Dayra Gonzalez 
Karla Hernandez/THE RIDER PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
As graduation approaches, some students are expressing concerns about what comes next, including landing a job in their field and navigating life after college.
For some, that worry begins even before graduation. Gustavo Martinez, a counseling graduate student and vice president of the Creative Writing Club in Brownsville, said his job search started early but has faced some challenges.
“After high school, I applied to 33 different job openings across Cameron County,” Martinez said. “Most of them were unsuccessful due to my lack of experience, which was understandable.”
He said he eventually found a position at McDonald’s before transitioning to youth care work and, later, teaching. Martinez added his persistence, along with university career events, helped him advance.
“It’s because of the recent Career & Internship Expo that I got my current job as a registered behavior technician,” he said.
Martinez wrote in an email sent to The Rider Oct. 18 concerns about how local hiring practices can impact graduates. He added “compadrismo” and the “palanca system” continues to plague the Rio Grande Valley, where it is not “what you know” or possess in terms of education, skills, among other qualifications but rather “who you know.”
Some alumni also recalled challenges in the transition from college to career.
Alan Govea, who graduated in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in history, said entering the job market during the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult.
“My job search experience after graduating UTRGV was a little tricky,” Govea said. “There was really no job market to go after. … A lot of industries were shutting down.”
He added having work experience made a difference as he had always worked full-time while studying, which helped him stand out to employers.
“I never didn’t work,” Govea said. “That really forced me to learn how to prioritize what was important and learn communication skills you need when you get a job.”
Dorian Vazquez, who has a master’s degree in Spanish and translation interpreting, said finding his path took years. After earning a degree in civil engineering in 2004, Vazquez realized his passion lay elsewhere.
“I felt lost,” he said. “I was selling mobile phones in Brownsville while living in Matamoros and crossing the bridge every morning. But I learned to focus on what I was good at — talking to people, translating, interpreting — and that changed everything.”
Now, teaching in the Department of Writing and Language Studies, Vazquez tells his students that success does not come in a straight line.
“This is not a race; it’s a marathon,” he said. “People don’t hire you because you’re perfect. They hire you because, when you make a mistake, you know how to find a solution.”
Bertha Lance, employer engagement coordinator for the Career Center, said concerns about employment are common but can be managed with preparation and early involvement.
“Many students worry about not having enough experience,” Lance said. “We recommend they start early, with internships, micro-credentials or by using our online resources.”
Alumni also have access to Handshake and Vaquero Connect to network and find jobs.
“There are opportunities out there,” Lance said. “It’s about staying connected and taking advantage of what’s available. The earlier you start, the more prepared you’ll be when you graduate.”
America Martinez, a nursing senior, said the thought of entering the job market brings both excitement and fear.
“Honestly, the thought of graduating makes me feel a little bit anxious and nervous,” Martinez said.
For her, it would be the first time seeking a field-related job and “not an on-campus job.” She added she worries about limited visa options for international graduates.
“My biggest worry is having fewer chances of finding a job as a foreign student,” Martinez said. “The Valley doesn’t offer a lot of work visas, and that scares me.”
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