Madison White

1.    Where is your hometown?

My hometown is in Keller, TX.

2.    Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?\

I actually did not start out wanting to pursue a degree in HR my freshman year. I planned to go into Hospitality Management to become a wedding/event planner. But I got cold feet and wanted to go the more corporate business route. I chose the closest degree to Business Management UNT offered (Business Integrated Studies). With that degree, I had to pick two concentration choices. I did not know what to choose since I loved a little bit of everything from my work experience in food service to the IT Helpdesk (customer service, problem solving, talent management, etc.), but didn’t know what degree concentration choices included all those soft skills. And after taking a course with Professor Erin Welch, she invited me to the HR networking event. There I met Professor Mariya Gavrilova Aguilar who encouraged me to take her 3860 Human Resource Mgmt Course. From there, the rest is history and I fell in love with HR and chose it as one of my degree concentrations.

3.    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 classes are smaller groups of students allowing for more open discussion. Now after having had some experience in HR through my summer internship, I can really see how UNT’s HR classes are big about not only teaching the black and white ‘textbook’ side of HR, but how those concepts play out in the real world, and some of the problems that may arise. Also, the faculty within the management department are amazing. They really get to know their students and love helping propel their students' careers whether through increased networking, inside to HR events in the area, letters of recommendation, etc. 

4.    What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?

I learned that HR is never 100% ‘black and white’. A process or system can always be improved. If nothing else, it is about listening first. Truly listening to your company’s needs, as well as your employees when finding the best way forward will help to satisfy both sides.

5.    What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?

My greatest professional accomplishment was my capstone project I completed during my internship with Kubota Tractor Corporation. In that project, I restructured the job description & job posting formatting to increase marketability & applicant retention rates. I also created e-learning training for employee development based on newly developed core competencies. This was the greatest professional accomplishment I have because I was able to create real HR change and solutions for a multi-billion-dollar company that impressed seasoned HR professionals, with only being a student with limited HR experience. This also proved to me my capabilities (and enjoyment) within HR and my passion for helping to provide solutions for a company and its employees.

6.    Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?

 I interned at Kubota Tractor Corporation in Grapevine. My key takeaways were never losing flexibility & problem-solving skills. In the HR world, something unexpected will always come up. But learning how to navigate ever-changing deadlines, resources, & expectations to benefit the company helped in staying competitive as an employee. I found that flexibility & problem-solving can be one of the most valued assets for a worker, sometimes even more so than tenure.

Another key takeaway I learned was to never be afraid to ask to questions and push the envelope (respectfully). I learned that even as an intern, I brought something valuable to the table. I brought a fresh perspective to HR and am closer to modern-day challenges HR helps to solve. Therefore, I was able to bring a different angle to the team when tackling issues. Being able to raise my hand, ask questions if something didn’t make sense, and have the confidence to walk up to someone, shake their hand, and get to know them was invaluable. I learned more from the experience when I advocated for myself and my own learning. The worst someone can say if you ask is ‘no’.

7.    What are your career aspirations?

My current aspiration is to become an HR Generalist. However, I really enjoyed my work within the talent management team at Kubota and may specialize in that niche of HR if the opportunity arose.

8.    If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.  

I became a member of UNT SHRM in Spring 2023. And am currently the Director of Community Relations this semester. One of the biggest things offered to me as part of the organization was networking opportunities & scholarship opportunities. I gained networking exposure by getting connected with NTX SHRM & local HR events, such as the annual NTX SHRM conference & monthly educational luncheons. This, along with guest speaker events at UNT SHRM, helped me stay relevant in HR topics to be at least somewhat knowledgeable & hold impactful conversations when networking with seasoned HR professionals. Also, UNT SHRM provided valuable exposure to HR-specific student scholarships with less competition than general UNT or academic-related scholarships. This has allowed me to graduate debt-free unexpectedly. My last big takeaway from UNT SHRM is the relationships. I think it is important to find like-minded people with similar goals & in similar stages of their lives as you. This makes the academic & professional journey more fulfilling and less lonely when you find like-minded people & friends to share it with.

9.    What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?

My biggest advice is to find like-minded friends, and never turn down experiences & opportunities. As I said in question 8., I think it is important to find like-minded people with similar goals & in similar stages of their lives as you. This makes the academic & professional journey more fulfilling and less lonely when you find like-minded people & friends to share it with. It also pushes you to become better. Secondly, never turn down opportunities & experiences that come your way. You never know where it will lead, even if you are dubious. For example, if you have that extra time, get out of your comfort zone, and go to that HR conference or luncheon you were told about. You will not be a student forever. And I have found that people are more willing to share their advice & experience with a confident student who approaches them rather than a peer. The worst someone can say is ‘no’ (and I have yet to have heard it). And oftentimes, those experiences are discounted for students, making them affordable. And you will never hurt from having ‘too much’ exposure or experience in the HR world in the metroplex. Get connected. And don’t be quick to turn down an open door for an opportunity. You never know where it may lead.

LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/madison-white1

CeCe Lieberman

1. Where is your hometown?

Carlsbad, California

2. Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?

I pursued a degree in HR because I knew I always wanted to help people in their careers and encourage them to be their best selves.

3. 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.)

I owe all my HR experiences and Internships to the HR Program here at UNT. Thanks to the career fairs, advice from professors, and the mentor program within UNT SHRM, I have had opportunities that I could not have gotten without the program.

4. What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?

The most important things I learned in this program is to believe in myself and be able to present myself to employers.

5. What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?

Graduating with honors and being able to complete 2 HR Internships are my greatest academic and professional accomplishments. Prior to starting college, I could not imagine seeing myself where I am today, with both of these accomplishments and being the VP for UNT SHRM.

6. Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?

This past summer, I completed an Internship at Peterbilt in Denton, TX. I did a rotation of areas within HR including recruitment, safety, training, and overall corporate HR. My biggest takeaway from this internship is knowing more about where within HR I want a career.

7. What are your career aspirations?

Though I do not know where I will end up, I know I want to be able to experience most or all aspects of HR, from recruitment to health and safety.

8. If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for industry. 

I have been involved with UNT SHRM since Spring 22 only spending 1 semester as a member than becoming an officer. I first was the officer for information systems and now I am the Vice President. Before joining, I was not the best at public speaking I didn’t have the confidence to sell myself to professionals, but after my involvement with UNT SHRM, I have learned so much about the HR industry through our guest speakers, and I gained the confidence I needed to move forward in my professional career.

9. What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?

My biggest advice is to join student orgs. Through these organizations, you can meet new people, build your connections professionally, and always have access to advice from your peers or your org advisors.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecelieberman/

Casey Cook

1. Where is your hometown?

New Braunfels, TX

2. Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?

After dropping out of music school, I thought I had failed at the one thing I was good at. After a few years working multiple jobs in the service industry, I discovered this was not true, and I had many talents, including an affinity for training and development. It wasn’t long before I went back to school for HR.

3. 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.)

While I have previously had vastly polarized experiences with group projects, I came away from all of them with crucial experiences, ranging from active listening to conflict resolution, to leadership tactics. Regardless of the circumstances, working with people is guaranteed in HR, and there is always something to learn from them.

4. What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?

Since my academic experience was mostly through asynchronous learning, there were many times (while taking exams at 2am or on lunch breaks) where I felt so overwhelmed and isolated. If this is your situation, do not be afraid to reach out for help or even just someone to talk to. Join an org, look at group projects as an opportunity to connect, talk to your professor. The HR professors at UNT are so amazing and supportive (shoutout to Professors Maria Gavrilova Aguilar, Erin Welch, and Michael Killough). Even though I had extremely limited face to face contact, my experiences showed that they really do care about your progress and want to see you succeed.

5. What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?

While I struggle to name one instance, I am most proud of my growth in interpersonal relationships. I have worked in supervisory positions all throughout my academic career and have been fortunate to have an outlet for applying my learned content in real time. Looking back to where I started, I have seen an exponential increase in my ability to not only grow myself, but also foster this process in others I have met along the way. I have had countless opportunities to meet people at the beginning of their educational/working journey, and to see how much they can grow when given even the slightest energy and patience.

6. Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?

I have not yet landed an internship, but I have worked full time throughout the process of earning my degree. The most important skill I have taken from this experience is the importance of being organized and managing one’s time and, in some cases, how to recover from when things fall through the cracks.

7. What are your career aspirations?

While my passion is in training/development, I hope to spend some time in the short term as a generalist or rotating through all disciplines of HR. Even though I’ve spent the past four years studying HR, it is still so interesting to me, and I want to learn as much as I can. Long term, I would love to take all that wisdom and apply it as an HR business partner.

8. If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t participate in SHRM until my senior year. I was a member one semester and have taken on the position of Chapter Information Systems for the current semester.

9. What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?

Never miss out on an opportunity to network. It doesn’t have to be a big deal, a little goes a long way and it is so essential in building up your career.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseycookie

Elon Abebe

1. Where is your hometown?

I grew up in Allen, TX.

2. Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?

Originally, I was motivated to pursue a degree in HR because the recruitment process always interested me as a child. Growing up as a first generation American, I always helped my parents with their resumes and preparation for interviews, which later proved to be helpful when it came to my own job search. As I grew older, I wanted to incorporate my love for people with business and pursuing a degree in HR seemed like the perfect fit.

3. 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 greatly aided in my professional development for my career goals. I truly appreciate how the professors in the HR program are supportive and passionate about helping students find opportunities for professional development such as networking events, career fairs, and internship opportunities. I would like to recognize Dr. Aguilar and Professor Welch for their knowledge and guidance which helped me gain a deeper understanding of HR concepts and industry trends. Their dedication to assisting students is truly remarkable and has had a significant impact on me personally.

4. What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?

The biggest takeaway I learned in the HR program is how the HR industry is consistently changing and transforming which is why it is important to stay up to date with the latest industry trends. Some ways I can ensure that I keep up with the latest trends is through professional associations like SHRM and attendance at seminars and conferences that offer insights on current workplace developments.

5. What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?

My greatest professional accomplishment is graduating early with internship experience in a professional environment. Through my internships I was able to gain important technical skills and grow as a professional. The relationships and mentors I have gained through the internship program have positively impacted me.

6. Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?

I was a summer 2022 Strategic Recruiting intern at Ryan, LLC. During this time, I gained knowledge and skills relating to executive talent acquisition. These skills included sourcing through candidates LinkedIn Recruiter, updating candidate progress and job postings in Workday, and tracking candidate and recruiter activity through Salesforce Navatar. I returned as an intern the following summer under the same team but also as an Innovation Lab Intern with the Global Data Strategy team where I learned how to utilize data to provide insights for upper management. Some of the new skills I learned included building reports and dashboards, utilizing PBI for data visualization, and utilizing Alteryx to clean and transform data.

7. What are your career aspirations?

My current goals include broadening my analytical skills so that I can combine my knowledge in human resources with data driven decision making.

8. If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.

My involvement as a member of UNT SHRM gave me opportunities to attend HR networking events and seminars where I was able to learn from HR experts that provided insights and solutions to common HR issues.

9. 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 would be to take advantage of the resources that UNT provides for students and to join at least one professional organization that is career specific. These resources and organizations will expose you to many opportunities for career growth and personal development. I would also encourage future HR students to attend career fairs and acquire an internship so that you can gain practical experience in the workforce.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elon-abebe-76293221b/ 

Zachary Reed

1. Where is your hometown? 

Fort Worth, Texas          

2. Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?  

Originally, after graduating high school, I decided that I wanted to go out into a field and figure out what it is that I really enjoy doing. Throughout my time, I was able to move up through various positions and dabble in a variety of roles at our location. This is when I found an unexpected passion for HR, and I got to try my hand at learning and development, onboarding, and talent acquisition. During the pandemic, my industry shut down for an extended period. While I enjoyed my time at home… I quickly realized that without professional experience or a degree my career would remain stagnant. I soon joined UNT and started to work towards my degree in HR to take my career to the next level.

3. 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 provided me with many opportunities to expand and challenge my knowledge. Opportunities to network with employers and other students are some of the ways that the program has helped me reach my goals. HR classes at UNT are generally smaller compared to other majors, so you have plenty of opportunities to engage with fellow students and professors who have a wealth of professional expertise. I was able to challenge my assumptions of HR in a safe learning driven environment.

4.    What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program? 

One of the most important things I learned in the HR program was to be human. Of course, all relevant employment laws, strategic management, and all other HR functions are just as important. But, as HR professionals, you encounter sensitive situations that require dignity and tact. Remembering the human aspect of your role can make a world of difference to an employee experiencing a hardship.

5.    What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why? 
While studying as a full-time student at UNT, I maintained a full-time position with my current employer, as a line manager. Coming back to higher education after taking a break and maintaining my employment status was quite the challenge. My greatest academic accomplishment comes from my ability to excel through that challenge. Throughout my semesters at UNT I received multiple distinctions on the President’s and Dean’s lists at UNT and the Ryan College of Business. Being able to excel as a full-time non-traditional student is an accomplishment that I am very proud of.

6.    What are your career aspirations? 
After graduation, I am looking forward to joining the professional field and applying the knowledge I’ve learned to people and practices. After starting as an HR generalist, I hope to continue to advance through the roles in HR and advance to a more strategic HR business partner. Finally, after gaining industry experience, I hope to pursue my MBA to further my education.

7.    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 my senior year, and I wish I had joined sooner! SHRM is a great way for you to connect with other HR students to start building your network of people. The connections that I have made at UNT have helped me create meaningful connections with future HR professionals.

8.    What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT? 

The best advice I have for future HR students, or any UNT student, is to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Every experience has value, and you can always take that experience with you. Make meaningful connections with your professors and fellow students, they will be your best resource as you navigate through the program and beyond. Finally, never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. No one is going to do it for you!

LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/zacharyreed1
 

Warisha Khan

1.    Where is your hometown?  

Karachi, Pakistan​​​​​​​
2.    Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR? 

My initial plan was to pursue a degree in psychology with hopes of becoming a psychologist. However, I later realized that achieving my goal would require a master's degree, which led me to reconsider. Upon researching emerging career opportunities, I discovered that Human Resources (HR) aligned perfectly with my interests. It's a field I'm passionate about, and I'm excited to pursue it. I believe HR offers a fulfilling path where I can excel and make a meaningful impact in the coming years. 

3.    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.) 

Professor Virginie Kidwell’s class on emotional intelligence was a game-changer.  It was like a crash course in life skills.  I learned how to navigate my emotions, build better relationships, and even master the art of a sincere apology.  This knowledge has been like a secret weapon in my personal life, helping me grow as a person and act more maturely.  Thanks to the HR program at UNT, I’ve not only gained academic knowledge but also life skills that will stay with me forever.

Professor Aguilar supported me beyond the classroom. She provided guidance and a listening ear for both work-related issues and personal matters. Her mentorship has been invaluable in shaping my approach to both personal and professional challenges.

Professor Verrelli was a tremendous help. She gave me invaluable advice on joining the UNT Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and thanks to her guidance, I took a big step in my professional journey. After becoming a member of SHRM, I secured an internship and gained a deeper understanding of HR. Her support helped me move closer to my professional growth. 

Professor Welch's summer course was hands down the best summer class I've experienced at UNT. It was incredibly engaging, and what made it stand out was that the tests were directly tied to the lectures, which were all based on the latest industry knowledge. This class not only made my summer enjoyable but also equipped me with skills that I directly applied and excelled in during my internship. 

4.    What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program? 

The most important thing I learned in the HR program at UNT is how essential basic business skills are in the field of Human Resources. It's not just about people skills; it's also about making sure HR practices help the whole company succeed. For example, I learned how to write a killer resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile, which turned out to be super important. These skills helped me stand out and land internships and job opportunities. Plus, I also learned about 'strategic management' in HR. It's like ensuring HR is on the same page as the company's big plans. That way HR can help the company achieve its goals, which is pretty awesome!

5.    What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why? 

My greatest academic achievement is maintaining a high 3.9 GPA, which shows my dedication to learning and has helped me secure valuable scholarships. On the professional side, my work at the State Fair of Texas was a big win. I got to put all my knowledge from classes into action, like working with teams and solving real problems. It wasn't just a job; it was a chance to see how what I learned in school matters in the real world. Plus, it helped me build important connections and confirmed that HR is where I want to be.

6.    Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it? 

My internship at the State Fair of Texas has been a blast! I've learned so much about Texas and had the chance to be part of this amazing fair. The best part is getting hands-on experience with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), which is super important in HR. Plus, I've become a pro at paying attention to details and working in a fast-paced environment. It's been a real eye-opener and a lot of fun. 
 

7.    What are your career aspirations? 

I'm really passionate about helping people and making a big difference in the world. My ultimate goal is to become the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of a large multinational company. In that role I can use my love for learning to come up with cool new HR ideas that will make the company's team even better. I also want to create a work environment where everyone feels included, valued, and happy. It's my big dream to do all this on a global scale and leave a lasting impact on the world of HR and business!

8.    If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for industry. 

I was involved in UNT SHRM, which was a pivotal part of my journey to prepare for the HR industry. One of the standout moments was when I gained my first internship through my SHRM connections. During our formal dinners and networking events, I had the fantastic opportunity to meet and connect with seasoned HR professionals. These interactions not only boosted my motivation but also provided me with invaluable insights into the industry. It was through SHRM that I established the connections that kick-started my career in HR, and I am incredibly grateful for the guidance and opportunities it offered. 

9.    What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT? 

Here's some friendly advice for anyone starting their HR journey at UNT: Professors are your allies, so never hesitate to ask for help or guidance. Curiosity is your superpower; don't be shy about asking questions because it makes learning way more fun. Third, take your class material seriously because what you learn in school is like your secret sauce for the real HR world. And lastly, go to those networking events, they're awesome! You get to meet cool HR people, maybe land an internship, and discover exciting opportunities you didn't even know were out there. I can vouch for it because these tips have really helped me on my HR adventure!

LinkedIn Profile:  www.linkedin.com/in/warishakhanhr

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Joshua Windham

1.    Where is your hometown? 

Originally from Benton, Louisiana, I relocated to the Dallas area 6 years ago for new opportunities in a major metropolitan market.

2.    Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR? 

During COVID-19 I decided to return to school to finish my degree. When I first applied, it wasn’t for HR, but after being immersed in HR daily with my fiancé working from home, I soon learned what HR was and how our profession can improve lives. With a passion for people, I quickly applied to the Ryan College of Business and, after acceptance, declared an HR major. The decision to pursue a degree in HR has already brought a feeling of fulfillment and is sure to have been one of the best decisions of my life.

3.    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.) 

I am well on the way to achieving my goals. The Professors I have had the pleasure of working with at UNT have challenged me to be the best I can be. The professors here care about your future and have offered post-graduation mentoring. They instruct with passion and genuine depth of knowledge, lending real-life experience to topics through subject matter experts and local HR professionals at respected companies to expand on learning topics from class and practical application in their company daily. Through their instruction, the HR program at UNT and the Ryan College of Business professors helped me visualize my goals and initiate networking plans. I’m energized about my future goals.

4.    What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program? 

One of the most principal things I have learned in the HR program is that “it depends” is the go-to for anything HR. And with that mantra, there is never any cut-and-dry answer to HR matters. Our social and business environment is ever evolving, and with HR squarely at this intersection, we get to work on problem-solving constantly. And hopefully, more times than not, our solutions enrich the lives of the people we work with.

5.    What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?

My significant academic or professional achievement was the deliberate choice to make education my top priority. After graduating from High School, I began college, but I wasn't quite ready for that phase of life.  Later, after a period of regrets for not finishing a college degree, I found unwavering support from my fiancé and family, which empowered me to commit to finishing my degree.  Without question, this has been a pivotal point in my life journey and one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made.  I can proudly say that my HR degree from UNT will be my greatest academic accomplishment – thus far!

6.    Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it? 

During my summer internship with Supreme Lending in their Onboarding Department, I gained valuable insights into the corporate world. One key takeaway from this experience was the opportunity to experience what a healthy culture at a company looks and feels like, notably supportive colleagues and an inclusive atmosphere. I also learned that through onboarding, you can create a positive initial experience for someone who may be nervous about joining a new organization. Being that point of contact can set the tone of how someone can see themselves thrive with a company. Lastly, through our internship team project, I learned the practical value of collective efforts and the power of teamwork was evident in our presentation to leadership at the end of the summer. As a result of my contributions and dedication, I was offered the opportunity to stay on to help with the Training and Development Team after my internship concluded. I am truly grateful to the Supreme Lending Leadership Team, the team that led the Internship Program, the Onboarding Team, and the Training and Development Team. 

7.    What are your career aspirations? 

After graduation, I’m eager to go into the compensation field. My aspiration is to begin my CCP certification. As I look ahead, I can only see up and I am confident that my time at UNT and the path I have chosen will lead to personal growth and success. I cannot wait to see where my career will lead. 

8.    If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.  

My senior year was my first involvement in UNT’s SHRM chapter, and I genuinely wish I had become more involved earlier. Any business major, whether HR or another path, if you are interested in business, SHRM is an invaluable resource. The insights and knowledge offered can significantly enhance your professional journey. I better recognize the role a network of people plays in your work-life today and in the future and want to be part of a professional community helping each of us continue to grow and learn.   

9.    What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT? 
Embrace the opportunity to come out of their shells and be uncomfortable learning. Join any organization that sparks an interest to further your exploration of your true inner self. My own journey serves as a good lesson - as a non-traditional student coming into UNT, I kept to myself, and this persisted until my senior year when I finally I broke out of my silence and became more actively involved. And this turned out to be the most enriching and rewarding experience of my time here.  Don’t follow my example – engage in every change to explore and grow here at UNT.
 

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuawindham/
 

James Meza

1.    1. Where is your hometown? 

I am from Arlington, Texas.

2.    Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR? 

I decided to pursue a degree in HR after seeing the impact HR can have on so many different parts of the company. I have always been passionate about problem solving and hearing about the unique problems HR deals with, I knew that was the right degree for me.

3.    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 in many ways personally, academically and professionally. The first Human Resource Management class I took showed me the importance of Human Resources to a company’s operations and success. By implementing some of what I’ve learned in the program at my job, I was able to see real-time results of good HR practices, like keeping employees motivated, which made me love HR even more.

The professors also offer great examples to go along with what is taught in the material, pulling from their experiences in the HR industry, which allows me to think practically about what I have learned and start thinking about how I can use it in the future. Dr. Gavrilova Aguilar and Professor Welch have been especially helpful in preparing me to work in HR after graduation.

4.    What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program? 

The most important thing I’ve learned in the HR program is to always look at the big picture. Since HR has so many different functions, it is important to think strategically about why decisions are being made and what the desired outcomes are.

5.    What are your career aspirations? 

I aspire to become an HR Generalist after graduation, with the eventual goal of becoming an HR Business Partner in the future.

6.    If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.  

I am a new member of UNT SHRM, and my involvement has already connected me with other aspiring leaders that are also passionate about HR. It is a great way to network and hear about various experiences people have had, as well as hear from guest speakers who work in the industry.

7.    What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT? 

If I were to give advice to a future HR student, I would tell them to become involved with HR in and out of school. In school, join UNT SHRM to connect with other students, and speak with your professors to ask questions about what it is like to work in HR to see if you like it. Outside of school, look for opportunities at your job to use HR to improve the processes you and your colleagues interact with, or seek out an internship to gain experience working in HR.

LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmeza​​​​​​​