HR Student Spotlights: 2026 Spring

Hometown:
I am from Austin, TX.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I decided to pursue a degree in Human Resources because I am passionate about development, leadership, and organizational culture. I enjoy helping people reach their full potential while supporting organizations in building inclusive, effective, and ethical workplaces. I'm also interested in working in the sports industry because it allows me to combine my love for sports with employee relations, talent development, and organizational strategy.
How has the HR Program at UNT helped you reach your personal, academic, and professional goals?
The HR Program at UNT has played a role in preparing me for my future career. Courses such as Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior, and Employment Law have strengthened my understanding of workplace policies, leadership, and compliance. Support from professors and exposure to HR career fairs have helped me gain clarity on career paths within HR and build confidence in my professional skills.
Where did you complete your internship, and what were some key takeaways from it?
I completed my internship at Bell Textron, Inc. in Fort Worth as an HR Business Partner Intern. I supported recruiting for 50+ roles using Taleo and worked closely with HRBPs on performance management, employee relations, and succession planning. I also completed Excel audits and contributed to an HR operations project that improved efficiency and consistency across teams. Overall, the experience gave me hands-on exposure to strategic HR work and helped me better understand how HR supports both employees and business goals.
What are your career aspirations?
My career goal is to work in Human Resources within the sports industry. I also aspire to grow into a leadership role where I can help create supportive environments that promote both professional success and personal growth.
If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement and how it helped prepare you for industry.
Through my involvement with UNT SHRM as the Director of Community Relations, I was able to gain exposure to the HR profession by attending meetings, networking, and learning about current industry trends. This involvement helped me better understand HR practices, strengthened my professional presence, and reinforced the importance of continuous learning and networking within the field.

Where is your hometown?
Keller, Texas
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I chose to pursue a degree in HR because I have always loved business, and I have a passion for helping people. I feel like HR is a perfect mix of the two.
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.)
At UNT, I have had an amazing opportunity to learn about all aspects of business and HR through my coursework. The professors in the Department of Management care about their students and want to see them succeed not only academically but also after earning their degree.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
The most important thing I have realized is that people are the organization. HR is about building relationships and creating a successful environment for the company and employees to succeed.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
My greatest academic achievement has been maintaining a 4.0 GPA during my time at UNT.
Where did you complete your internship, and what were some key takeaways from it?
I completed my internship with Envoy Air, the largest regional airline owned by American Airlines. One of the key takeaways I had was how important technology, especially AI is becoming in the workplace. Another valuable lesson from working in a fast-paced environment is the importance of communication and adaptability.
What are your career aspirations?
After graduating with my BBA in HRM, I am planning to earn my MBA from UNT. My career goals are to be an HR manager and a strategic HR leader in the corporate world.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?
My best advice for future HR students is to get involved early and seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience, even if it's in a small capacity. These experiences that you gain throughout college will help set you apart after graduation. Professors are resources to students and want to see you succeed. Reaching out and building relationships with them was beneficial to me.

Where is your hometown?
Carrollton, TX
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
My path to HR really started during my Bachelor of Science in Psychology, through my introduction to Industrial Organizational Psychology. I quickly realized how fascinating it was to see psychological concepts come to life in real workplace settings. That interest led me to explore programs and course offerings at UNT, where I discovered courses in Human Resources and Organizational Behavior. Early on into my first HR course, I knew I had chosen the right field and, I’ve been committed to it ever since.
How has the HR Program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals?
The HR program at UNT does an exceptional job of educating students and preparing them for a career in HR. From my experience, the professors in the HR/Management department share valuable insights and support at every opportunity. The HR networking event also consistently provides students the chance to meet employers, build meaningful connections, and strengthen their confidence.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
The most important lesson I’ve learned in the HR program is the value of continuous growth, development, and outreach. This mindset is essential for HR professionals to build adaptability and resilience and to establish valuable connections with their organization and colleagues.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
My greatest academic achievement has been entering my final semester at UNT, progressing toward a BBA in Human Resources, a BS in Psychology, and a minor in Spanish. My greatest professional achievement has been recently stepping into an HR Coordinator role, where I can continue to learn, grow, and apply both my coursework and internship experience.
Where did you complete your internship, and what were some key takeaways from it?
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have completed three internships with The Legacy Senior Communities, Amazon, and Agora Data, Inc. These experiences strengthened my passion for Human Resources and provided me the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained through the UNT HR program in real workplace settings.
What are your career aspirations?
My top career aspiration is to progress into a strategic, people-centered HR role and to focus on developing early career professionals, inspired by the mentorship and guidance I have received.
If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.
I have been a member of UNT SHRM since Fall of 2024! Being a member has given me a great opportunity to build connections within the HR program and bond with others who share similar career goals. This semester I have also taken on the role of Director of Development, where I am helping lead fundraising efforts to support our chapter’s growth.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?
My advice is to fully embrace growth and learning, and to actively participate in the programs offered within the Ryan College of Business. Our campus provides incredible resources geared toward professional development, and the key is to take make the most of them.