Campus Spotlight: Mena Hamza
An Early Career Professional's Insights on Rejecting Imposter Syndrome and Being Authentic
Mena Hamza is a Specialist with Alvarez & Marsal’s Human Resources (HR) Operations team in Dallas, Texas. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from SUNY Binghamton University.
In the following Q&A, Mena shares her journey from college to a fulfilling career in HR at A&M, discussing the unexpected lessons she learned, the challenges she overcame and the advice she has for recent graduates and aspiring professionals in the HR field.
Prioritizing Soft Skills and Hard Skills
Reflecting on your college experience, what unexpected lessons or insights have you gained that have significantly impacted your career?
My college experience taught me many things. First, it taught me that college is not just about academics. It’s about networking, building relationships, and keeping an open mind. The real world demands soft skills, networking acumen, and a willingness to explore all interests. These lessons shaped my career journey and continue to guide me as I pursue new challenges and opportunities.
Why did you choose to intern at A&M?
Ironically, I had never considered a career in HR. My good friend, Ivana Pjetri, now a Senior Specialist on the HR Business Partners team, mentioned an opening for an HR internship at A&M. Considering my lack of summer plans, I figured, “Why not?” and I’m so glad I did! I joined as a Summer Intern and continued my internship part-time during my senior year.
What motivated your decision to join A&M full-time?
Two of the biggest reasons that motivated me to join A&M were its prestigious reputation and how fast the company is growing without losing its boutique-like specializations. The main reason, though, is our fantastic HR team.
Which office are you based in, and how would you describe the office culture?
I am based in the Dallas office. The culture is flexible and welcoming but can be quiet since my core team does not work from Dallas.
Overcoming Early Career Challenges Effectively
Reflecting on your career's early stages, what unexpected challenges did you encounter, and how did you navigate them to emerge stronger?
Since starting my career, I’ve encountered a few challenges. One significant challenge was finding my confidence in the professional environment. There’s also the challenge of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. As I venture into this new career and take on new responsibilities, I often question my abilities. However, I try to reframe the doubts as opportunities for growth and embrace them as part of the learning process.
How do you stay updated on industry trends and developments, and what resources do you rely on for continuous learning and growth?
I subscribe to a few HR-specific journals. I like to read these in my free time, and I am even working with Tanesha O’Gilvie, our talented HR Compliance Specialist, on starting a new series of HR News to share monthly with our team. I also utilize LinkedIn Learning to brush up and learn new skill sets.
Best Practices for Smoothing the Transition From Academia to the Professional World
Looking back, what advice would you offer recent graduates about effectively transitioning from academia to the professional world?
My biggest piece of advice to a recent graduate about entering the workforce is to keep an open mind and seek feedback. Constructive criticism can help you improve and grow in your career and guide you on what skills you should develop next.
What personal attributes or traits are essential for success in your field, and how do you continually nurture and develop these qualities within yourself?
The most essential skills to have in a HR career are communication and adaptability. These can differ depending on your area of expertise in HR, but they are helpful in whatever you work on. Effective communication is crucial for interacting with employees, managers and stakeholders in HR. Regarding being flexible/adaptable, HR operates in a constantly evolving environment, so we need to adjust to changes quickly and effectively.
How do you approach networking and building professional relationships, and what tips would you offer to others just starting?
My main tips for networking are to be proactive and genuine. Taking the time to reach out to people in your field can be time-consuming and awkward but yields many rewards. Taking advantage of people's unique experiences can teach you so much more than you think. More importantly, being genuine in those interactions helps you build meaningful relationships—quality over quantity.
What are your career aspirations for the next few years?
Firstly, I want to impact my team members and A&M positively. I’d love to get involved in inclusive diversity efforts and utilize some of the social work skills I learned in my academic career. I’d also like to pursue a certification like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) to open new opportunities for advancement in the HR field. Another aspiration would be to learn about the different HR paths, like compliance and business. I am early in my career and unsure where my strengths lie. Exploring the various paths will allow me to find that.
What's your favorite hobby or activity outside of work, and how did you get into it?
My favorite hobby outside of work is watching soccer with my family. I come from a family of soccer players and watchers, so I’ve been doing this as far back as I remember. I’m a dedicated Manchester United fan.
What's the best advice you've ever received, and how has it influenced your life?
Some of the best advice I’ve ever received was to stop comparing yourself to others. Every person’s journey is unique, with its challenges and opportunities. Comparing yourself to others diminishes the value of our personal experiences.
