by 
Ralph Leal, SPHR, is the Associate Director for Texas State University Career Services. As Associate Director, he oversees marketing, employer relations and outreach, and operations for the centralized office serving over 38,000 students. Ralph has been a human resources professional for over 20 years in a variety of industries. He holds a master’s degree in Healthcare Human Resources as well as a bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration from Texas State University.
How did you get into the Career Services profession?
I got into the Career Services profession by being hired by Norma Guerra Gaier when she was at my alma mater Texas State University. Norma and I had known each other when she was at St. Mary’s University and I was at Southwest Research Institute both in San Antonio, Texas. My background had been in healthcare operations and human resources, but I always enjoyed visiting college campuses and talking with students about careers at Southwest Research Institute. As I found out more about the field of Career Services, the more I wanted to find a way in. The Associate Director position at Texas State University opened in mid-2012, I applied and found myself in the world of higher education in March 2013.
Describe your SoACE Experience. How did you get involved and how has that experience influenced you? (feel free to elaborate on your current role or past roles)
My first involvement with SoACE was at the 2014 annual conference in New Orleans. I took everything I could in by filling up my concurrent session schedule, sitting next to new people at meals, and getting to know my Texas State colleagues better on Bourbon Street. I attended two different national association conferences prior the this event and appreciated the openness and how quickly I felt at ease with the membership. My first SoACE role was co-chair of Local Arrangements at the 2017 annual conference in San Antonio and was fortunate enough to work with an amazing conference planning team. Since then I have been a part of two other conference planning teams which have meant the world to me. I also facilitated the conference consulting program in 2018. In 2020, I will serve as the Conference Planning Chair and plan to call in a lot of favors that year.
What advice do you have for new professionals who aspire to get more involved in the profession?
If you are starting out in the field and wish to get more involved I would start with what is around you first. Our local consortium of 13 schools was a great place for me to start. I learned a lot about my neighboring schools and made great connections with delightful people outside of my school. Texas is a big state and have three active consortiums with leadership opportunities in each one of them. Those consortiums are a great starting place to learn more about the field of Career Services. If your state has an active association, I would strive to find opportunities on how to connect within that organization first. The NACE Management Leadership Institute was a game changer for me, but this might take a little more time in the field to gain your employer’s support to attend the week long event.
What is your favorite quote?
One of previous bosses, Tony Magaro, recently shared a saying his dad told him and I heard it at the perfect time in my life – “..as long as we remain true to ourselves, we will prevail.”
What keeps you motivated?
At a recent staff retreat, I heard the concept of Positive Discontent and it brought together how I have approached my career and work better than I could have said it. Stay positive about what you have done, but don’t rest on your laurels. We should strive to make tomorrow better than today.
What are some hobbies when not working?
I am bad at golf, but I love playing it. Volunteering in my home town whether it be at my boys’ schools, refereeing youth basketball games or working at wine and beer festival fundraisers in our local community.
You can connect with Ralph on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralphleal/
