two young girls, all while maintaining a high GPA. While it was a busy period, I gained critical skills in time management, delegation, and prioritization. Most importantly, I learned to assertively set boundaries and say "no" when necessary, without feeling guilty.
Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
I completed my internship with Dollar General at the distribution center in Fort Worth. One of my biggest takeaways from this internship was experiencing the company's amazing culture firsthand. It truly made going to work each day enjoyable. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive, and I always felt like my ideas were valued and heard. It was such a positive and motivating environment to learn and grow in.
What are your career aspirations?
The most rewarding part about working in HR is the ability to align HR initiatives with the overall business strategy. Helping employees develop their skills, and achieve their goals, plus being able to create a workplace where people feel valued and empowered is an extremely rewarding feeling. Additionally, contributing to the success of the organization by attracting and retaining top talent, developing effective leaders, and creating a high-performing workforce is also a great source of satisfaction.
In your experience, what makes a successful HR professional?
In my opinion, successful HR professionals require strong interpersonal skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. These abilities are essential for fostering positive relationships and preventing issues from escalating, especially given their constant interaction with individuals across all organizational levels. Additionally, possessing strong analytical skills is important for contributing to the business plan by aligning HR strategies with the company's objectives.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?
My advice to future HR students is to actively engage in the UNT community by joining student organizations like UNT SHRM, attending HR-related events and workshops, and visiting the Career Center for resume and cover letter assistance. I believe the most valuable advice I can offer is to actively cultivate relationships with your professors, advisors, and classmates. These connections can provide extremely helpful support, guidance, and even future opportunities. Additionally, don't shy away from stepping outside your comfort zone. If you're naturally introverted, consider partnering with an extroverted classmate; it can be a great way to expand your network and gain confidence in new situations.