Meet Valeria: Turning a College Fair Connection into a Career Opportunity

Balancing Work and School

Valeria’s journey to graduation was marked by resilience and determination. At the age of 15, she began supporting herself financially and providing for her family in Mexico. During college, she worked over 50 hours of work each week while keeping up with her studies. Balancing the demands of work and school was central to her college experience.

Internship Ignites a Career

Valeria’s pivotal moment came when she attended a career fair at Texas A&M, where she connected with Howden, a global environmental company. After a successful interview, she landed an internship that would lead to a full-time position. Valeria emphasizes the importance of internships, stating, “They not only provide experience but also open doors to opportunities.”

After her internship, Valeria’s dedication and hard work earned her a project coordinator position, working with teams to develop, organize, and manage strategies to ensure successful project outcomes. She took additional online courses to prepare for the role, highlighting her commitment to personal growth and her future career.

Embracing Growth and New Opportunities

Valeria’s journey reflects her belief in the importance of personal and professional growth. She encourages fellow scholars to be open to new experiences and to recognize their worth. “You can say no to companies if you don’t feel it’s the right fit,” she advises, emphasizing the need for alignment between personal values and professional environments.

Reflecting on her experience, Valeria highlights the value of mentorship and connection, especially in a remote working environment. Regular check-ins with her manager and networking with team members helped her feel supported and engaged. “Building relationships with colleagues made a significant difference in my internship,” she shares.