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.

Jon Batiste's LinkedIn

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.

Heath Fromme's LinkedIn

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.

Roberto Briceno's LinkedIn

Where is your hometown?
Hemet, California
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I was inspired to pursue HR because of a personal experience. Years ago, I had a medical event that caused me to need accommodation at work. HR was able to support me and guide me during one of the hardest times in my life, and now I want to pay it forward. I believe that employees are a business’s biggest asset, but they need support to grow into the best versions of themselves and fulfill their professional dreams.
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 Professors in the HR department welcomed me with open arms. I attended multiple professional development events, including the HR Southwest Conference in 2024. Through this networking, I got an internship in the HR department of the City of Carrollton (Thank you Dr. Aguilar!). Receiving the Fall 2025 Internship Scholarship was an honor, and it shows that my Professors appreciate the work I put into both my schoolwork and career.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
Documentation! Each class has taught me a different reason why documenting everything is critical in HR, from investigation, liability, workers' comp, etc. Make sure to document everything to cover your assets!
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
My greatest accomplishment has been persevering through the tough times. Having a part-time job, internship, and school full-time has challenged me more than I could have imagined, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I am building key skills and developing for the career I want.
Where did you complete your internship, and what were some key takeaways from it?
I completed a summer internship for Ray Roberts State Park that taught me a lot about compliance and people management. It also translated into a permanent position as a Customer Service Representative. I am also currently interning at the City of Carrollton. Through this, I have learned a lot about recruitment and risk management. All of my supervisors have taken me under their wing, teaching me all that I can absorb. I cannot express enough gratitude for their support!
What are your career aspirations?
I want to become an Employee Relations Manager so I can be a resource to employees and the employer in complex situations, leveraging investigation skills and empathy. I also eventually want to complete a J.D. and become an employment lawyer.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?
The power of networking cannot be understated. Reach out to your professors and peers, send those LinkedIn messages to hiring managers, and put yourself out there. The job market ebbs and flows, but with a solid network, you will have options and a sense of stability in your career.

Ally Murray's LinkedIn

Where is your hometown?
McKinney, Texas.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I’ve always loved working closely with people, and HR allows me to combine that passion with strategic thinking and problem-solving. I’m drawn to the field's dynamic nature and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both employees and organizations. HR aligns well with my personality and the career path I see myself thriving in.
How has the HR Program at UNT helped you reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals?
Courses like Strategic Rewards and Performance Management and People Analytics and Information Systems have prepared me for the real world through hands-on simulations, real-world problem-solving, and data-driven presentations. My involvement in UNT SHRM, first as a member and now as an officer, has also helped me expand my professional network and connect with peers and HR professionals. Additionally, the support and guidance from my professors have been invaluable to my growth.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
I learned that while HR plays a vital role in organizational success, fostering a positive culture and supporting employees are equally important. Maintaining a positive attitude and embracing continuous learning are essential because HR is always evolving and there is always more to discover.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment, and why?
Securing my internship has been my greatest accomplishment. I transferred from a different college and had to quickly catch up academically while balancing full-time work and school. Through hard work, strong connections, and taking multiple summer courses, I was able to land interviews and ultimately, earn an internship. That experience reinforced my dedication and resilience.
Where did you complete your internship, and what were some key takeaways?
I began my internship with the City of Murphy, where I gained valuable insight into public sector HR and worked on records management, recruitment, and onboarding. I am now transitioning into an internship with Safran, where I will focus on developing their training program. These experiences have allowed me to apply what I’ve learned in class to real-world HR projects.
What are your career aspirations?
I hope to work in the private sector, ideally in training and development. My long-term goal is to grow into a leadership role, such as Director of HR or Chief Human Resources Officer, where I can contribute to organizational strategy and help shape company structure and culture.
If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement and how it helped you prepare for the industry.
I have served as an officer for the past two semesters, first as the Director of Development (Fundraising) and now as the Director of Community Relations (Community Service). These roles have allowed me to grow as a leader, create opportunities for student engagement, and support our SHRM chapter through events and fundraisers. Through this involvement, I’ve strengthened my communication, time management, and problem-solving skills, while also deepening my passion for HR.
What advice do you have for future HR students at UNT?
Make the most of your time in the program. It’s normal to experience imposter syndrome, but growth is part of the journey. Attend events, join student organizations, connect with professionals, and participate in career fairs. Seek out leadership opportunities, stay committed to your academics, and never hesitate to put yourself out there. The more you invest in your experience, the more you will gain from it!

Kate Martin's LINKEDIN

Where is your hometown?
Rochester, Minnesota
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I've been around HR since I was young because my dad works in HR. As I got older, I realized how well a role in HR would fit my personality and be something I would be good at and enjoy.
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 has been so helpful for my academic growth. Specifically, Professor Welch, Aguilar, and retired Lecturer, Professor Westurn's classes have taught both entry-level and in-depth HR courses that have challenged me and helped me succeed as the HR professional I am today and who I wish to be tomorrow.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
The most important thing I have learned from the program is the importance of relying on your professors. They truly are there to help you succeed both academically and professionally. I am so lucky to have professors who take the time to learn their students' goals and help guide them on the right path.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
My greatest accomplishment has been my work at my internships and the mentorship relationships I have created with my supervisors.
Where did you complete your internship, and what were some key takeaways from it?
I have had many amazing opportunities in HR. I began as a summer student with Mayo Clinic in 2023. I interned during the past two school years at WorldSprings in The Colony, beginning September 2024, and then I completed my internship at McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing in Dodge Center, Minnesota, over the summer of 2025. One of my major takeaways from my internships is the broad view of HR I have gained. I have developed a new skill set at each company and gained exposure to different industries and HR teams that have supported me throughout, answering my many questions as I gained experience.
What are your career aspirations?
My career aspirations are always changing, but one thing that hasn't changed is my desire to make a difference. Whether that is from employee relations, payroll, onboarding, or other HR aspects, at a large corporation or a small, locally owned business, I want the team members I work with to be seen, heard, and looked after. I strongly believe I will be able to accomplish that goal in different ways at every step of my career.
If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.
I am involved in UNT SHRM as a member and have gained valuable insight into the corporate world from HR professionals and my peers.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT? My advice for future HR students is to ask questions. As a student and intern, it is the best way to learn and show that you have a passion for what you are learning.

Abby Garcia's LINKEDIN