Finding the Foundation for Success

Highlights:

• ConAgra Brands Internship: Through the Goodrich network, Brito-Mendoza secured his first internship at ConAgra Brands, where he gained valuable professional experience and connected with Goodrich alumni, who served as his mentors.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Internship: Through UNO’s Handshake platform, Brito-Mendoza landed his second internship at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, where he continued to develop his HR skills and build a network of professional contacts.

• CBA Scholars Academy: As a member of the CBA Scholars Academy, Brito-Mendoza received mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development experiences, helping him grow as a future leader in human resources.

After finishing his high school education, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) wasn’t just a decision for Jerry Brito-Mendoza, it was the natural next step, shaped by the trust, guidance, and encouragement of his older brother, who had already carved out his own path at UNO.

“I really just knew about UNO through him and his experiences. That’s what first drew me in,” Brito-Mendoza shared.

As a first-generation student, Brito-Mendoza had his doubts about whether he truly belonged at a university, but UNO, with its affordability and resources, would soon prove to be the place that empowered him to succeed.

A business administration major with a concentration in human resources and a minor in studio art with a focus on graphic design, Brito-Mendoza credits the Goodrich Scholarship as an essential element in making higher education possible.

“Without the financial aid I received, I really would not have come to study at UNO,” he said.

The Goodrich Scholarship opened doors to opportunities that Brito-Mendoza could not have imagined without the financial and academic support it provided. It wasn’t just the funds that made a difference to him though, it was the entire network of care and guidance that came with the program.

Brito-Mendoza's journey from uncertainty to success was profoundly shaped by the support of the Goodrich Scholarship Program, which not only provided essential financial aid but also connected him with valuable professional opportunities.

Through Goodrich, Brito-Mendoza was introduced to Patty Patton-Shearer, a faculty member who played a pivotal role in his career development. Patton-Shearer facilitated a connection with employees at ConAgra Brands, ultimately leading to Brito-Mendoza securing his first internship.

This experience, along with the ongoing mentorship from Goodrich faculty, allowed Brito-Mendoza to build confidence and navigate the professional world.

“Goodrich professors and faculty exemplified UNO’s culture by being personally committed to individual students and their futures,” Brito-Mendoza said.

The Goodrich scholarship, along with his experiences at UNO, helped Brito-Mendoza overcome a tumultuous first year. Like many first-generation students, he faced self-doubt and struggled with the transition to college.

“I was unsure if I belonged here at UNO, and if I could even be a good student,” he reflected.

The turning point continued when he found a community at UNO that made him feel supported, understood, and capable of achieving his goals.

That sense of community was supported by his involvement in campus organizations, particularly the Association of Latino American Students (ALAS), which gave him a space where he could connect with others who shared similar cultural experiences.

“I was able to find a safe space within ALAS,” he said, “and that really helped me have that college experience.”

This sense of belonging extended beyond student organizations and into his academic journey through the College of Business Administration (CBA) Scholars Academy.

The CBA Scholars Academy, where Brito-Mendoza honed his professional skills, was a crucial resource in shaping his future career in human resources. At first, Brito-Mendoza had no clear roadmap for navigating the professional world, but through CBA, he gained mentors, networking opportunities, and access to internships that helped him step into the business world with confidence.

“They provided tons of opportunities for internships and helped me grow as a professional,” he explained.

His internships, first at ConAgra Brands and later at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, were key to solidifying his career aspirations in human resources.

“Throughout my internships, I’ve learned how to behave professionally and how to navigate the business world,” he said.

These experiences also showed him that HR was his calling, cementing his desire to pursue a career in the field. Through Handshake, a platform used by UNO to connect students with internships and job opportunities, Brito-Mendoza secured his second internship at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska.

“Handshake is one of UNO’s applications where I know I can find some of the best internships and job opportunities,” he said, emphasizing how UNO’s support in helping students secure meaningful work has been a large part of his success.

In addition to academic and career support, UNO provided Brito-Mendoza with the opportunity to grow personally. Through the CBA Scholars Academy’s study abroad program, he traveled to Brazil, a life-changing experience that taught him the value of stepping outside his comfort zone and embracing new challenges.

"It really taught me the benefits of just taking risks and being open to anything," he said.

Looking back on his journey, Brito-Mendoza sees UNO as the perfect blend of opportunity, community, and academic excellence. His relationships with professors have been equally instrumental in shaping his success. Professors like Todd Richardson, Ph.D., and Theresa Barron-McKeagney, Ph.D. were particularly influential, offering guidance that went beyond academics and played an integral role in Brito-Mendoza's personal and professional growth.

Their encouragement to get involved, make mistakes, and learn from them helped Brito-Mendoza take risks and grow both as a student and as a person.

“Through these opportunities, I really found comfort in making mistakes and learning from them,” he said.

UNO’s close-knit community, combined with the resources provided by the Goodrich Scholarship and the CBA Scholars Academy, has made a lasting impact on Brito-Mendoza's life. With a strong sense of belonging, professional growth, and a clear direction for the future, Brito-Mendoza is well on his way to becoming a leader in human resources.