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Quina Sandbergen’s journey from student to full-time employee was brief, rigorous, and ultimately rewarding through her participation in UTEP’s ADP Human Capital Management (HCM) Academy.

Sandbergen majored in Management, with a concentration in Human Resources, through the Woody L. Hunt College of Business Department of Marketing and Management. She graduated in December 2018 and was quickly hired by ADP as an HR Business Advisor shortly after. Sandbergen credits her time involved in extracurricular activities, such as the ADP HCM Academy, for providing the foundation and tools necessary to connect her with full-time employment upon graduating from UTEP.

The study of Human Capital Management blends traditional topics in Human Resources – such as the recruitment, selection and training of employees – with improved systems and online solutions to maximize employee organizational performance. Through the ADP HCM Academy, the corporation provides access to software, executive leadership, and training to academy students like Sandbergen.

Below, Sandbergen reflects on her time at the ADP HCM Academy with the Woody L. Hunt College of Business News.

Through its degree programs, certificates and UTEP Edge Experiences, there are numerous ways to bolster your time as a UTEP student beyond the classroom, including the use of corporate academies. What caught your interest in the ADP Human Capital Management Academy?

When I initially applied at UTEP, I looked into the extracurricular activities that would give me the opportunity to develop my leadership skills and give back to the community. In addition to the ADP HCM Academy, I was a member of the UTEP Society for Human Resource Management and Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society.

The ADP Human Capital Management Academy stood out as an amazing way to gain exposure to HCM software that I would be working within my field of study, professional networking opportunities, and a mentorship program. 

The ADP HCM Academy gives students a broad and application-oriented view of human capital management, along with significant enhancements to a student’s curriculum through a partnership with ADP. What were the most influential benefits you found after joining the ADP HCM Academy?

The most influential benefit was the opportunity of being inspired by those who were currently in the profession that I was pursuing. I had the honor of representing the ADP HCM Academy during UTEP’s Business Advisory Council meeting where I was able to connect with local business leaders and share my experience with the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Central Florida and ADP former Division VM and GM Terry McGreehan. I also participated in an informal round table session with ADP’s VP of Talent Management, Dr. Susan Hanold.

Also, graduating with a degree is a huge accomplishment, but I realized that I would be standing on that stage along with over 1,000 other people who had accomplished the exact same thing. I thought about ways I could stand out from the crowd and the ADP HCM Academy did that for me. I was able to walk the stage with experience in HCM software listed on my resume, mentors I got to connect with listed as references, and confidence in realizing I was well on my way to do what I was truly passionate about.

After graduating from UTEP in Winter 2018, you were hired full-time at ADP through relationships and opportunities you created as an academy student. How did the Woody L. Hunt College of Business prepare you for the transition between being a student and becoming a working professional? 

The Woody L. Hunt College of Business does an incredible job of going above and beyond for students. I took advantage of every single opportunity that was provided to me. I kept busy with the organizations I was a part of, signed up for resume workshops and mock interviews and attended every single job fair.

Do you have plans to continue your education in the future?

All the support I received from my professors during the pursuit of my degree sparked inspiration in me. My plan is to never stop learning and pursuing new skills. I am currently studying to attain my SHRM-CP in a couple of months. Going back to school for my Master’s degree would be the next step. Eventually, I’d like to pursue my Ph.D. My ultimate goal is to give back and inspire others in the same way all my professors inspired me.

What advice do you have for undergrads who are considering joining the academy as part of their UTEP Edge experience, particularly for students who are looking to bolster their extracurricular activities?

The best advice that I could give would be to put yourself out there and take initiative. Look for opportunities to go above and beyond. The ADP HCM Academy will provide you with the invaluable opportunity to gain experiences, make connections, increase your exposure to Human Capital Management systems, and be a part of something bigger. 

Visit the ADP HCM Academy website for program and admission details. For program information, please contact Suzanne Ramirez, Student Success Manager, at sramirez13@utep.edu.