UHCL student prepares for legal career through Oceaneering internship
For Alexis Garza, a University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) College of Business (COB) student, hands-on experience is the key to turning his legal aspirations into reality. With the support of UHCL’s Strategic Partnerships, Garza secured an internship at the international engineering company Oceaneering, where he is gaining real-world exposure to corporate law and building a foundation that will set him apart as he prepares for law school.
Garza chose UHCL because of its strong industry connections, convenient location and affordability – factors that made the university an ideal choice for his academic and professional ambitions. As he prepares to transition from his undergraduate studies to law school, Garza said he is taking a gap year to gain more practical experience in the legal field. His first internship at Oceaneering has already been invaluable in providing him with direct exposure to the legal complexities of a major corporation, such as witnessing the complex negotiating process and drafting contracts with some of the biggest aerospace companies in the industry.
“The scope of these contracts is much greater than what I encounter day-to-day at my current job,” said Garza. “It’s been an eye-opening experience to see how businesses navigate these large-scale agreements.”
Garza added that this internship has deepened his understanding of the business world and honed the essential skills necessary for his career. He has gained experience in negotiations, document management, and legal compliance, skills that will be critical in his future role as an attorney. He has also learned to parse massive documents to find relevant information, ensuring all legal and regulatory requirements are met.
“The internship has taught me the importance of attention to detail and following laws and regulations, especially in such a high-stakes environment,” Garza said.
Garza credits Strategic Partnerships for connecting him to this career-defining opportunity. The department’s staff helped him navigate the internship application process, providing guidance and mentorship every step of the way. He encourages fellow students to take advantage of this resource, which he believes is essential in securing professional opportunities.
The staff at Strategic Partnerships was invaluable. They coached me through the process, and I can’t thank them enough.
Strategic Partnerships supports initiatives that enhance and increase experiential learning opportunities for UHCL students. Its current programs aim to increase participation in internships that help students prepare for their careers.
“UHCL and our partners are committed to shaping the next generation of professionals and leaders,” said Bernadina Streeter, program coordinator. “We strive to provide transformative opportunities that elevate our students and pave the way for future generations, ensuring a lasting legacy of success.”
As Garza approaches graduation, he is confident that the business skills he has developed at UHCL will serve as a strong foundation for his future legal career.
“I’m looking forward to eventually opening my own law firm, and I know the skills I’ve gained at UHCL will be instrumental in that journey,” he said.
For more information about Strategic Partnerships and internship opportunities, visit www.uhcl.edu/strategic-partnerships/. For more information about UHCL’s COB, visit www.uhcl.edu/business/.
