HR Student Spotlights: 2025 Fall

1. Where is your hometown?
   Longview, TX
2. Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
   I have always been a rule follower, but as I took on leadership roles in school and dance, I was fascinated by how and why rules and policies are created. In high school, I had an amazing experience working for my local dance studio. I decided that I wanted to combine my love for rules with my passion for creating a safe and enjoyable workplace.
3. How has the HR Program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals? (specific courses, advice from professors, HR career fairs, etc.)
   The HR Program at UNT has provided an amazing support system in the faculty and students. Our professors are always willing to help, whether we need a letter of recommendation or have a question about whether to get a certification or a master’s degree. I have also found an encouraging community in my fellow HR students.
4. What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
   The most important thing I learned is to always think about the human who will be impacted by the decisions we make and facilitate. The employees of a company are our customers.
5. What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
   My greatest professional accomplishment was successfully completing my internship at Toyota. I was honored to work with them for the summer, and the experience helped me grow as a person and a professional.
6. Where did you complete your internship, and what were some key takeaways from it?
   I completed my internship with Toyota Motor North America at their headquarters in Plano, TX. Some key takeaways were that lateral moves are just as important as promotions, good people and thoughtful benefits foster longevity, and innovation comes from honest but respectful communication and collaboration.
7. What are your career aspirations?
   I aspire to be a recruiter so I can give students the opportunities I have been given.
8. If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for the industry.
   As a member of UNT SHRM, I got to learn from HR professionals about the realities of post-graduation work. I was also exposed to the advantages of SHRM membership and certifications.
9. 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 students is to get involved, whether that means joining UNT SHRM, attending career events, or building relationships with other students because the experience and support you will receive are irreplaceable.

Rylee's LinkedIn

1. Where is your hometown?
   Justin, Texas
2. Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
   My decision was twofold. When my oldest son doubted that he could balance work and college, I decided to enroll to prove it’s possible. As a wife and mom of four (then ages 10–17), I worked full-time while managing family and church responsibilities. I was also lovingly pushed into an HR role by a supervisor and quickly realized that a formal degree was essential to advance and fully embrace the field.
3. How has the HR program at UNT helped you reach your goals?
   The HR program transformed me from someone who processed payroll into a professional with a seat at THE table. When I speak on HR topics, leadership listens because they know my insights are grounded in education and evidence. UNT gave me the knowledge, credibility, and confidence to advocate for people and drive positive change.
4. What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
   HR is truly the bridge between people and strategy. Effective HR decisions are about creating measurable value for both employees and the organization.
5. What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
   My greatest accomplishment is earning my BBA in Human Resource Management while working full-time, raising four children, and staying active in my community. This taught me the power of perseverance, time management, and that I have an AMAZING support system. It also showed my children that education and personal growth are lifelong goals.
6. What is the most rewarding part about working in HR?
   Helping people and advocating for them is the most rewarding part. Whether it’s guiding candidates, ensuring fair pay and benefits, or maintaining compliance, HR impacts lives in meaningful, often unseen ways.
7. In your experience, what makes a successful HR professional?
   A successful HR professional is open-minded and adaptable. While compliance and structure are vital, the best HR leaders know when to apply flexibility, consider different perspectives, and balance empathy with policy.
8. What advice do you have for future HR students at UNT?
   Engage early and connect with your professors and peers right away. Join the UNT SHRM chapter and other student organizations. Relationships matter more than you may realize.  Your network can open doors that knowledge alone cannot.

Pamela's LinkedIn

1. Where is your hometown?
   Sloatsburg, NY
2. Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
   I have always been told that I am a people person, and I truly believe that people are at the heart of every organization. Helping individuals perform at their best and reach their full potential is what motivates me the most. 
3. How has the HR Program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals? (specific courses, advice from professors, HR career fairs, etc.)
   UNT's HR program has had a significant impact on who I am now. It made me understand how much I enjoy helping others in developing their careers and how HR can significantly impact workplace culture. The classes, professor coaching, and professional events provided me with the tools I needed to transform my passion for people into a clear career path.
4. What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
   I learnt that HR is about people, not just rules and regulations. Understanding how to create an engaging employee experience is what drives organizational success.
5. What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
   My greatest academic accomplishment is completing my BBA in HRM degree in just 2.5 years while graduating with Latin honors. This showcases how much passion and grit I had toward my future career path. 
6. Where did you complete your internship, and what were some key takeaways from it?
   I completed my internship with Altair Global, where I gained practical experience in corporate HR operations. I learned the value of communication and flexibility, particularly in a fast-paced setting where teamwork and reliability are crucial to success.
7. What are your career aspirations?
   My goal is to become a Training and Development Manager in the healthcare industry, where I can create initiatives that empower staff members, strengthen teams, and improve patient care through efficient people management.
8. What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT
   Mistakes are necessary if you wish to grow. You don't need to be perfect; you need to be open to learn and be adaptable to change.

Ashley's LinkedIn

1. Where is your hometown?
   Garland, Texas
2. Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
   I chose to pursue Human Resource Management because of my deep passion for helping people in meaningful ways. Initially, I was a biology major on the pre-med track because I believed medicine was the best way to make a difference in people’s lives. However, I realized that there are many other ways to support and advocate for people beyond healthcare. I found HR to be the perfect intersection between business and people, where I can make a lasting impact on employees’ experiences in the workplace.
   HR plays a critical role in fostering a positive work culture, ensuring employees feel heard, valued, and supported. Unfortunately, HR is often seen in a negative light, and I want to be a part of changing that perception. I want employees to see HR as a resource that genuinely prioritizes their well-being and professional growth. Through my studies and hands-on experience, I’m developing the knowledge and skills necessary to create inclusive, transparent, and supportive work environments where employees thrive.
3. How has the HR Program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals?
   The HR program has helped develop my skills tremendously. Dr. Aguilar and Professor Welch have given me guidance and a platform to pursue HR. The program has pushed me out of my comfort zone and placed me in spaces I never imagined myself in. There hasn’t been a single time where I’ve felt alone, thanks to the strong relationships I’ve built with my peers and the unwavering support of Dr. Aguilar and Professor Welch.
4. What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
   I’ve learned that it’s okay to be unsure about the path you take; what matters is continuing the journey. Eventually, I’ll find my place, and the process is just as important as the destination.
5. What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
   My greatest academic accomplishment would be making the President’s List while taking 16 credit hours, working full-time, mentoring 9 students, serving as an executive member of a campus organization, and staying actively involved in UNT SHRM. Balancing all of these responsibilities taught me the value of time management, persistence, and community.
6. Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
   I completed my internship with AMN Healthcare as a Facilities Operations Summer Associate. Some of my biggest takeaways are to ask questions, take initiative, be involved, find your "why," and never be afraid to try something new.
7. What are your career aspirations?
   My goal is to work my way up to becoming a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). I want to lead with empathy, integrity, and a people-first mindset to shape workplaces where employees can truly thrive.
8. If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.
   Being involved in UNT SHRM has been one of the best experiences of my college journey! I learned how to network, gained insight into what employers look for in candidates, developed a deeper understanding of payroll and HR operations, and built meaningful connections with peers and industry professionals. My involvement with UNT SHRM also helped me land two internships that have shaped my career path.
9. What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?
   Don’t be afraid to ask "why." Stay curious and open-minded, your perspective matters! Also, join UNT SHRM. The resources, events, and connections you gain from it are truly invaluable and will pay off in your professional journey.

Manar's LINKEDIN

1. Where is your hometown?
   Fort Worth, Texas
2. Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
   I am greatly interested in helping create a workplace people can thrive in. Working is a necessity in life, so let's make the workplace supportive and meaningful.
3. How has the HR Program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals?
   Mentorship gave me the confidence and insights into real HR experiences and internship preparation. My attendance in extracurriculars like the Professional Leadership Program and UNT SHRM also helped me gain servant leadership skills.
4. What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
   In the HR program, I truly believe every single learning material this far has been critical to my career as I immediately recognized the content being presented as soon as I walked into my internship. If I were to single out one content area that helped the most, it would be federal HR laws.
5. What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
   My greatest academic accomplishment was becoming the President of UNT SHRM. I can still remember myself hearing about the program for the first time in a freshman advising appointment and I would never have imagined I would come this far. I am truly not the same person I was 4 years ago.
6. Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
   I completed my HR internship at Amazon in the Memphis, TN node. My key takeaways were the various impacts on attrition and how much research goes into it to find an impactful solution. I also learned how to accumulate weekly metrics through one of the company's HRIS, which greatly helped with my hypothesis.
7. What are your career aspirations?
   I aspire to become a manager or director in HR. I find it hard to choose a specific area of HR to focus on since they all have meaningful impacts I am interested in, so I would love to work with all of them.
8. If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.
   I started attending UNT SHRM meetings in Spring 2024, and I was quickly inspired by the friendliness and bond of the members and officers. I picked up my involvement last fall and competed in the Texas SHRM Student Conference and Competition alongside 3 teammates during the spring. The competition was a challenge but learning how to collaborate and understand how one case can impact multiple HR branches was extremely beneficial. Currently, I am serving as the President for my final semester and am so excited to see how we will all continue growing.
9. What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?
   For future HR students at UNT, I would prioritize joining student organizations and programs. As a confused transfer student, I jumped straight into that. I can confidently say that these organizations will bring so many resources to you that are a key to your success. You simply have to get involved.

Gigi's LINKEDIN

1. Where is your hometown?
   Round Rock, Texas
2. Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
   I decided to pursue a degree in HR simply because of my servant leadership style. Not only do I desire to learn more about a company and the employees, but I also desire to help improve the workplace environment in any way I can, in totality.
3. How has the HR Program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals? (specific courses, advice from professors, HR career fairs, etc.)
   The HR program at UNT has helped me in various ways, more than I could’ve ever imagined. Through the support of various professors, I’ve grown more in my oratory skills, as well as my professional skills, as it’s not only about how you present yourself in your attire; it’s also about how you present your pitch in networking with others.
4. What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
   The most important thing I learned in the HR program was the vitality of networking. I believe networking is what helps build your community, as well as get your foot in the door of endless opportunities.
5. What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
   My greatest professional accomplishment was obtaining a position at my first and previous internship this past summer session.
6. Where did you complete your internship, and what were some key takeaways from it?
   I completed said internship at the Sherwin-Williams Powder Coatings plant in Arlington, Texas. Some key takeaways were how vital HR is when it comes to employee documentation and engagement, as well as how confidential HR is with employee information. It’s one thing to know someone’s experience; it’s another thing to experience it for yourself.
7. What are your career aspirations?
   I’m hoping to enlarge my knowledge in the realm of HR, no matter the company I may find myself in. Truly, HR is needed everywhere, so I want to learn and grow as much as I can.
8. If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for the industry.
   This semester, I have the privilege of being the Director of Corporate Relations for UNT SHRM. Though I’ve just started in this position, it’s taught me the value of networking and following up with people.
9. What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?
   Seize every opportunity to better career and personal development! There’s always room to grow, and the sky is truly the limit with possibilities. It may seem daunting at first, yet I promise that you have a support system that truly cares about you.

Osasona's LINKEDIN

1. Where is your hometown?
   Fort Worth, TX
2. Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
   I loved the idea of being able to blend analytics and being there for the people I am working with so HR felt like the perfect path where those two aspects are combined.
3. How has the HR Program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals?
   The HR program at UNT has been so amazing in helping me reach my professional goals. The career center and many of my HR classes have helped me refine my resume to ensure I am competitive. My professors have all been able to form curriculum that allows you to be prepared for your future career, especially when you are starting your internship. Along with that, the HR professors are more than happy to connect you with as many people as they know, ensuring that you have a wide range of connections as you progress and head out into the professional world.
4. What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
   The most important thing I learned was all of the different intricacies that occur in HR. There is a common misconception that HR usually revolves around employee relations, but the reality is that HR has a huge role when it comes to the success of a company and that is taught consistently in the HR program at UNT.
5. What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
   My greatest academic/professional accomplishment is interning twice at Fidelity while maintaining a GPA of 3.8+. Being able to show consistency and be rewarded for it through such an amazing experience made me feel so great about all of the work I have put in.
6. Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
   I completed my internship at Fidelity investments. Some of my key takeaways were the importance of creating real connections with the network you are given, the importance of holding yourself accountable for projects, and the different areas of HR available depending on what you are interested in.
7. What are your career aspirations?
   My career aspirations are to continue expanding my knowledge of HR and create a career for myself where I am a trusted resource for the employees where I work and where I can contribute to an environment people feel happy to be a part of.
8. What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?
   I would advise them to truly take advantage of all of the resources that are provided. Whether it’s practicing interviews using Big Interview, utilizing your professors for career advice, truly taking in the knowledge our professors are providing to us, using Handshake to find jobs and internships, attending the HR career fairs, or simply sending your resume to the career fair employers, all of these things will help shape your future career and guide your academic journey.

Youser's LINKEDIN

1. Where is your hometown?
   I grew up in Arlington, and moved over to Fort Worth! I hope to live all over the world during my lifetime!
2. Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
   I have a love for people, and am a firm believer in servant leadership. I have seen so many people go to jobs that make them miserable, and I really wanted to find a way to change that. I have a passion for culture and improving people’s work lives. HR is my tool to accomplish this!
3. How has the HR Program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals?
   UNT has provided me to opportunity to connect with so many wonderful people, and truly pursue my interest. The individuals I've connected with throughout the program have challenged me, and assisted me in fine tuning my beliefs and ideas about my industry.
4. Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
   I completed an internships as an HR Business Partner / Labor & Employee Relations Intern at MFC Lockheed Martin in Grand Prairie.  It was a truly dynamic and welcoming environment and I now have a newfound appreciation for Labor and Employee Relations.
5. What are your career aspirations?
   I would love to either become a VP, or own my own consulting firm in an international context someday!
6. What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?
   I would advise students to always speak up and take chances, and to truly push themselves past their comfort zones to make the most of their college experience.

Shelbie's LINKEDIN