Hailey Molina ’26 began her journey at Texas A&M feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of being a first-generation college student—but she always kept her passion for helping others realize their potential. “I aim to leave a lasting impact on the organizations I serve and the communities they influence,” she said.

Now a senior, Molina has grown in confidence and skill through coursework, leadership roles and hands-on experiences. During the summer, she took those lessons to work as a talent acquisition intern at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, an opportunity earned through her hard work and the foundation she built through our Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Development (HRD) program.

Real-World Experience

From the beginning, Molina was drawn to the HRD program’s emphasis on applied learning and real-world experience. “The program’s structure reassured me that I would graduate with both theoretical knowledge and relevant experience, giving me a competitive edge in the job market,” she said. That real-world focus became clear during a course with Dr. Rhonda Fowler, where Molina learned the Situation, Task, Action and Result (STAR) method for answering interview questions.

That skill proved invaluable when she spoke with recruiters from Lockheed Martin at a career fair, leading to an internship offer at the company’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas.

Molina’s role at Lockheed Martin was far from routine. Every day, she helped screen candidate resumes, processes onboarding paperwork and supports new employees as they joined the aerospace company. She even co-led a project with other interns, helping her learn more about HR than she ever imagined.

The internship proved to be more than a summer learning experience, ultimately leading to Molina accepting a full-time position at Lockheed Martin.

Growth Through Support

The road has not always been smooth for Molina, at times struggling with imposter syndrome and wondering if she truly belonged. That is when the HRD program’s supportive community stepped in and helped her through those moments. “It has taught me that it is okay to ask for help and that growth often begins with discomfort,” she said.

Molina’s growth extends beyond the program. As president of the College of Education and Human Development Undergraduate Student Council, she honed her leadership skills by organizing events and advocating for her fellow students. She credits the HRD program’s emphasis on applied learning and encourages other students to be proactive in connecting with faculty and taking advantage of the opportunities around them.

For Molina, the combination of mentorship, practical experience and personal growth has set the foundation for her career. “The HRD program and my internship have both taught me that stepping outside your comfort zone is where real development happens,” she said.

Learn more about our HRD undergraduate program: tx.ag/TLHRD.

For media inquiries, contact Ruben Hidalgo.