Success Stories
Welcome to the Student Success Stories
Choose a type of story to read
Major: Computer Science
Graduation: June 2023
Story: Honorably discharged from the Navy April 2019. New to Texas and new to college, after visiting and talking to the Veteran's Resource Center, I found out about handshake then after working with career services sent in my resume. After I received notification about having an interview I went back to Career Services and worked again with a former Army Vet and practiced for the interview. Utilizing Career Services and having another Veteran to talk to helped me translate my military service to the civilian side. I got the job!
Advice: Utilize Resources, having someone to talk to one on one helps a lot even if you don't know where to start the staff is very knowledgeable and can help point you in the right direction.
Major: Biology
Graduation: Spring 2019
Story: I've been attending TAMUCC since last semester and I was working an off campus job. This semester I decided to focus more of my efforts on school and the community. I applied for several on campus positions and as of yesterday I got a position at the University Center! This is a big deal as it gives me more time to focus on school and really incorporating myself into the TAMUCC culture.
Advice: My advice would be to reach out and make connections on campus. There are a ton of resources available here and the best thing you can do for yourself is just to take advantage of them.
Name: Morgan Terrace-Kaiser
Major: Theatre
Graduation: June 2017
Story: I have had a job since I was 14 years old so going into college it was something that was inbred into me to have. I was prepared to get on Craigslist and struggle through job listings in Corpus, while living in Austin. Then I went to NSO and found out that TAMUCC offers the greatest resource ever, the Hire An Islander website. I registered right away and had my resume verified. The website made it so easy to access all the applications I needed to fill out along with really easy to use job listings. I preferred to have an on-campus type job but I ended up finding an amazing tutoring job that will help me be of service to the community. I am so thankful that my school is so helpful to students like this.
Advice: Don't say "I can't find a job" your words have more power than you think. Start applying as soon as possible, DON'T put it off! Don't just go for the most high paying position, look for a job where you can be of service to others because in the end it will be much more satisfying.
Contact Sharon, she is AWESOME.
Major: Physical Therapy
Graduation: May 2014
Story: I came to career services everyday to find a job and never gave up. I was confident and determined to get a job on campus. Once I got called for an interview I got excited and was prepared. I was myself and answered every question respectfully and to the best of my knowledge. I was happy when i found out that I got the job because there was other applicants who applied. I love my position and im grateful to be working on campus.
Advice: Stay focused, confident, and never give up.
Name: Krista Vasquez
Major: Nursing
Graduation: May 2010
Story: One year ago I was about to start my freshman year in summer classes. I heard about Career Services through a friend so I decided to register. Within the week that I registered I found a job on campus. Working on campus has made my college schedule so much easier than if I were to find any other part-time job. I am able to work a few hours every day in between my classes and I never have to worry about working late because the offices close around five o’clock. Since working at Career Services I have also learned about building a resume, interview tips, and how to present myself around job recruiters. I am so grateful to have this job and the administrators are very helpful.
Advice: If you check the new job postings daily you will find the job that you are looking for.
Name: Mercedes Falcon
Major: Biomedical Science
Graduation: May 2009
Story: After experiencing my first year of college, I decided that I needed to finally get a job. Trying to make ends meet with rent and other living expenses became really difficult so I decided to visit the Career Services office. I met with Sara and told her my situation and she was very helpful. Luckily, Career Services was hiring for the summer so I asked for the job referral and was hired! I’ve been working here for almost two years.
Advice: My advice for students looking for a part-time job would be to definitely utilize the Career Services office and website. On-Campus jobs are ideal for any student who has a busy schedule and is in need of some extra money. TAMU-CC employers are very flexible with school schedules and are compassionate regarding the many stresses of college.
Name: Kirk Greer
Major: Finance
Graduation: May 2007
Story: I registered with the Career Services Team at TAMU-CC and right away I was very excited about all the jobs that were available. I followed up on a job opportunity with a company called Fastenal. They are an industrial and construction supply company and I had no experience in the field in my entire life. I went to a series of interviews and got a call back with a part-time job offer and I took it. I’ve been with the company since November of 2006 and the way to go at first is part-time. I was able to learn the business, get the basic knowledge of the day to day in my head, and it really gives you the opportunity to hit the ground running when the time is right to go full-time.
Advice: I would advise anyone that are still in school to go part time if it is available because it gives you the experience you need to take the next step. I am really excited about my job and am already advancing in the company. Give career services a shot….I did!
Major: MSc Accounting
Graduation: December 2018
Story: Being international, coming to the United States, I was really concerned about getting a job as a result of the fact that my country is currently experiencing economy recession and dollar scarcity.Myself and my twin brother came into the United States with $1000 for both accommodation and feeding. We both did not get scholarship or a tuition waver, we were always thinking about getting a job, my first point of contact was Ms. Ann Hartunian the international office Administrative Assistant, she told me and twin brother that "we should go to the career service and create an account with them". We both did as she instructed and that same day we applied for so many jobs on hand shake, after a week we both got a call from the TAMUCC University Center and we were asked to come for interview and that how we both got employed.
Through career service my brother has been able to get a graduate assistant position in his department by going for the mock interview and also resume review where has has learned a lot about how to answer interview questions and also talk fluently and slowly. I am also hoping to get a graduate assistant position as I am well prepared for any interview I get.
Through career service I am able to educate people in my county on how to write an award winning resume and also talking intelligently during interview. Career service is the best.
Advice: Firstly , always check Hand Shake everyday.
Secondly , go for a resume review with the career counselors. They are always available and willing to help.
Thirdly, do not wait till you get an interview before going for mock interview, always go there when you have new ideas you need to share with your career counselor.
Lastly, apply for the job between 2-3 days if possible same day.
Name: Melina P.
Major: Finance
Graduation: December 2011
Story: I simply wanted to thank you for being my career counselor throughout my interview process. I am pleased to notify you that I received an offer for an Audit Associate position beginning January 2012 only fifteen minutes after my departure from the office. I am very excited about finally beginning my career and moving to the big city of Houston. As a first-generation college student, I can honestly say that Career Services has made a great contribution in helping me launch my career. I will especially value all of your helpful advice about positive thinking and I am very glad that I had the opportunity to have you as my career counselor. I will continue to work very hard towards developing myself as a TAMUCC success story.
Name: Courtney Hall
Major: Kinesiology
Graduation: August 2007
Story: Like many other students, I held down part-time jobs like waiting tables while going to school. As my graduation date started to get closer and closer, I started to get worried about my lack of experience in a formal business setting. With the help of Kris and the Career Services office I got to practice my interview skills with a videotaped mock interview and had also sent them my resume for critique and revision. This REALLY calmed my nerves and within 2 months after graduation I landed a job in Washington D.C. working for ATK, a midsize defense firm that makes rocket motors or NASA and is the number one supplier of ammunition to the military. This job is outside my degree but with the speaking/interviewing skills I now have, its a breeze when meeting CEOs and Congressmen.Advice: Take advantage of the career services. It took me until my senior year to set up the mock interview and while I was VERY nervous, Kris had asked me questions that the VP of my company ended up asking in my interview. I WAS PREPARED!!
Name: Minh
Major: Master of Business Administration
Graduation: Dec 2012
Story: Thanks to Patricia, I finally got an internship. Her advice is very helpful and sincere.
Advice: You should go see your counselor to review your resume.
Name: Joshua Lowry
Major: Computer Science
Graduation: 2009
Story: I never thought as a Sophomore that I would be selected for an internship. By going to career fairs, presentations, and the business etiquette dinner I was able to meet and converse with the recruiters at ExxonMobil. The career counselors at Career Services helped me structure my resume to highlight my skills, and they even helped me with the interviewing process by doing a mock interview. Before I knew it I was interviewing with a recruiter. Without the help of career services I would not have had this opportunity.
Advice: Always remember that going to school is not supposed to be easy, and when it is it means that you are not being challenged. Pursuing this challenge is a key to success, and will help you later. Visit the Career Services office for information on how to get an internship, and start applying early. Don’t forget to participate in the fairs, because simply getting your name out to the recruiters helps in the long run.
Name: Tiffany Herrera
Major: Bio Medical Sciences
Graduation: May 2009
Story: I heard about the Summer Medical Dental Education Program at University of Houston Medical School from my advisor Dr. Chopin. I didn’t know what to include on a resume for an internship so I went to Career Services and asked for help. They not only helped with my resume, but they gave me pointes on the application and the interview. I had a great internship, and gained some invaluable experience.
Advice: Start looking for internships when you are a freshman. Try to do one every summer until you graduate. Be sure to go to the Career Center and ask about intern opportunities. If you have any questions about your resume or the interview process, be sure to talk to them about it. They are so helpful.
Name: Bernice Saucedo Rubio
Major: Business Administration
Graduation: 2007
Story: I graduated in 2007, then attended a certification program to get my teaching certificate. I started teaching Special Education in August of 2008. This year I am entering my fourth year of teaching and I love it! Being a single parent this was a long hard battle. I was working forty hours a week, then attend night classes four nights a week. I attended one of A&M’s Career Fairs and actually got three job offers for teaching out of town! But my heart was here in Corpus so I joined Mathis ISD to get some experience, the two years later I joined CCISD. Texas A&M was like my second home. I started my master program about two years ago and hope to get back on track with that. Completing school in my forties I hope to be an example to my daughters. As I tell them, it’s never to late to go to school!
Advice: I always tell my daughters, “We create our destiny by the choices we make today”, and education is one choice that can only make our future better. I finished school when I was 47, my choice was either turn 47 and not have a degree, or turn 47 with a degree! I stumbled, dropped classes that scared me, but I always tried again.
Name: Ezra Kuenzi
Major: Finance
Graduation: 2007
Story: Thanks to the Career Services staff at TAMU-CC, I was accepted at several law schools. The Career Services staff at TAMU-CC was very helpful in looking over my applications and helping me create a resume. Their insight and guidance helped make me a competitive applicant in applying for law school. I am currently a 1L at Texas Tech University School of Law! Thanks again TAMU-CC Career Services staff for all of your help!
Advice: Utilize the services that TAMU-CC offers. You will put yourself ahead of the game whether you are looking to get into graduate school or looking for the perfect career opportunity.
Name: Kathy Herrera
Major: Education
Graduation: 2009
Story: I hadn’t updated my resume since I got my first job on campus right out of high school, but I still thought that I had a good resume. Then a Career Counselor came and spoke in my class. Even though I am not graduating for a year, I decided to make an appointment and have them look at it. The counselor took time to help me figure out what was important for me to include on my resume and how to really show people what my strengths are. After visiting with a counselor at Career Services, my resume is absolutely amazing and something that I am really proud to share with others
Advice: I think everyone should go there and see what Career Services has to offer.
Major:Computer Science
Graduation: 2009
Story: When I started college my resume was full of unnecessary information, and really needed help. My Career Counselor helped me revamp my resume.
Major: MSc Accounting
Graduation: December 2018
Story: Being international, coming to the United States, I was really concerned about getting a job as a result of the fact that my country is currently experiencing economy recession and dollar scarcity.Myself and my twin brother came into the United States with $1000 for both accommodation and feeding. We both did not get scholarship or a tuition waver, we were always thinking about getting a job, my first point of contact was Ms. Ann Hartunian the international office Administrative Assistant, she told me and twin brother that "we should go to the career service and create an account with them". We both did as she instructed and that same day we applied for so many jobs on hand shake, after a week we both got a call from the TAMUCC University Center and we were asked to come for interview and that how we both got employed.
Through career service my brother has been able to get a graduate assistant position in his department by going for the mock interview and also resume review where has has learned a lot about how to answer interview questions and also talk fluently and slowly. I am also hoping to get a graduate assistant position as I am well prepared for any interview I get.
Through career service I am able to educate people in my county on how to write an award winning resume and also talking intelligently during interview. Career service is the best.
Advice: Firstly , always check Hand Shake everyday.
Secondly , go for a resume review with the career counselors. They are always available and willing to help.
Thirdly, do not wait till you get an interview before going for mock interview, always go there when you have new ideas you need to share with your career counselor.
Lastly, apply for the job between 2-3 days if possible same day.
