Your Career Team

Years at Bauer: 18 years 

First job: Leadership Development Associate with Consolidated Graphics 

Hometown: Oklahoma City, Okla. 

Favorite subject in school: English 

Dream vacation:  Alaskan Cruise  

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up? Before — Listen to a hype playlist or a comedy podcast. After — Reward myself with a mocha from Starbucks. 

What was your first week on the job like? It was so long ago! It was a lot of meeting people and learning processes, as well as onboarding work. I don’t think I started meeting with students until a few weeks into it. 

Years at Bauer: 10 and a half years 

First job: Academic Advisor, UH Health and Human Performance 

Hometown: Temple, Texas 

Favorite subject in school: Math 

Dream vacation: Tahiti  

Biggest inspiration: My family 

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up? Drink a good, iced coffee. 

What was your first week on the job like? Exciting; I got to meet everyone and learn more about Bauer. 

Years at Bauer: Three and half years 

First job: Administrative Associate for Admissions and Financial Aid 

Hometown: Harker Heights, Texas 

Favorite subject in school: Band 

Dream vacation: A trek across Europe with the family 

Biggest inspiration: My parents, who immigrated to the United States from South Korea with two little kids to make a better life for our family. They sacrificed so much, taking care of us and building the life they wanted while being underpaid and overworked for the degrees they had from another country. They always had their values and priorities guide how they lived their life, and I work to make them proud and give back to them! 

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up? Obviously, a lot of prep before the interview helps me feel confident. I give myself a pep talk, remember my “why,” and listen to some hype music. I also jump up and down to release some nerves and take some deep breaths. Afterward, I yell loudly and shake out my body so my nervous energy can be released. 

What was your first week on the job like? VERY QUIET. I started in mid-June, and everyone was on vacation! 

Years at Bauer: Three years 

First job: I was a line cook for a week and then quit. My first career role was a Youth Sports Coordinator for the YMCA. 

Hometown: Chicago, Ill. (greatest city in the world) 

Favorite subject in school: World History 

Dream vacation: Cayman Islands 

Biggest inspiration: My family. My parents are immigrants. My mom never finished high school, and my dad only finished the fourth grade. Yet they still became successful, to the point where my younger brother and I became the first to earn master's degrees among all our relatives. 

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up? Before: Box breathing and listening to instrumental music on repeat. After: Coffee. 

What was your first week on the job like? I never shared this, but I burned potatoes in the staff microwave to the point where smoke was coming out… luckily the smoke detector didn’t go off. 

Years at Bauer: Working at Bauer for seven months, but graduated back in Fall 2016 :) 

First job: Retail Specialist at Apple 

Hometown: Alexandria, Egypt (Best place for foodies and history enthusiasts like me!) 

Favorite subject in school: History 

Dream vacation: Swimming in the bluest waters of French Polynesia 

Biggest inspiration: My biggest inspiration is definitely my dad. After losing my mom at a young age, he raised me and my siblings pretty much on his own, all while juggling a demanding career in the oil and gas industry that took him around the world. He was the one who pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and move from Egypt to Houston to study at the University of Houston, even though I had great opportunities back home. Thanks to him, I graduated with honors as an international student and a proud Bauer Honors alumna. He's taught me the true meaning of sacrifice and believing in someone's potential before they even see it themselves. 

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up? Before an interview, I grab my favorite iced coffee and call my husband for his signature pep talk: “PROVE THEM WRONG!” And once it’s over, I reward myself with my favorite dessert because I deserve a little treat for giving it my best shot! 

What was your first week on the job like? Very chill and quiet, it was during Spring Break so not a lot of people on campus 

Years at Bauer: Four years 

First job: Front desk assistant at my high school. I answered phones, picked up the mail, gave visitors school tours and organized files.  

Hometown: Alvin, Texas 

Favorite subject in school: English and History 

Dream vacation: Lebanon. My mom’s family heritage is Lebanese, and I would love to see Beirut (the Paris of the Middle East). 

Biggest inspiration: Our students! They are the hardest working students in the entire country. Smart, hard-working, resilient and vibrant, our students come to campus every day and want more for themselves and for the people around them, and those are admirable and inspirational qualities. 

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up? Listen to music, either metal or EDM, anything to get my blood pumping and excited for the conversation.  

What was your first week on the job like? Fun and exhausting in the best way! I learned a lot, met a lot of new people and asked a lot of questions. 

Years at Bauer: 14 years 

First job: My first job was as a checker at Kroger. Then I went on to help soon-to-be brides try on wedding gowns at David's Bridal. My first post-undergraduate job was an Executive Trainee in the Foley's Department Stores Buyer Training Program. I moved on to become an Assistant Buyer for women's accessories and men's dress shirts. I know men's dress shirt sizing to this day! 

Hometown: I claim both Arlington, Texas and Houston, Texas 

Favorite subject in school: I loved art class and orchestra. I was first chair Violin! 

Dream vacation: Bali, Greece, Spain, Japan, Australia and bounce around Europe! 

Biggest inspiration: My biggest inspiration right now is my daughter, Addison. She has overcome many challenges with her ADHD, still manages to stay strong in her faith and has a loving, curious and thoughtful mind. Most of all, she is AUTHENTIC! You never have to question whether she is telling you what you want to hear or telling you what she really thinks — and she does this in a loving way. She is also hilarious! 

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up? Before an interview, I ground myself with a combination of prayer, deep breathing exercises, calming music and visioning exercises. 

What was your first week on the job like? It was fun and fulfilling. I connected so well with my manager, team and the students. I remember feeling like I had finally found a career that was suited to my natural strengths. 

Years at Bauer: Almost one year. Nov. 3 makes it official! 

First job: Junior Office Assistant for Dr. Crystal Brady, DDS and Associates 

Hometown: Houston!!!! H-Town! 

Favorite subject in school: English 

Dream vacation: I have a whole list! Bali, Greece, Egypt, Turks and Caicos Islands and exploring different parts of Africa are definitely at the top. 

Biggest inspiration: I don’t think I can choose just one person. My mom, my granny, my dad and my son have all inspired different parts of who I am. And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to include myself on that list, too. I’m inspired by the woman I’ve become, the things I’ve overcome, and the person I’m still becoming 

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up? Practice, practice and practice! I research the company beyond the basic “About Us” page — culture, current projects, challenges, employee reviews and anything else that helps me understand what’s happening inside the organization. Then it’s time for the hype music! Depending on the day, Dreams and Nightmares by Meek Mill or Winning Season by Pastor Mike is somewhere in the rotation. After the interview, I exhale and let it go. I give myself permission to rest, then the next day I send my follow-up email. 

What was your first week on the job like? A complete mix of emotions: happy, scared, excited and anxious; basically, that first-day-of-school feeling when you’re the new kid! But everyone was (and still is) so welcoming and helpful that those nerves quickly started to settle. I realized very early that I had joined a great team, and almost a year later, I’m still happy to be a part of it. 

Years at Bauer: Almost 14 years 

First job: Neighborhood babysitter 

Hometown: Houston 

Favorite subject in school: American Literature 

Dream vacation: Visiting family in Ireland 

Biggest inspiration: My mom 

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up? Talk to a mentor 

What was your first week on the job like? I was nervous but excited to get started.

Years at Bauer: 14 years 

First job: Babysitting, but my first “real” job was working as a cashier in high school. 

Hometown: Albuquerque, N.M. 

Favorite subject in school: Psychology 

Dream vacation: I have so many: Bali, India, Ireland, France, Italy and China. 

Biggest inspiration: I’m inspired by people who have the courage to stand firm and say, “This is me,” and follow their own path even when it isn’t easy. 

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up? Practice, practice, practice! I also remind myself that it’s just a conversation. They’re trying to find someone who is a good fit, and I’m trying to find a job that’s a good fit for me too. 

What was your first week on the job like? Fun 

Years at Bauer: 10 years 

First job: I worked at my grandparents’ country store every summer. 

Hometown: Silver City, N.M. 

Favorite subject in school: Math 

Dream vacation: Lake Tahoe 

Biggest inspiration: My grandfather. He worked hard every day and maintained his kindness. He worked with his hands and created things.  

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up? Tons of preparation and practice. It’s the only thing that keeps my nerves in check. 

What was your first week on the job like?  Fun and full of meeting new people and learning new things. There are a ton of acronyms to learn at Bauer! People were patient and answered all of my questions. 

Years at Bauer: 8 and a half years 

First job: Vet Clinic Assistant Tech 

Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif. 

Favorite subject in school: English and lunch 

Dream vacation: Santorini, Greece 

Biggest inspiration: My parents — they always instilled in me the importance of hard work, gratitude and resilience. 

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up? Before an interview, I have a playlist that gives me a confidence boost. After the interview, I reward myself with something sweet — ice cream, coffee or a pastry. 

What was your first week on the job like? My first week was a mix of meeting new people, learning the organization and team structure, completing orientation and training sessions and participating in job shadowing. It always feels a bit overwhelming, but you keep showing up, ask a lot questions, take notes and eventually you settle. 

Years at Bauer: 12 years 

First job: Record store manager 

Hometown: Houston  

Favorite subject in school: Sciences 

Dream vacation: Paris and Rome — I've been before and would go back in a second.  

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up? Before — remind myself of all the reasons that I am the right person for the job. 

What was your first week on the job like? Completely chaotic because the career fair was the following week. 

Years at Bauer: Less than one year 

First job: Making blizzards and sweet happiness at Dairy Queen. 

Hometown: Midlothian, Texas 

Favorite subject in school: History 

Dream vacation: One with good friends and new experiences 

Biggest inspiration: Possibilities 

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up? Treat myself to doppio espresso 

What was your first week on the job like? Nervous  

Years at Bauer: 19 years 

First job: Bank Teller at Bank of America  

Hometown: Houston, Texas 

Favorite subject in school: Theatre 

Dream vacation: River cruise on the Mediterranean Sea 

Biggest inspiration: My mom has led a community nonprofit for the past 50 years. She is still going strong at 76! My hope is to have the same energy at that age.  

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up? Pre-interview I would research the company, figure out how my skills and experience fit with that company and get a good night's sleep. Then walk into that interview with a smile, a firm handshake,\ and confidence. A huge sigh of relief comes post interview making sure to send a thank you to each interviewer and celebrate that small win with a glass of bubbly.  

What was your first week on the job like? Learning about my surroundings and new routine all while getting to know fellow staff. 

Years at Bauer: Two years in January. 

First job: Kemah Boardwalk — I worked the boardwalk games. 

Hometown: La Porte, Texas (aka Long Paper, Texas!) 

Favorite subject in school: Lunch, Recess, then Social Studies  

Dream vacation: Going to Italy. I have some deep Italian roots. 

Biggest inspiration: My mom. I am who I am today because of her. She was one of a kind. 

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up?  Before: tell myself “I got this” and jam out to Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Foo Fighters, Blink-182, Shinedown, Eminem or Metallica (yes, I know it's dad rock music. I own it!) before the call or drive to the interview. After: jam out, and change into my comfy clothes and get a drink!  

What was your first week on the job like? Amazing! I was welcomed with open arms by the whole office when I started in early January. I got thrown right into helping prepare for our spring career fair. Then after the career fair in early February, I had my first office meeting, and I was rewarded with the “Employee of the Week-ish" award. There is a literally trophy that is a sight to see. You can't put it into words, so if you want to know what it looks like, come ask me and I'll show you a picture!  

Years at Bauer: 20 years 

First job: Warehouse worker at Hopkins International Freight Forwarding (my dad's company) at 14.  

Hometown: Klein, Texas 

Favorite subject in school: Social Studies 

Dream vacation: Kauai, Hawaii 

Biggest inspiration: My wife. She always has my back.  

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up? No additional hype needed! I'm always way too nervous. I need to calm down. Slow breathing exercises.  

What was your first week on the job like? Terrifying! Every new job is terrible for the first few days.   

Years at Bauer: Four years at Bauer, 20 years at UH. 

First job: A marketing research firm 

Hometown: Born in Mexico City. Houstonian by heart. 

Favorite subject in school: Art History 

Dream vacation: A guided tour of Europe, Asia and parts of Africa to explore historic landmarks, art and the most delicious local foods. 

Biggest inspiration: The strong women who surround me inspire me every day. My mother is my greatest inspiration. In her 20s, she moved to a new country as a single mother without knowing the language or having a support system. Her courage, resilience and determination awe and motivate me. 

What do you do before or after an interview to hype yourself up? I remember that I am interviewing the company and the interviewers too. Is their company culture the right fit for me? Do their values align with mine? Do they invest in their team’s professional development?  

What was your first week on the job like? I started the Monday after career fair and experienced the office in campus recruitment mode with employer interviews taking place. During my first week on the job I ran finance reports five years in the past and dissected each expense line to get the full picture of the center's operations and signature events. I love to research, so I had tons of fun discovering what made RCC run behind the scenes.