Ask a Recruiter: Cristian Garcia, University of Houston

Learn how to start or grow your career in higher education with insights from professionals, career coaches, and HR experts. The newly launched Let’s Talk Higher Ed Careers podcast, produced by HERC Jobs, explores a variety of campus roles beyond teaching, career growth strategies, and tips for navigating the higher ed job market. Whether you’re new to the field or ready to move up, each episode shares real stories and practical steps to help you align your goals, discover opportunities, and succeed in a fulfilling higher ed career. New episodes drop every two weeks on our YouTube Channel.

In this “Ask a Recruiter” episode of Let’s Talk Higher Ed Careers, Jessica Wise welcomes Cristian Garcia, Lead Senior HR Recruiter at the University of Houston, to pull back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes of a higher ed job search.

Cristian shares what it’s like to recruit for one of the largest public universities in Texas and why higher education offers more career paths than many job seekers realize. From IT professionals to accountants, marketing specialists, and student affairs leaders, the opportunities extend far beyond faculty roles. Cristian also offers candid advice for recent graduates and early-career professionals navigating today’s hiring process, including why patience matters and how authenticity can set you apart.

Watch this “Ask a Recruiter” episode on YouTube and tell us what resonated most in the comments. While you’re there, subscribe to our video podcast series so you never miss a conversation.