Luis Martinez
McNair Scholar 2024
- Major(s): International Business & Spanish Minor
- Classification: Senior
- Anticipated Graduation Date: Spring 2025
- Career Aspirations: After attaining a bachelor’s degree, Luis plans to pursue a master’s in finance and eventually become the CEO of a business one day. He would like to help clients build generational wealth while also contributing as a positive member to society by educating people about finances.
“My favorite McNair experience was the overall journey of learning research and connecting with other students in personal and professional ways. This program has made me stronger in pursuing my academic endeavors that will aid greatly in my professional career and financial profession.”
“The Effect of Cultural Immersion Experiences on College Students’ Professional Development Skills”
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Leslie Ramos Salazar
This study examined the effect of cultural immersion experiences during study abroad programs on students’ professional career development skills. A survey was conducted among 78 participants from West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) exploring the relationship between various aspects of cultural immersion and career skill development. Results show that confidence in career pre-immersion and incorporating cultural experiences into professional networking positively affects skill acquisition. However, the number of immersion experiences and belief in their career impact from their experience did not significantly predict outcomes. These findings highlight the value of cultural immersion in enhancing students’ global competency and career readiness.