Hilary King was nominated for the SJVC Graduate Spotlight by her manager, Jessica Carmen, Director of Career Services at SJVC in Hesperia. Hilary graduated with her Associate Degree in Human Resources Administration in June of 2024. She now works in Career Services for SJVC in Hesperia, guiding and supporting students and graduates on their path to great careers.
“Hilary’s tenure at SJVC exemplifies her commitment to excellence, and her resilience in overcoming both professional and personal challenges,” Jessica says. “As a student, she balanced work, family, and study with determination. In her current role in Career Services, she has formed meaningful relationships with students and alumni, creating a strong, supportive environment within SJVC. She has been a valuable member of our team, recently celebrating her second work anniversary.”
Hilary is now looking forward to her next academic pursuit—she is enrolled to begin the bachelor’s degree program in Human Resources Administration at SJVC in October 2024.
What did you do before you enrolled in the Human Resources Administration program at SJVC?
I had been working as an engagement coordinator at SJVC in Hesperia since 2022. Engagement coordinators handle leads for admissions; they reach out to prospective students and enter them into the system, in addition to planning and setting up campus events. Before that, I worked as a paraeducator for special needs and ESL students and as a trainer at Starbucks. But most of my background had been in both field and office settings for construction.
What made you decide to make a career change or to pursue your associate degree? How did you decide to study Human Resources?
Growing up, both of my parents were self-employed. They successfully provided for our family without having a college education, and they never really set it as a priority for us. But, when I was 13, we were run off the road by a drunk driver, and they were both severely injured. They were then unable to work, so I went to work to help financially and be a caregiver. I had imagined going away to art school, but as the years passed, I realized it wasn’t realistic. Then life happened—I met my husband, we had our daughter, and the years passed. I never needed a degree for any of my previous jobs.
When I started working at SJVC, it became apparent that I would need to further my education to grow within the company. After discussing it with my family, they all agreed it was time I allowed myself to do something for myself. So, I decided to pursue my degree online in the evenings.
There were only three options at the time if I wanted to go through SJVC. Human Resources Administration seemed the best choice as it would apply to any role I wanted to expand to. It also felt like it would encompass my experience and what I enjoyed doing.
The “Why Wall” at SJVC shows each student’s “why” for further education. When asked to write mine, I struggled. Why was I actually doing this? Then I found the words: “To put into action the things I’ve been capable of all along.” I have always felt I have started so many things in life. I stuck with them long enough to get good, but I never felt like I stuck with them until I finished. The thought of finishing this was big to me. Only one person in my family has a degree.
What was your time in the program like? What did you enjoy most, and what did you find challenging?
It went so fast! I love that the classes are accelerated and in five-week modules; each time I finished a class, I’d cross it off my schedule to feel accomplished. It was cool seeing how quickly I was making progress.
The most challenging part was balancing life. I work full time and have my family and my parents. I would finish my schoolwork during the week and leave my weekends open for my family. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t give anything up during that time. But I looked at it as short-term sacrifices for long-term benefits. I quickly learned how to use my time wisely. I’d go home, check in with the family, and then work on homework.
What is your current job at SJVC? What do you like most about it, and what are some of your responsibilities?
I’m a career services advisor now, helping graduates find employment in their field. We assist them in building a resume that will help them stand out, help with professionalism skills, and mock interviews —it prepares graduates and gives them confidence.
There are a lot of things I like about my role. I love hearing back from a grad after they’ve been working about how much they love their job. Assisting graduates to find the right fit is also about changing someone’s life and future.
We contact employers and pitch our graduates, telling them why their practice would be better with them there. Our job is to advocate for the students and graduates by helping employers understand that they already have experience—even if it might look different on paper.
Part of my job also involves preparing students for externships, reassuring them that they have the training and experience to be successful.
Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for someone just beginning the same program at SJVC?
It’s about not giving up on yourself! My advice is to think of it in the five-week mods, not the entire program length. You can do anything hard for five weeks! Being in an accelerated program will be quicker, not necessarily easier— so think, “Five weeks, five weeks…” and cross each class off as you go. And remember, you’re investing time and money into yourself. Make the most of it!
