Heritage Magazine: Empowering Bearkats Through Connection and Career Readiness

Empowering Bearkats Through Connection and Career Readiness

Sam Houston State University thrives on the principle that an institution is only as strong as its community. This is evident through resources like the Career Success Center (CSC), where Bearkats remain agile and gain a professional leg up on the competition at any stage of their educational journey.

“We at Sam Houston State have put ourselves in the perfect position to show our students the value of a college degree,” said CSC Director Benjamin Cantú. “We are one piece of that, but there are so many vital resources aimed at making our students more successful.” 

Cantú and his team are committed to preparing every student for the career of their choice, regardless of where they are in the process.

“Whether you are a freshman, a week out from graduation or you crossed the stage 10 years ago, our career services are free for life,” Cantú said. “The biggest thing is that all of our staff members are passionate about students and want to fulfill their career aspirations.” 

Cantú himself hand selected the majority of the staff in 2022, when the center was officially established and he was named director. This included Courtney Wilson, associate director of career education and innovation, who helped launch the CSC’s initiatives and jumpstart the newly-formed center under Cantú’s leadership. The team has since grown in size and prestige, collaborating with the campus community to offer the best possible services to its clients.

Jason Spicer, one of many Bearkat success stories, earned his bachelor’s degree in mass communication in 2024. He went on to utilize the center as an alumnus and ultimately secure a position as an SHSU admissions counselor for the Central Texas and San Antonio area.

“Here at Sam, all you need to do is ask for help,” Spicer said. “There are so many resources that will assist you if you utilize them. People at this university are here to help you succeed, especially in the Career Success Center.”

After receiving his degree, Spicer struggled to secure the position he desired. Luckily, he was aware that the CSC offered both current students and alumni services related to career development and readiness. He decided to schedule a mock interview to receive tangible feedback he could apply to his strategy.

“I was frustrated with the job search and knew I had to go above and beyond if I wanted different results, so I booked an appointment,” Spicer said. “The feedback I got from that mock interview was real and intended to make me grow. They did not sugarcoat anything, which was great because that experience helped me land a full-time position.”

Along with mock interviews and career coaches to guide you through the process, CSC services include resume critiques, free professional headshots, internship search assistance, part-time or full-time career search assistance, major and program career information. They also offer career development and educational workshops throughout the year.

“These events help students become more career-minded and allow them to level up when they graduate,” Spicer said. “Those resources can be critical to completing your journey here at Sam and putting yourself in the best position to succeed after.”

Since securing his first job after college, Spicer has immersed himself in a role that allows him to provide pathways to education for other first-generation students. Now, he is not only establishing himself as a young professional, but assisting future generations of Bearkats in his home region on behalf of his beloved alma mater.

“As an admissions counselor, I actively recruit students and walk them through everything from the FAFSA process to job applications,” he said. “I basically help students along their journey to success.”

For Spicer, it means more than just a career. The multifaceted position is a chance to give back to the university that always pushed him to rise to greater. Having navigated the challenges of such a nuanced space himself, he understands how daunting the process can be. That experience fuels his deep appreciation for the professionals who help others chart their course, and it motivates him to thrive in that very role himself. 

“Today, you need someone with relatable experience to look at your resume, or talk through your interview strategy and give you those critiques,” Spicer said. “Currently, there are a lot of job shortages in particular areas, so it is important to have that professional who has been in the industry.”

It also gives him a new appreciation for just how impactful services like the CSC and other SHSU staples can be.

“I don’t believe that other universities offer the same level of amazing support systems that we offer here at Sam Houston State,” he said. “The CSC, as well as countless other resources, are critical to your overall success beyond this university.”

Both Spicer and CSC staff emphasized the importance of utilizing their services early and often. With an accessible on-campus location and virtual appointments available to schedule through Campus Connect, all Bearkats are encouraged to take the next critical step toward their professional endeavors.

“We love repeat customers,” Cantú said. “We have seen so many success stories, like Jason’s, out of those who consistently use our assistance. We are here to help every step of the way for as many students as possible. That is what we are passionate about.”

The Career Success Center is located in Academic Building IV, Suite 210, and open to visitors Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the academic year.