The TCU Center for Career & Professional Development spotlights a sampling of TCU’s amazing spring class of 2021, who share about their time on campus and what’s next for their careers.
Another graduating class of Horned Frogs is ready to change the world for the greater good. Finishing strong amid a pandemic — and an overall uniquely challenging time — members of the class of 2021 have proved their resilience and grit. Along the way, they also learned to pivot and adapt — skills valued by potential employers.
“We have seen significant changes from the traditional recruiting processes and hiring timelines this year. Throughout this process, TCU students and grads have adapted quickly and effectively, successfully demonstrating their career readiness skills,” said Mike Caldwell, executive director of the TCU Center for Career & Professional Development.
“2020 grads actually concluded the year with one of the highest postgraduation employment rates of recent years. Likewise, the class of 2021 has demonstrated tremendous skills in navigating the constantly changing employment market. Employers want to hire TCU grads because they are ready to make an impact for companies and organizations from day one,” Caldwell added.
With the help of Career & Professional Development, we turn the spotlight on a sampling of TCU’s amazing spring class of 2021, who share about their time on campus and what’s next for their careers.
Derek Isensee
Arlington, Texas
B.S. in computer science and minor in studio art
Incoming software engineer, eBay, San Jose, California
What have you enjoyed most about being a Horned Frog?
DI: The thing I have enjoyed most about being a Horned Frog is all of the friendships I’ve made since coming here.
What are your plans after graduation?
DI: I plan on working full time in the Bay Area as a software engineer at eBay.
How did TCU help prepare you for your future career?
DI: TCU really prepared me for my job. My professors have been so hands-on, and they all really helped me get into the right mindset and work ethic needed for software engineering.
Was there any particular experience that was especially helpful?
DI: I loved all of my art classes, and I got to have so many cool experiences working with different mediums and going to see cool exhibits. Picking a “fun” minor was definitely the right decision to make.
Matt McSweeney
Danville, California
BBA in marketing with a certificate in consultative sales
John V. Roach Honors College
Incoming Azure sales specialist, Microsoft, Charlotte, North Carolina
What brought you to TCU?
MM: My sister attended TCU for a few years before me and I got the chance to come to the parents’ weekends while I was in high school. After being on campus for only a few days, I felt like I was at home. I felt comfortable on campus, and everyone I met seemed like an incredible person.
What have you enjoyed most about being a Horned Frog?
MM: I think that throughout my time as a Horned Frog, the most enjoyable aspect has been my fellow students. I have met and spent time with so many incredible people. They are some of the most passionate, disciplined, supportive and fun people I have ever met, and I would have never gotten the chance to know them if it weren’t for my time at TCU.
What are your plans after graduation?
MM: I will be moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, and be working for Microsoft as an Azure sales specialist.
How did TCU help prepare you for your future career?
MM: I think the Neeley School has done a phenomenal job preparing me for my full-time career. Dynamic, team-based classrooms helped me feel prepared for office teams. I especially need to give credit to the Neeley Fellows organization for my professional development. Without that program, I would not feel nearly as prepared for my career as I do.
Was there any particular experience that was especially helpful?
MM: The Neeley Fellows program has been the single most impactful experience for me at TCU. The faculty and staff have helped me immensely, and all of my fellow classmates have helped me along the way as well.
What makes TCU so special to you?
MM: TCU is special to me because it is where I met my lifelong friends. The relationships that I formed while at TCU will stay with me for the rest of my life, and I am so thankful for that.
Azuzena “Zuzi” Oseguera
Hot Springs, Arkansas
B.S. in News and media studies, minor in psychology
The Dallas Entrepreneur Center, Dallas
What brought you to TCU?
AO: I’ve lived in Texas since I was 7 so I knew I wanted to attend college here. My parents live in Dallas, and when I visited TCU, I knew this was perfect — to live close enough to them but also have some room to grow and become more independent away from home.
What have you enjoyed most about being a Horned Frog?
AO: The small school feel but big school athletic program. It’s the best of both worlds to recognize people as you walk through campus every day but also be a part of Division 1 sports.
What are your plans after graduation?
AO: I plan to move back to Dallas where my immediate family lives and continue to work for The Dallas Entrepreneur Center in the marketing and communications department. After working for a couple of years, I plan to go back to school and obtain my master’s in public relations!
How did TCU help prepare you for your future career?
AO: TCU really allowed me to plan ahead and see what I wanted my future to look like. When COVID-19 hit, I was doing my semester abroad and coming back, TCU helped us ease back into the new normal. My professors were so great at giving us advice about what the real world would be like once we got out there.
Was there any particular experience that was especially helpful?
AO: My remote internship with The DEC Network the past two semesters has allowed me to apply my knowledge of communication studies outside of the academic world. It has helped me really find my niche and what I want to do once I leave campus.
What makes TCU so special to you?
AO: The feeling I had of belonging the moment I stepped into the Commons during my Monday at TCU experience five years ago. I knew I needed to attend this university and ever since, I’ve had that exact same feeling every time I’ve walked through the Commons.
Anything else to add?
AO: I love TCU and Fort Worth. I encourage everyone to appreciate every opportunity this place has to offer. These four years really do go by as fast as everyone says they do — enjoy it!
Ashley Parks
Woodbridge, Virginia
B.A. in writing and theatre
Incoming associate editor, Red Ventures, Charlotte, North Carolina
What brought you to TCU?
AP: The sense of community! And the proximity to my parents, who had just moved to Oklahoma City.
What have you enjoyed most about being a Horned Frog?
AP: The amazing people I’ve met and the countless opportunities I’ve had to grow and hone my craft.
What are your plans after graduation?
AP: After graduation, I will be moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, to start my career as an associate editor for Red Ventures.
How did TCU help prepare you for your future career?
AP: TCU opened the door for a lot of opportunities to get hands-on experience in a lot of things I’ll be doing in my future job. The classes I’ve taken have been really beneficial.
Was there any particular experience that was especially helpful?
AP: My Multimedia Authoring class was probably the one class I’ve taken that’s had the most direct link to my subsequent professional experiences.
Were you involved in any research during your time at TCU?
AP: I’ve done more than a few surveys for various individuals and projects throughout my time at TCU, usually related to the experience of being a marginalized individual. I recently worked on a research project that centers Black Joy and defining what that is for my Writing Major Seminar class.
What makes TCU so special to you?
AP: The people that I’ve met and the relationships I’ve cultivated that will last a lifetime.
To see more graduating seniors spotlights from the TCU Center for Career & Professional Development, view the AddRan College of Liberal Arts, Bob Schieffer College of Communication, College of Education, College of Fine Arts, College of Science and Engineering, Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, John V. Roach Honors College, and Neeley School of Business.
Read about this year’s historic commencement.