As a student recruiter for the BHP, Jasmine Bell, knows everything there is to know about the program. As a fifth-year student in the MPA program, she has actually been a recruiter for the BHP now for three years. She is so good at selling the program, that she even recruited her younger brother to the program and her parents to the BHP Parents’ Council. Jasmine is also heavily involved with the Black Students Business Association and the Orange Jackets.
Why did you decide to become a BHP recruiter?
I really wanted to help the BHP recruit a diverse group of students. I wanted to spread the word to minorities and tell them about the opportunities I have been given in BHP. I have found it to be very rewarding. I like seeing students be successful and I know they can be in BHP.
What do you think makes the Business Honors Program unique?
I think the BHP professors really stand out. They don’t focus on memorization, they teach you HOW to think. They have really influenced the way I process information and my desire to learn information. The BHP community is also great. It is easy to find a group of friends you can fit in with that have the same interests as you do. Another point I always bring up to prospective students is the high level of exposure BHP students have to companies. The opportunities I had to interact with recruiters helped me land my internship with L’Oreal USA, which was a great experience. Going into it, I just thought it was an accounting position, but coming out, I had a real connection with the brand and their products.
How did you decide to do the MPA program?
I took two accounting courses in high school and really enjoyed it. I even did UIL accounting my senior year. When I was looking at colleges, I was narrowing down which ones I was interested in by the strength of their accounting programs. UT’s accounting program was ranked highly, and would make me eligible to get my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credentials upon graduation.
What would you like to do after graduation?
I will be working in Dallas with KPMG as an auditor. I am interested in entertainment, gaming and sports, which is why I picked Dallas over Houston. I want to stay in Texas for a bit.
Was L’Oreal your favorite internship so far?
I honestly loved all of my internships. They were all so different. Two were in public accounting and the other one gave me the chance to explore industry. L’Oreal helped me become more open-minded and to keep my mind open to other options. Right now I am interning for Circuit of the Americas which is really in line with my interests in working for the sports industry.
How did you get involved in the Orange Jackets? How has it been being a member of that?
Some of my BHP peers had been admitted to Orange Jackets and I learned of it from them. I applied the fall of my junior year and then interviewed for it and got in. I found myself wanting to be involved outside of the business school. I got to meet women from all majors and it diversified my circle of influence, which I have enjoyed. I also like all of the community service that we do. It is nice to be able to help out the community.
Have you given your brother any advice?
I told him to go to the career fair and to network early and meet recruiters early. All of my internships were acquired through building relationships, so I think relationships is a key part of getting what you want in your career and learning about opportunities. I strongly believe in networking and sharing opportunities with other students when you hear about them. It is so important to be proactive and talk with recruiters about what you want.