University of North Texas 
February 2, 2024
HR Student Spotlights
Caroline Kroeger
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-kroeger/
Where is your hometown?
The Woodlands, TX
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I decided to pursue a degree in Human Resources because I am drawn to a career field
that offers consistent growth, change, and opportunity. I enjoy problem solving and
helping people navigate through challenges. I want to be a supportive voice for employees,
advocating for their needs, and fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
How has the HR program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, a/o professional
goals? (specific courses, advice from professors, HR career fairs, etc.)
The HR program at UNT has helped me toward my personal, academic, and professional
goals. UNT's HR career fairs sharpened my networking and interview skills while expanding
my industry insights. The outstanding RCOB professors offered me valuable mentorship,
guiding me towards my aspirations in the field of Human Resources.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
I think the most important thing I have learned in this program is the importance
of continuous learning as an HR professional. A person working in this field needs
to keep up with the changing dynamics in their industries to remain legally compliant
and strategically competitive.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
My most significant accomplishment during my time at UNT is maintaining my high grade
point average as a full-time student while simultaneously working full-time hours
in HR and HR Related positions.
Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
I am currently an onboarding intern at North American Plastics located in Irving TX.
Working with the payroll team has allowed me to gain experience in HR activities outside
of just onboarding.
What are your career aspirations?
While I am currently most interested in recruiting and onboarding, I would like to
gain experience in multiple areas of HR such as health and safety, employee relations,
and compensation & benefits through a number of specialist roles.
If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain
how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.
My involvement with SHRM helped me meet people with similar career goals and gave
opportunities to learn with them. SHRM is also a great way to hear about upcoming
opportunities, job openings, internships, and industry knowledge.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their
experience at UNT?
For HR students at UNT, my advice is to begin searching for internships one or two
semesters after starting HR-focused classes. Join UNT SHRM and participate in events
and learning opportunities. Students should form relationships with professors and
classmates to enhance their learning experience and have a network that can provide
references and opportunities for their career.
Elizabeth Huddleston
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-huddleston
Where is your hometown?
I was born and raised in Arlington, TX!
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I decided to pursue a degree in HR through my interest in Psychology. For the longest
time, I have been interested in people and known that I was meant to work with them.
Becoming a psychologist did not suit my strengths. One day when researching jobs for
people interested in Psychology, HR came up.
How has the HR program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, a/o professional
goals? (specific courses, advice from professors, HR career fairs, etc.)
The HR program has helped me reach my goals by having us apply class concepts into
real-world situations. This was through discussions, simulations, presentations, and
more. I especially enjoyed the Strategic Rewards and Performance Management course
for its challenging, yet unique approach.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
I learned how to work/strategize in a group and be able to voice my opinions/ideas
knowing they are well thought-out.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
One of my greatest accomplishments is when I was nominated for Student Employee of
The Year. I worked at the Career Center for over 2 years and happily committed myself
to be a leader in the Career Ambassador program. Although I did not win, I highly
appreciated the recognition given.
Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
I had/have two internships. My first HR internship was with Safran Electrical & Power
in the Summer of 2021. And my current internship is with RESPEC where I started in
May 2023. One of my main takeaways is to be open to learning and engaging in all aspects
in HR. I have tried to say “Yes” to all new tasks, projects, and learning opportunities
given so I can have a well-rounded perspective, relevant experience, and a good idea
of my strengths and weaknesses. Another key takeaway is to take initiative. If there
is something you want to try or something within the company you feel like you can
help improve upon, bring it to your supervisors’ attention. Taking initiative shows
your interest, excitement, and commitment to the company.
What are your career aspirations?
Through my experience with group projects, the Career Center, and recent retreats
with my current Internship, I have found a love for strategic planning/coordination
and team building. One day I would love to be able to be a consultant to companies
and help them develop company culture, strong teams, and create strategic plans.
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 in Spring 2023 and became the Director of Merit in Fall 2023. My
involvement so far has kept me informed on trending topics in the HR/business industry.
This helps me make suggestions in my classes and at my internship as well as have
informed conversations with those in my network over relevant material.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their
experience at UNT?
I think that as important as academics and having a good GPA are, so is experience.
Make sure you take internships early, join organizations, have an occasional lazy
night, get out of your comfort zone, find your passions, etc., I may not have the
highest GPA but I feel confident in what I have gained at UNT.
MichellePavlik
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michellepavlik2001
Where is your hometown?
Flower Mound, TX
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
While it may sound cliché, my passion has always been to make a positive impact on
those around me. I was initially admitted to UNT with plans to pursue a degree in
Hospitality, but eventually decided to shift gears towards a certification in Event
Management instead, ultimately leading me to focus on Human Resources as my major.
This decision was driven by my desire for greater flexibility in how I could support
and assist others. I found that Human Resources perfectly aligned with this criterion,
offering me the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives within
the various departments that HR has to offer.
How has the HR program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, a/o professional
goals? (specific courses, advice from professors, HR career fairs, etc.)
Undoubtedly, the HR-focused courses I undertook at UNT have been invaluable in preparing
me for the realities of a career in Human Resources. I owe a special debt of gratitude
to Professor Welch and Professor Aguilar, whose unwavering support and guidance have
been instrumental in shaping my journey. Their deep passion for the field and wealth
of expertise not only affirmed my choice of degree but also provided invaluable insights
into navigating the HR field. Beyond serving as a reliable source of comfort during
the job search process, their mentorship played a pivotal role in securing my first
internship directly related to my degree, eventually leading to a full-time position.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
In the HR program, I gained a profound understanding of the delicate balance between
serving as a pillar of support and empathy for colleagues while also being a dependable
resource within the company to facilitate their professional growth without undue
stress. Unlike many other professional fields, Human Resources carries the unique
responsibility of supporting employees not only in their professional endeavors but
also in their personal lives. This versatile aspect of HR was a significant motivating
factor behind my decision to pursue this degree, as it allows me to offer assistance
to colleagues in various capacities, enriching their lives both professionally and
personally.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
One of my most significant professional achievements occurred when I proposed an innovative
idea to CAI's technology department. I suggested developing an AI model designed to
support our HR compliance efforts, effectively creating a comprehensive database to
track current laws and regulations nationwide. Following extensive discussions with
multiple managers, our tech team enthusiastically embraced the project. It was an
incredibly surreal experience to see my AI concept, born during my internship, swiftly
adopted and pursued by the company within a matter of weeks.
Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
I had the opportunity to complete an internship with CAI, a prominent digital consulting
company. This experience proved to be immensely rewarding, allowing me the chance
to immerse myself in various aspects of HR across the organization. My manager deliberately
curated the internship to provide exposure to every aspect of HR, empowering me to
discern my interests and strengths within the field. This tailored approach ensured
that I maximized the benefits of my summer internship, gaining invaluable firsthand
experience across multiple HR departments.
What are your career aspirations?
Currently, I am preparing to embark on a full-time role within CAI's HR department
upon graduation. As for my long-term career aspirations, I remain open to various
possibilities. While I may not have a definitive path mapped out yet, one thing is
certain: I am committed to pursuing a career that prioritizes the well-being of others.
This overarching goal is my guiding principle as I navigate my professional journey,
and I am excited to see where it leads me.
If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain
how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.
Among my cherished experiences with UNT's SHRM, a standout memory is our community
service involvement in UNT's "The BIG Event." Assigned the task of replanting various
plants following a freeze from the previous year, our SHRM team collaborated with
other UNT organizations to ensure everything was replanted in a timely manner. This
experience not only fostered enjoyable team bonding but also proved immensely rewarding
as we witnessed the tangible results of our collective effort. Engaging in these community
volunteer opportunities has not only strengthened my self-assurance that I am pursuing
the right degree for myself but has also fueled my ongoing passion for contributing
to the well-being of others whenever possible.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their
experience at UNT?
Engage in networking opportunities, such as joining SHRM, and don't hesitate to ask
questions in your classes – and yes, network some more! Attending workshops during
SHRM's bi-weekly meetings, like those focused on optimizing my LinkedIn profile, proved
instrumental in securing my first internship and ultimately landing a full-time HR
role.
In addition to networking, I've always been the type of student to flood my professors with extra questions, extending beyond the required coursework (apologies to Professors Welch and Aguilar). However, I found that by seeking clarification through these inquiries, I gained a deeper understanding of concepts crucial for entering the professional HR field. Whether you're facing challenges in HR-related courses or any other subject, never hesitate to seek assistance and ask for help!
Jericha Brock
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jerichabrock/
Where is your hometown?
I live in Schertz, Texas.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I got the recommendation to pursue human resources from my dad. He talked to me about
HR and how vital it is to business functions. I felt that this would be a great industry
for me to learn about and be involved in, before continuing to law school.
How has the HR program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, a/o professional
goals? (specific courses, advice from professors, HR career fairs, etc.)
The UNT Human Resources Program is amazing. The professors and advisors that are available
to me were great help in learning and making decisions about my future. Even before
I became involved in the SHRM chapter it was clear how dedicated my professors were
about HR and our understanding of the concepts they were teaching to us.
The HR Career Fairs and Networking events we have every semester were very insightful. While I was there, I had the chance to interact with several HR groups from different corporations. Because I have been involved for a while now, I have noticed that I have not seen the same people attend. It is great for us to experience seeing different professionals and perspectives of hiring managers that are coming to speak with new graduates.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
“Cover your assets” has become one of my favorite sayings. When I think about the
meaning, it encompasses more than just an email trail. It also means to read thoroughly,
think things through, and be on top of everything that you are doing within the profession.
There are a lot of things that are going to be happening in our jobs and it is up
to us to manage them appropriately. Therefore, another way I have come to understand
this statement is to take your time. It seems that we are going to be very busy people
stepping into this field, but taking the time to “cover your assets” will be vital
to our success in HR.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
My greatest accomplishment is completing school. Finishing my degree was never hard
but some semesters I took on a lot between classes, my job, SHRM, and an internship.
So I am glad that I was able to stay focused on the long-term goal.
I am proud of my involvement in SHRM. I was a member, an officer, and then I became the President. I have been able to see many different aspects of our organization and I am grateful for the people that I have worked with and the experiences I have been awarded being a part of SHRM.
Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
I was able to work with the Benefit Assistance Center at Lockton Dunning during Fall
2023 and it was great. The environment that I and the other interns were placed into
was very welcoming and understanding. I learned a lot about benefits and the many
layers it has. One of the things that our team did was show us other parts of the
human resource office at Lockton. We had several calls with leaders from other teams
where we were able to ask about their functions and duties. It was nice that they
were open to sharing information about other HR fields and direct us towards them
if we were interested in that area.
Another opportunity I had was working with Dee Maddox of DMX Consulting. I worked with her over the summer to promote her brand via social media. Working with her gave me the chance to see what it is like to be an entrepreneur and the many hours that go into getting the job done. I appreciate her for giving me the opportunity to work with her and share her vision with other HR professionals.
What are your career aspirations?
My current career goal is to become an attorney. I have always wanted to practice
law, but after completing my undergraduate degree in Human Resources and what I have
learned, I might go into employment law as a specialty.
If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain
how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.
I am currently the President of our SHRM Chapter, and it has been a great experience.
Looking back on when I was a member in SHRM, I was able to learn a lot and there were
plenty of networking and growth opportunities offered to us. I was introduced to other
local and collegiate SHRM chapters as well, giving me the chance to grow my network
of business professionals. As a person who is now behind the scenes, I do try to make
sure that there is flexibility within the meetings we host and offer to our members
so that we can continue to thrive as a chapter.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their
experience at UNT?
My advice would be to take advantage of everything that the program is offering, whether
is a job/internship posting, scholarship opportunities, and even networking events
outside of UNT. I would say that is one thing that I did not do to the fullest. It
does seem like a lot but placing yourselves in those rooms can help you a lot as you
come to the end of your undergraduate career and are needing a job. Our HR program
is growing rapidly and that just means that there will continue to be more opportunities
for students, and you should look closely at all of them.
Isabela Hunt-Riley
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/isabela-hunt-riley/
Where is your hometown?
Houston, Texas
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I knew I wanted to do something in business, and I knew I wanted to help people. I
like to solve problems and communicate with people so while exploring majors, I decided
to do HR.
How has the HR program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, a/o professional
goals? (specific courses, advice from professors, HR career fairs, etc.)
The HR program helped me grow as a student and a person. The mentor program helped
me ask the questions I wanted to know and get behind the scenes of someone on the
job. I liked how many different types of classes were offered covering HR functions.
I struggled with that, and taking classes here helped me figure out what I wanted
to do.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
The most important thing I learned is that not everything is black and white and that
I should always ask questions. Every class I took and had a question about how it
would be handled in the field, I always got a response: "It depends." Even if the
two situations have the same reason, they might not have the same ending because of
many factors, which is different for everyone. That is why asking questions and ensuring
an accurate understanding are super important.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
My greatest academic accomplishment is getting on the dean's list almost every semester
of my college life. I wanted to ensure I held myself accountable during each semester
and pushed myself to be the best student I could be. I did this while also working
as an academic coach, which I'm also proud of because I have been able to help around
200 students here at UNT with their own goals.
Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
I completed my first internship in HR at Sally Beauty Holdings. I had an amazing time
and learned so much. My biggest takeaway was getting exposed to hands-on projects.
I was able to work on amazing projects with different departments within HR. It opened
my eyes and gave me a hands-on experience I can apply today.
What are your career aspirations?
After graduating from UNT, I plan to land an entry-level job in either the learning
and development department or the talent acquisition department at any company in
the DFW area. I also want to continue being a member of SHRM and earn my SHRM-CP certification.
If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain
how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.
Currently, I am the Vice President of UNT SHRM. I just started in the role, and it
has already been a great experience. Last semester, I was the Director of Student
Relations and helped recruit and retain members. I also helped organize a fundraiser
at Beth Marie's, where we worked as a team to raise money for our events.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their
experience at UNT?
Join SHRM and connect with your classmates. The HR program is smaller than other majors,
so you might see many familiar faces in your classes. Meeting them and attending SHRM
could make your experience at UNT the best.
Jenny Cao
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennyncao/
Where is your hometown?
Arlington, TX
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
As a kid, I always wanted to travel to different states, countries, and towns. I enjoyed
not being tied down to one location for as long as possible. HR allows me to do that
all while I can socialize and interact with people to keep me from being homesick.
How has the HR program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, a/o professional
goals? (specific courses, advice from professors, HR career fairs, etc.)
At UNT, I’ve had professors and guest speakers of different backgrounds allow me to
dive deep past superficial understandings of how HR works, and share their experience
in how they were “successful”. They supported me by providing resources and job positions
that I have been so grateful for.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
For me, the most important thing to learn about in the HR program was that everyone
does not need to follow a specific path to make it in life. We can start in small
positions or hop around until we are satisfied, but it does not need to be set in
stone.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
My greatest professional accomplishment was when I was working at Lockton as a Benefits
Assistance Caller Representative during Fall 2023. I was able to successfully use
their software in different locations and submit data quicker as I spent more time
in the position.
Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
I completed my internship in Dallas, Texas with Lockton. I learned that as a benefits
assistance representative, empathy and accuracy are very important. Providing correct
information over the phone is vital and miscommunications can happen if they are not
thoroughly explained or evaluated based on a comprehensive with understanding of the
employee situation.
What are your career aspirations?
My aspiration is to be able to become a chief talent executive. It’s out of reach
right now, but I want to have a goal that is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
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 students is to trust your instincts and take the initiative when
looking for HR positions. Emailing a recruiter or an HR representative allows you
to stand out amongst your competition for your drive and your willingness to learn!
Miranda Gaston
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/miranda-a-gaston/
Where is your hometown?
My hometown is Garland, Texas.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I decided to pursue a degree in HR because I love people. People drive businesses
and make them what they are.
How has the HR program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, a/o professional
goals? (specific courses, advice from professors, HR career fairs, etc.)
The HR program at UNT has helped me discover so many opportunities that I never thought
possible. Because of the encouragement from professors and networking opportunities,
I have been able to begin my career before I have even graduated.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
When working with people, there is never a one-size-fits-all approach. Adapting and
learning is essential when working in the HR field.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
Doing an internship in the HR department at DFW International Airport led me to starting
another internship with McLaren Automotive. This has been my greatest professional
accomplishment as it has allowed me to begin my career outside of college.
Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
I completed my internship at DFW International Airport. One major takeaway I learned
is that while I may be getting a degree in Human Resources, I don’t have to limit
my opportunities to jobs within that field.
What are your career aspirations?
I would like to transition into a position related to Talent Acquisition and work
my way up to a management position at a large company.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their
experience at UNT?
Take advantage of all the networking events or other opportunities to meet people
connected to the HR world. Also, apply for all internships or jobs that you want,
even if you don’t think you’ll get it. The first step to starting your career is to
have the courage to put yourself out there and let people know who you are.
Safa Siddiqui
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/safasiddiqui/
Where is your hometown?
I was born and raised in Plano, TX!
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I decided to pursue a career in HR to have the ability to help others. Human Resources
is so important to me because a company cannot grow without taking care of their employees.
I also was inspired to pursue a career in Human Resources because of my mom. I admire
the work she does on a day-to-day basis, within her HR position, to help others.
How has the HR program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, a/o professional
goals? (specific courses, advice from professors, HR career fairs, etc.)
The HR program within UNT has guided me to be the professional I am today. With the
mentorship of my amazing professors, I have learned to become more confident in my
abilities within HR. I have also gained so many connections because of SHRM and I
have participated in various networking opportunities that the campus has to offer!
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
The most important thing I have learned within the HR program is the importance of
mentorship. I got to learn about the vast number of opportunities within the HR field.
With mentorship, it is so much easier to navigate what you want to do. Understanding
the value of mentorship also allowed me to feel confident in tackling new concepts
and projects within HR.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
My greatest accomplishment academically was maintaining my grades while actively networking
on campus by being involved in many organizations. I had the honor of being selected
for The National Leadership and Success Society on campus, along with being the Director
of Student Relations for UNT SHRM. I also had the opportunity to serve as my sorority’s
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair. Finally, I am grateful to be a student assistant
for the Vice President of Enrollment at UNT.
Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
I am currently serving as the student assistant for the Vice President of Enrollment
at UNT. I am grateful to learn interdepartmental conflict resolution skills, understand
what it takes to work in higher education, and learn the importance of different policies/procedures
within the workplace.
What are your career aspirations?
I aspire to gain experience withing the field by being an HR assistant, in order to
figure out what specification of HR I want to pursue. I also would love to continue
my graduate studies while I work.
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 SHRM during my time at UNT and have the honor of being the Student
Relations Officer during Spring 2024. I am grateful for this opportunity because it
allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and practice my public speaking skills.
It also gave me a chance to see what it would be like to network with people within
the same industry.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their
experience at UNT?
The one piece of advice I would give to future HR students is to consider that you
receive the amount you put in. Put in the effort to attend events both academically
and just within school programs because you never know who you will meet. Lastly,
take the initiative to introduce yourself to classmates in your MGMT classes because
those peers will be there with you for the rest of your time at UNT.
Afroza Islam
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/afroza-islam-b204b0197/
Where is your hometown?
Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
I was a second year Marketing major when I moved to the US. When I decided going back
to school, I devoted a lot of my time researching which major interests me. I found
UNT’s Human Resource degree fascinating, and I enrolled in Human Resource Management
with Professor Julia Herchen. I realized there is so much to learn about human resource
and I focused my career aspirations on that field.
How has the HR program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, a/o professional
goals? (specific courses, advice from professors, HR career fairs, etc.)
As a non-traditional student I took most of my classes online due to the flexibility
and my family responsibilities. Professor Erin Welch’s online courses Organizational
Behavior and Talent Management encourage an environment where I feel comfortable to
reach out to Professor Welch for academic and career guidance. I learned about UNT
SHRM from Professor Welch, and she introduced me to the opportunities to join as UNT
SHRM member.
Professor Mariya Gavrilova Aguilar has been very supportive. I took her course Strategic Human Resource Management and it equipped me with practical skills and knowledge in creating and presenting HR consulting reports. Beyond academic support, Dr. Aguilar poses as a mentor and offered valuable career advice and guidance.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
Throughout my HR program I have learned that effective communication and feedback
have a significant impact on the corporate world because they are interrelated with
productivity and performance in the workplace. When communication is clear and concise,
employees have a better understanding of their roles, duties and company’s objectives,
which can be emphasized during the onboarding process. From my HR courses I have also
learned that feedback is essential when working to reach organizational objectives.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
My proudest achievement is to successfully complete my bachelor’s degree while fulfilling
the responsibilities as a parent of two wonderful children. Despite the challenges
and demands of family obligations and academic pursuits, I remained committed to my
education and my work as an Academic Coach in the UNT Learning Center. This demonstrates
my dedication to personal growth, self-improvement as well as the ability to prioritize
and manage multiple duties effectively.
What are your career aspirations?
My career aspiration is to pursue a role as an HR Generalist which requires a broad
understanding of different HR perspectives and functions. I am a huge supporter of
personal and professional development and continuous learning to achieve goals. I
plan to start preparing for the SHRM-CP certification soon after my graduation in
May 2024.
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 in January 2023 as chapter member where I attended chapter meetings
and professional networking events. I became an officer in Fall 2023 as a Director
of Corporate Relations. My duties are to identify industry professionals and coordinate
guest speaker events for the chapter, collaborate with various departments, and act
as a liaison between industry professionals and UNT SHRM.
My role as a Director of Corporate Relations provided me with practical knowledge in event coordination and networking opportunities. It also helped me enhance my communication, organizational, and leadership skill. My involvement with UNT SHRM as an officer allowed me to gain confidence in interacting with various industry professionals and navigating professional environment.
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 embrace a culture of curiosity and inquiry. Do not hesitate to seek
out for help or guidance from your professors, mentors, or peers. Start applying for
HR internships in your junior year. Also, learn your boundaries and capabilities.
Additionally, engage with student organizations such as UNT SHRM and attend professional
networking events to build lasting connections and network with HR professionals.
Finally, take advantage of the Career Center to get help with building your resume
and obtaining your business cards.
Daisy Pulliam
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/daisypulliam/
Where is your hometown?
Mesquite, Texas (That hour commute back and forth to Denton is worth it!)
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
Before I returned to school, I worked as an Office Manager for several years and saw
how vital HR is to businesses. I discussed it in depth with my cousin who worked
in HR for Blackberry and learned what they did for their clients and co-workers. As
someone who is a helper at heart, I knew it would be a great fit for me.
How has the HR program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, a/o professional
goals? (specific courses, advice from professors, HR career fairs, etc.)
There are so many ways the HR program has helped me in both my academic and professional
goals. My professors have been fantastic and have gone out of their way to ensure
students understand the concepts and material so that we are prepared for the workforce.
I have had opportunities to visit work sites, hear interesting guest speakers, and
get help with scholarships and internships.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
To show kindness, as we tend to forget that we need to be here to help, support, and
improve our workers. I've also learned how to be more flexible and open to others,
especially during recruitment. Also, ask for your professor's help; it always helped
me better understand the material.
What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
My favorite accomplishment of this past year is winning the 2023 Fort Worth HR Emerging
Professionals HR Excellence Award and a sponsorship to attend the HR Southwest conference.
Seeing all the different HR disciplines in one room was amazing. I made such great
connections, and I can't wait to attend as a regular member next year.
Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
I completed my 2023 Summer Internship with Bell Flight (Textron) in Fort Worth. I
spent most of my time with the Engineering Recruitment team and learned so much from
them. I also had the opportunity to spend time with the different teams and found
my fondness for Benefits and Compensation. The team was amazing and answered all my
questions. They made me feel welcome and took the time to ensure my summer project
was helpful to the company. Even when they didn't know an answer, they made sure we
found it together and walked me through how it relates to the company. My time at
Bell Flight was wonderful.
What are your career aspirations?
My career goals were to find a company that not only gave back to their community
but to their employees. As cliche as it may sound, it felt right when I did my internship
at Bell Flight last summer. That is why I was happy to accept an offer of employment
as an HR Business Partner upon graduation. My future goals are to pass my SHRM-CP
certification exam this summer, get my Benefits and Compensation certificate, and
obtain my master's degree.
If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain
how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.
While I spent most of my time as a regular member, I did have the joy of helping represent
UNT last semester at the Purdue HR Case Competition and Conference. Learning how HR
consulting is utilized in a practical business setting was eye-opening, in a good
way. There was so much information to absorb that it could be overwhelming, but we
had great coaches. It also helped me to improve my speaking skills, which are important
for any career. We had a great team, and I loved the experience.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their
experience at UNT?
Attend every event that you can, even if it isn't related to your major. Go out and
network. Check the national and local SHRM chapters for scholarships or free events
because there are more available than you think. These events can help you better
understand your future career and ensure you have all you need to achieve your goals
and explore options available to you.
Brianna Solis
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-solis-rangel/
Where is your hometown?
My hometown is Conroe, which is close to Houston. Just like Denton, Conroe was once
a small city that has grown tremendously, much like me.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
From the start all I knew was that I was interested in a career in business. Ultimately,
I decided to pursue a degree in Human Resource Management because of my abilities
to provide structure in different situations, as well as the potential to impact an
organization.
How has the HR program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, a/o professional
goals? (specific courses, advice from professors, HR career fairs, etc.)
The HR program helped me achieve my professional goals through the experiences it
provided. These experiences have not only guided the career path I have taken, but
they have prepared me as an HR professional. With the advice from my professors, I
was inspired to aim for bigger goals. By playing a supportive role, they helped me
improve my professional skills.
What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
The most significant thing I took away from the program was the emphasis on the power
of HR to influence people. The culture that is created in an organization is heavily
affected by the actions HR professionals take. As a professional in HR, it is essential
to promote a positive work environment for everyone.
Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
I am currently completing a Human Resources internship with the Texas Rangers Baseball
Club. In my internship I have glimpsed the critical role that HR plays in business
success and employee satisfaction. Although I have not finished yet, I have already
been impacted by the experience.
If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain
how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.
As a member of UNT SHRM I have participated in many professional development activities.
I was given the opportunity to use the concepts I learned within the classroom setting
and apply them to the real world.
What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their
experience at UNT?
The advice I want to give to future HR students is to learn as much as you can, get
out of your comfort zone, and aim to be a part of different experiences. Following
this advice has allowed me to grow professionally, and it has given me a clear understanding
of the path I want to take moving forward.