Bez Jez ‘89

Tell us how life has changed since you left SPX.

A lot has happened sine I left SPX in the spring of 1989! I moved to Austin and graduated from The University of Texas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and majored in Marketing. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I enjoyed working with people from all different backgrounds, so sales and marketing seemed a natural field to study. I worked in inside sales for Dell Computers before moving back to Houston when I got engaged.

In my search for the right position, I used a placement agency to help me interview with local companies. The recruiter suggested a small company that specialized in placing technical talent in the field of Human Resources (HR). After 2.5 years at a small company, I was ready to move on to something bigger, and I was happy to accept a role as a Technical Recruiter at Compaq Computers (Now HP Inc.)

From there, I spent 20 years developing my HR skillset in university relations, compensation, workforce planning, employee engagement, and ultimately, partnering with leaders as an HR business partner on their executive teams. In mid 2020, I joined a Finland-based energy company, where I partner with their America leadership team here in Houston.

How did your SPX education prepare you for college?

I felt very prepared for college after my SPX education. I learned study skills that helped me all throughout college.

What advice would you share with recent SPX graduates?

The top 3 items I would advise anyone going to university are:

1. Take the time to meet your professors/teaching assistants. Even if you are doing well in a class, they are a source of networking for you throughout your time at college and potentially when you are interviewing for jobs.

2.Find people to study with. You are not alone, and you don’t have to go through those classes by yourself. Having someone or a group to challenge you, support you in the same ways you are challenging them makes the experience so much more rewarding.

3.Take Business Finance and Economics classes, especially if you are not in a business degree plan. You will be so much better off knowing how for-profit and non-profit companies work and make money. That knowledge will help you no matter what job you have at a company or even if you go into business yourself!

Tell us about your profession.

The profession of Human Resources is broad. It can range from being very detail-oriented like managing benefits and payroll, employee data reporting and analytics, to more instructional like training, facilitating and course development. It can also be a consultative and coaching role where you guide employees and leaders through business challenges.

What has it been like to return to campus?

I started coming back to SPX when our sons were in grade school at St. Ambrose. It was a great experience to see the new buildings, but to also get that same feeling of comfort and home walking down the main hall. Zach and Zander have now both graduated from SPX. We spent many hours during those years in the stands on the baseball field, cheering at cross country and track races, and supporting them in all of their other extracurricular activities.

What first interested you in your career path?

I really fell into HR! It wasn’t something I had thought of in high school or college. However, I’m glad it found me; it is the right mix of engaging with people and getting to know their story, working with them to develop their career paths, and coaching them on their learning journey in their leadership roles.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part for me is helping others realize their potential; when a leader has an “ah-ha” moment, and they realize their employee’s success is their success.

What is one of of your favorite memories of SPX?

I had lots of great memories throughout my years there, like organizing and running Middle School Academic Rallies, winning state in softball, and getting stuck in a winter storm at our Senior Retreat. However, the most memorable was our prom. We had prom on a paddle boat in Galveston Bay and got to watch Ms. Bollom and Mr. West on a date - who later were married! We spent the night on the island and woke up for sunrise Mass on the beach with Fr. Mike.

What were you involved in as a student at SPX?

I played basketball, volleyball, and softball. I was an officer in National Honor Society and I participated in several other groups: Student Cabinet, Beppo Squad, Computer Club, Math Club, and Yearbook.

What is one of the most important lessons you took away from SPX?

Everyone has a different story; take the time to get to know them. We all came from different backgrounds, but created a family and community by coming together. Beyond high school, you need that patience and perspective. I’m glad SPX gave me the opportunity to experience that small diverse community to set me on the right path.

What does it mean to you to be an SPX alumna?

Being a part of the SPX alumni community means living the Dominican values that were taught to us. Taking the time time to give back to the community, to share your faith with others, to welcome and appreciate others from different backgrounds, and to carry on and support Catholic education. I take pride in saying I am an SPX alumna, and even more special that our sons are now alumni as well. Together, we will further these traditions.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

My husband, Sean, and I enjoy volunteering and fundraising for St. Pius X High School and St. Ambrose. We also like entertaining with friends and family, wine tasting, and traveling. My favorite thing is doing them all together!