HOUSTONIAN 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from the Editor
Pg. 3
Life after college
Pg. 6
Job hunting
Pg. 8
Interviewing 101
Pg. 12
Is grad school worth it?
Pg. 14
UH athletics round-up
Pg. 16
Staying involved with UH
Pg. 19
Know your worth
Pg. 23
Best moments
Pg. 25
Staying in Houston
Pg. 29
Front cover: Raphael Fernandez Back cover: Christopher Charleston 2
HOUSTONIAN // MAY 2023
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear readers, M
y name is Jhair Romero, and I am the executive editor of this year’s Houstonian magazine. I am honored to congratulate you and your family on your graduation from the University of Houston. It’s no small feat. Few moments are as transformative as the one you are experiencing right now. As you leave behind the life of a student and enter the professional world, you are embarking on a new chapter filled with exciting challenges and opportunities. You have worked incredibly hard to earn your degree, and your achievements are a testament to your dedication, hard work and perseverance. You should be immensely proud of yourselves, your accomplishments and the hard work that has brought you to this moment. As you step into the real world, you will face a wide range of challenges, but I am confident that UH has prepared you with the knowledge required to overcome them. The skills you have gained, from critical thinking
and communication to problem-solving and adaptability, are invaluable, and they will serve you well throughout your career. Remember that success is not a straight line, and it is essential to remain open to new opportunities and to adapt to changes as they come. Embrace the unknown and be willing to take risks; you never know where they may lead you. As you move forward in life, always remember to stay true to yourself, your values and your beliefs. Never lose sight of your dreams and always work to achieve them. Do not be afraid to ask for help or guidance when you need it. Seek out mentors and never stop learning. Remember that your education is a lifelong process, and there is always something new to discover. Finally, I want to remind you that success is not just about achieving your goals. It is also about making a
positive impact on the world around you. Use your education to create a better world, to inspire others and to make a difference in the lives of those around you. Be a leader, a role model and a force for good. This is a momentous occasion that you will remember for the rest of your life. I wish you all the best, and may you all find success, happiness and fulfillment in this new chapter.
Sincerely,
Jhair Romero, Executive Editor HOUSTONIAN // MAY 2023
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TDECU Stadium will be the place to be next fall when the UH football team takes the field as a member of the Big 12 Conference for the first time. File photo/The Cougar HOUSTONIAN // MAY 2023
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Adjusting to life after college
By Cindy Rivas Alfaro
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HOUSTONIAN // MAY 2023
he different avenues you can take might seem overwhelming when it comes to life after college. Some might head straight to work, others might go to graduate school and the remaining few might take a well-needed break and do some traveling. Whatever you decide, it takes some planning to get there. For senior marketing major Brianna Pham, life after college ended up not being what she had initially planned for in her freshman year of college. “The goal at that time was medical school,” said Pham. “I took organic chemistry, failed organic chemistry, took a break (and) had an existential crisis about what I was
going to do with my life because you need organic chemistry to get into medical school to take the Medical College Admissions Test).” As she went through her freshman year and sophomore year, she struggled with organic chemistry before realizing that she can use her passion for business to fuel her ultimate goal of opening her own private practice. Just like Pham, some students might be pursuing something completely different than what they had originally planned for with their college careers. There might be some relief, some stress or even some regret with some decisions made. Whatever you may be feeling right now, pat
yourself on the back for even graduating in the first place. College is a whirlwind of what-ifs and whatnots and to make it to the other side of the stage is something to be proud of. Deciding what to do after college is not an easy feat but if it’s of any comfort, you have the rest of your life to figure it out. While society tries to tell you that you must follow a strict timeline of how and when to do things, the way you live your life is no one’s business but yours. The main thing that matters is that you are happy with yourself and that whatever you are doing brings you joy. The best thing about life after college is that you can do everything and anything. The worst thing about life after college is that you can’t do it all at once. So, what will it be? There are different timelines to pursue, as some would say. You can start a family, go to another country, find a job in the city, stay at home, adopt a cat or start adding more degrees to your name. “And then also like, get a therapist,”
said Pham. “Like, actually. There’s a lot of pressure (to be) academically successful and career-oriented. It definitely helps a lot and (my therapist) helps me put things in perspective.” Taking care of yourself is an overlooked factor when it comes to life after college. Most students are used to the regime of having to go to classes, due dates and schedules and once that is stripped away, it’s disorienting to find a new balance without it. Even if therapy is not accessible to you, having someone you can talk to like a friend, professor or significant other can make all the difference when navigating your new life. As said before, life after college can be overwhelming and sometimes there is no plan to follow. The most important thing is to keep going regardless of that. “As long as you like, pick a direction and go, even if the direction changes, it’s fine. Like it’s OK,” said Pham. As you enter a new era of adulthood, the most important thing to look after is yourself. Everything else will follow.
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Job hunting is hard. Here’s how to get started. By Jhair Romero
Gerald Sastra/The Cougar
F
or all of you who recently graduated from the University of Houston there is a lot to look forward to, but with the excitement of graduation also
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comes the stress of finding a job. However, with some helpful tips and a little bit of guidance, recent graduates can make their job search a successful one.
The first step in any job search is to create a resume that showcases your skills, education and experience. It is important to tailor your resume
to the specific job you are applying for, highlighting the qualifications and experiences that make you the ideal candidate for that particular position. It’s also important to create a strong online presence, including a LinkedIn profile that accurately reflects your professional experience and goals. LinkedIn is a valuable tool for job seekers as it allows employers to find and connect with potential candidates. Networking is another crucial aspect of the job search process. Recent graduates should attend career fairs, connect with alumni from their university and join professional organizations to expand their network and increase their chances of finding job opportunities. In addition to networking, recent graduates should also actively search for job openings online. Many job search engines, such as Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs and Glassdoor, allow job seekers to filter job listings by location, industry and experience level. It’s important to check these sites regularly and to apply for positions that align with your interests and qualifications. Applying for jobs can be a
time-consuming and often frustrating process, but there are ways to make it more manageable. One tip is to create a spreadsheet to track the jobs you’ve applied for and the status of each application. This will help you stay organized and on top of your job search. It’s also important to customize your cover letter for each job application. Your cover letter should highlight your relevant skills and experiences and explain why you are a good fit for the position and the company. Interviews are the next step in the job search process, and they can be nerve-wracking. However, with some preparation and practice, you can ace your interviews and impress potential employers. One way to prepare for interviews is to research the company and the position you are applying for. This will help you understand the company’s values and culture and tailor your responses to show how you can contribute to the company’s success. Another important aspect of interview preparation is practicing your responses to common interview questions. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable during the
actual interview. During the interview, it’s important to listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions and answer them honestly and thoughtfully. Be sure to ask questions about the company and the position to show your interest and engagement. In addition to these tips, recent graduates should also be persistent in their job search. Finding a job can be a lengthy process, and it’s important to stay motivated and focused even when faced with rejection or setbacks. Recent graduates should also consider alternative job opportunities, such as internships or part-time positions as ways to gain valuable experience and make connections in their chosen industry. Finding a job can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and mindset, anyone can make their job search a success. By creating a strong resume and online presence, networking, actively searching for job openings, customizing their cover letters, preparing for interviews and being persistent in their job search, recent graduates can find the job of their dreams and start their professional careers on the right foot.
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HOUSTONIAN // MAY 2023
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More tips on interviewing for jobs
By John Lomax
C
ollege does a lot to prepare students for life after graduation. Academics aside, college is where students develop the necessary
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social connections and skills to help propel them into their chosen fields. One thing it does not do much to help you prepare for is the dreaded interview process. The simple fact of the matter is that many graduates
will spend far more time than they would prefer interviewing for various positions. It can be a long, grueling ordeal, but ultimately rewarding for those willing to endure. With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you
make the most out of an interview.
Know your value
As much as it may seem like the interviewer holds all the cards, remember that you have something to offer the organization you are applying to. Whether you know it or not, your education and experience have equipped you with skills that the average person does not have. In order to know your value, however, you need to know about the place your applying to and what, specifically, you bring to the table that would assist in its operations. This means studying the organization or business, its goal and its mission statement. While you are being interviewed, you are also interviewing the company to see if it would be a good fit. Don’t think of it as they have something you want. Think of it as a meeting that could potentially result in a mutually beneficial relationship.
Don’t overprepare
Preparation is, of course,
key to any successful interview. However, overpreparation can hurt your chances of getting a job just as much as under preparation can. With that in mind, finding the sweet spot between the two is essential. A healthy amount of preparation generally means learning about the position you’re interested in, organizing a rough outline of how you’d like to present yourself and ensuring you are clean and presentable on the day of the interview. Logistics, like transportation if it’s in-person, or ensuring you have a good internet connection if it’s online, should also be considered. Overprepartion, on the other hand, can take many different forms. It’s easy to rationalize your anxiety when it comes to something important, like an interview, so knowing when to take a break and relax can be difficult. Once you learn to recognize the signs, however, it becomes second nature. If you find yourself agonizing over potential questions or obsessing over every little detail, it might be time to sit back
and take a breath. If you are losing sleep, or begin to see the effects of stress manifesting in your relationships, take a day to decompress. Sacrificing your mental health for an interview benefits no one.
Be genuine
As any business major will tell you, it’s important to sell yourself. But understanding when to sell yourself and when to be honest can make or break an interview. Look, we all fib a little. Most of us are not the Microsoft Office technicians we claim to be on our applications. Understand your shortcomings and when to be upfront about them. It isn’t always the best policy to lead with them, but if there is something about a position you are unfamiliar with or an aspect of the job that you feel uncertain about, be upfront about it. The person sitting across from you in an interview is just that, a person. Generally speaking, people dislike liars, and we’re better at spotting them than we realize.
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Is grad school worth it?
By Jhair Romero
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o matter where you are in your undergraduate career, whether it’s your senior year or just your first semester of college, the idea of someday going to graduate school will eventually cross your mind. Altough the possibility of continuing your higher education and pursuing a graduate degree may seem daunting, coming to a decision doesn’t have to be. If you have graduate school on the brain but aren’t completely sure about what to do, be sure to consider these factors as you make up your mind.
Career goals
The first thing you should think about when 14 HOUSTONIAN // MAY 2023
considering graduate school is whether or not it is even compatible with whatever your career aspirations are. A good way to gauge this is by applying to internships or fellowships that will give you professional experience in whatever it is you might pursue in graduate school. When making an investment as large as a graduate degree, you should be sure that you’re not getting yourself stuck in a career that isn’t right for you. Another excellent way to see if graduate school is right for you is by asking a professor or industry professional for advice. Throughout your undergraduate career, you’re bound to come across plenty
of professors, some of whom likely teach graduate-level courses in their fields. What better way to learn more about a career than by getting advice from those who teach it for a living? If you do decide that a graduate degree is what’s best for your career, picking the right school is key for this next chapter of your educational journey.
School
For those who decide to go back to school, the institution where you choose to pursue your next degree can make or break your graduate school experience. Location, tuition costs and the quality of the program you’re interested in should all be considered when looking for the right school. The city or state your prospective schools are located in can play a huge part in what you get out of a graduate program. A great example is UH’s part-time master’s of business administration program, which allows students to balance work and school as they work towards their degree. The best part? The program, ranked in the top 50 in the country by the U.S. & World News Report, is in a diverse city with the second-highest economic output in the South that happens to house nearly 20 Fortune 500 companies. Of course, the financial impact of extending your college career for a graduate degree can vary from institution to institution. Depending on what school you choose, a master’s degree can run you anywhere from $30,000 to $120,000, according to educationdata.org.
So, if you soon start the process of finding the right graduate school for you, be money-conscious when weighing your options.
Financials
When it comes to education, especially graduate school, nothing is cheap, and students often end up racking up large amounts of debt to pay for tuition and other college expenses. On average, someone who completes their master’s degree will end up with just over $72,000 in debt, according to educationdata.org. Looking at a number that large and the word “debt” in the same sentence can be unnerving, but you must remember that higher education pays. Having a master’s or professional or doctoral degree can make you thousands of dollars more a year than someone with just a bachelor’s degree, a 2020 study by Northeastern University found. That same study found that those with master’s or doctoral degrees are less likely to be unemployed, which can be reassuring for a young graduate entering the workforce. If you choose to go to graduate school, know that you are going to spend a lot of money regardless of where you go. Yes, you should be conscious of the resources you spend in pursuit of the education and career you have always dreamt of, but what’s important is whether or not you believe the tradeoff is worth it. No matter what you choose to do, being informed and doing your research is the first step in making the right decision.
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UH ATHLETICS The UH volleybal team had one if its best season in years, advancing to the Sweet 16.
UH men’s basketball were conference champions once again this year.
Marcus Sasser became the first Cougar to be named a First-Team All-American since 1984.
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YEAR IN REVIEW The swimming and diving team were conference champions for the seventh consecutive year.
UH men’s golf dominated in the conference tournament, winning its first title since 2013. Kate Georgiades played lights out in the NCAA Tournament, going viral for her hustle. UH football capped its season with an Independence Bowl win over Louisiana. HOUSTONIAN // MAY 2023
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Keeping up with the Cougars By Jhair Romero Graduation is a time of excitement and celebration, but it can also be a time of uncertainty for recent graduates as they leave the environment they’ve been in for the past few years. While you may be leaving the familiar surroundings of your alma mater, there are many ways for you to stay connected with the University, especially its athletic teams. One of the most straightforward ways for graduates to stay connected with the University of Houston is to join the alumni association. The association offers a wide range of benefits to members, including access to exclusive events, networking opportunities and discounts
on merchandise. Members of the alumni association also receive the University’s alumni magazine, which provides updates on the latest news and events at the University. The University of Houston is known for its diverse student body, and this diversity is reflected in the range of events held on campus. Attending these events not only allows graduates to stay connected to the University, but it also provides opportunities to meet current students from diverse backgrounds and network with other alumni. Cultural performances, art exhibits and sporting events are all examples of the many events held on campus.
For graduates who are passionate about sports, staying involved with the University’s athletic teams is an excellent way to stay connected. UH has a strong athletic program that competes in a range of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf and soccer. The University’s athletic teams have a large and dedicated following, and attending games is a great way for alumni to stay connected with the University and support the teams. With UH set to move to the Big 12 this year, the environment at athletic events will be better than ever. Graduates who are interested in supporting the University’s athletic program can also join
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Football games at TDECU Stadium are a great way to stay connected with UH as you transition into post-college life.
the Cougar Pride program. Cougar Pride is the University’s official athletics fundraising arm, and it provides financial support for the University’s athletic programs. Members of Cougar Pride receive exclusive benefits, including priority seating at games, access to pre-game events and invitations to meet-and-greets with coaches and athletes. Giving back to the community is a core value of the University of Houston, and graduates who want to give back to their alma mater can do so by volunteering. The University offers a range of volunteer opportunities for alumni, including mentoring current students, serving as guest speakers in classes and helping with recruitment efforts. Volunteering not only allows graduates to give
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back to their alma mater, but it also provides opportunities to connect with other alumni and network with other professionals in their field. Another way for graduates to stay involved with the University is to donate to the University’s annual fund. The annual fund provides critical financial support to the University and helps to fund a range of programs and initiatives. Donations to the annual fund are tax-deductible, and they can be directed to specific programs or initiatives that align with your interests. For graduates who are looking to continue their education, the University of Houston offers a range of graduate programs in diverse fields. Alumni who choose to pursue a graduate degree at
the University will be able to stay connected with the UH community and take advantage of the resources available to them as alumni. By joining the alumni association, attending events on campus, supporting the University’s athletic program, volunteering, donating to the annual fund or pursuing a graduate degree at the University, graduates can continue to be a part of the University of Houston community and help to ensure that future generations of students have the same opportunities for success that they did. The diversity and inclusivity of the UH community make it a unique and special place, and graduates can be proud to be a part of it, even after they have left its halls.
The Quad, which replaced the now-demolished Quadrangle, was one of the largest campus projects of the past four years.
Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar HOUSTONIAN // MAY 2023
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CONGRATULATIONS & BEST WISHES!
Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2023!
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Knowing your worth By Cindy Rivas Alfaro
T
he workplace is no longer the center of a person’s life. Nowadays, people want to work to live, not live to work. They want to be viewed as contributing individuals to an organization that does not view them as just another working machine. Advocating for this mindset and knowing your worth might be difficult for a recent graduate but it is not impossible. To start off, there are a few things to keep in
mind and it starts with advocating for yourself.
job applications.
Set clear goals
Talk to other people in your field. Get to know the salary, work environment and expectations of people who have worked in the jobs you are trying to pursue. From this, hopefully, you can find vital information that can help you decide if you should be paid more or if there are other companies out there that align better with your aspirations. You might also learn about new,
Before you even accept a job offer or sign any papers, ask yourself what you will get from working there and if it aligns with your goals. If you want to improve your interpersonal skills or make a difference in your community, double-check that those two things will be accomplished through that job. If not, maybe it’s time to start looking at other offers or filtering
Ask around
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untraditional ways to reach your goals that you haven’t thought of before.
Set boundaries
Make sure to separate your personal life from your work life. This is by
far one of the hardest things to follow as many people are unable to bathe in the privilege of saying no to extra shifts and taking those days off. If possible, give yourself time to relax and set clear boundaries with your employer and coworkers on when they can talk to you about work-related things. Log out of your work-related accounts on your personal devices to create a clear divide between work time and personal time.
Be aware of your resources
If something happens at work that you feel isn’t right, trust your gut feeling and stay updated on laws,
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regulations and policies at your workplace. If you are unsure, talk to someone you trust about the situation and get the full picture. There are a lot of laws in place to protect you and if there aren’t, make a lot of noise. People will support you.
Be positive
It’s difficult to enter a workplace and feel out of place as everyone seems to be more experienced than you are. Take a deep breath and remember that they were all in your shoes at some point and that you have strong skills and qualities that make you qualified for the position you’re in. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones and focus on the reasons you should be there, not the reasons you shouldn’t. As you start your new job and enter the first few years of your career, remember that you worked hard to be where you are so don’t lose faith in yourself. If you keep moving forward with your goals, success will follow.
UH’s best moments of the last four years By John Lomax
I
t’s hard to deny the meteoric rise the University of Houston has undergone over the past decade. Whether in athletic success, research or campus development, UH has shown the
academic world that it is a force to be reckoned with. All this excitement has generated an atmosphere of school pride on campus that marks a stark departure
from UH’s traditional image of being a soulless commuter institution. Keep reading to learn about moments that have fueled UH’s upward trajectory over the past four years.
Christopher Charleston/The Cougar HOUSTONIAN // MAY 2023
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Men’s basketball
Even for the most athletics-adverse students, the attention the UH men’s basketball team has brought to the University in recent years is impossible to deny. Every March seems to bring another record-breaking performance from the Houston Cougars. This year saw the Cougars ranked No. 1 on the AP poll, a first since the 1982-83 season, which featured titans of the court like Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon. Before that, in 2021, the team made it to the Final Four, another first for The Cougars since the 1980s. Under head coach Kelvin Sampson, The Cougars have continued to outperform teams across the nation, cementing UH as a major player in the college basketball scene.
The opening of the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine For many years, one of the factors that precluded the University from being compared to major academic institutions such as the University of Texas and Texas A&M University was its lack of a medical school. University officials resolved to address this issue, and in 2017, the Board of Regents gave final approval for the establishment of the College of Medicine. This decision marked the beginning of a multi-year process that is beginning to come to fruition. In 2020, the college admitted its first official cohort of medical students. Then, in 2022, after receiving a $50 million donation from Board of Regents Chairman Tilman Fertitta, the college officially opened its new stateof-the-art facility. Given his substantial donation, the school was also renamed the Tilman
Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine.
Developments in research, technology Anyone whose spent time on campus has likely seen advertisements touting the University’s groundbreaking advances in the fields of science and technology. Researchers at UH have been lauded for everything from medical advances to energy and natural gas breakthroughs. In 2022, the University announced the development of a vaccine meant to combat the effects of fentanyl overdose. While the vaccine is still in its infancy and needs much more testing before it’s made available to the public, the announcement garnered widespread attention and was officially recognized by
Gov. Greg Abbott. University researchers have also worked on producing green energy solutions, such as the 2020 development of a hybrid solar device capable of simultaneously capturing and storing energy. No matter the area or discipline, UH continues to live up to its status as a tier-one research university.
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The Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine is one of UH’s biggest accomplishments ever.
Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar 28 HOUSTONIAN // MAY 2023
Why you should stay in Houston
A
s graduation season comes to a close, many of you recent UH graduates may be wondering where to start your next chapter. Fortunately, you need not look further than
By Jhair Romero Houston, a city that offers endless opportunities for personal and professional growth. Houston, the fourthlargest city in the United States, has a diverse culture that makes it an
attractive place for recent graduates. It is known for its world-class museums, vibrant arts scene and diverse culinary offerings. Whether you are interested in
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exploring the latest exhibitions at the Museum of Fine Arts or trying out the latest food trucks in town, Houston has something for everyone. The Bayou City is also home to a thriving job market, with opportunities in a range of industries, including energy, healthcare, technology and finance. In fact, Houston has one of the strongest job markets in the country, making it an ideal place to launch a career. With companies such as BP, Shell and ExxonMobil headquartered in Houston, the city offers plenty of opportunities for recent graduates looking to start a career in the energy sector. In addition to its robust job market, Houston also has a low cost of living, making it an affordable place to live for recent graduates. Compared to other major cities in the United
entrepreneurship. The city also has a strong network of mentors and investors who can help guide entrepreneurs as they navigate the complex world of startups. Houston is also a city that values diversity and inclusivity. With a large and diverse population, the city celebrates a range of cultures and traditions. Houston is home to several diverse communities that offer a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse cultures that make up the city. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Houston has plenty of parks and green spaces to explore. The city has over 350 parks and more than 200 miles of biking trails, making it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. Another advantage of living in Houston is its central States, Houston has relatively location. The city is located in affordable housing, low taxes the heart of Texas and is easily and reasonable prices for accessible by car, plane or train. everyday goods and services. This makes it an ideal location This means that recent for those who enjoy traveling graduates can live comfortably and exploring other parts of here without having to worry the state. about breaking the bank. This city is an excellent place The city is also known for for recent graduates to live and its excellent higher education begin their careers. With its institutions, including the culture, strong job market, low University of Houston. cost of living, excellent higher It has a range of universities education institutions, thriving and colleges that offer graduate startup scene and commitment and professional programs, to diversity and inclusivity, making it an excellent place Houston offers endless for recent graduates who opportunities for personal and want to continue their professional growth. education. With access to So, as you graduate from UH world-class research facilities and go off into the real world, and professors, graduates can consider making Houston your continue to develop their skills permanent home. and knowledge in their chosen With its welcoming fields. community, thriving economy Beyond its excellent higher and endless possibilities, education institutions, Houston Houston is the perfect place to is a hub of innovation and start your next chapter.
Good luck out there, Coogs!
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