Constance Williams ’24
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – She remembers the exact moment her mindset shifted, and it changed everything for her. It was a missed opportunity for a job interview that prompted a realization that she held the power to change her future in her own hands. That was the catalyst for Constance Williams, a senior at Prairie View A&M University, to return to school to complete her degree.
Constance, who is set to graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, thinks back on that moment and knows that nothing can stop her when SHE decides nothing can stop her.
It’s up to her.
“I lost my job due to the pandemic. Before the pandemic, I was looking to transition to a different analytical role with my then-employer. Still, despite my years of experience and the hiring manager’s willingness to waive the degree requirement, I wasn’t considered or granted an interview for the position because I didn’t have a bachelor’s degree,” Constance remembers. “I decided at that moment that never again would that be the reason I missed out on an opportunity. I saw all the setbacks and obstacles as an opportunity to finish my degree without interruption.”
Constance returned to school in 2021, and she jumped right into her coursework. Many obstacles kept coming up. Still, she did not let them deter her.
A native resident of Dallas, Constance committed to driving three hours both ways to attend one class at PVAMU after she had run out of online class options. She quickly emerged as the top finance student, earning a spot on the Honor Roll every semester.
Her accomplishments include her participation in the Investment Club, Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society and Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. These extracurricular and cultural options made PVAMU a top choice for Constance.
“I knew I wanted to attend an HBCU,” Constance said. “I researched the ranking of Texas HBCUs for finance degrees, and PVAMU was at the top.”
Constance was already seasoned in the corporate world, with over 30 years of work experience. She noted that PVAMU helped her find new opportunities and helped open new doors.
Her go-getter spirit has served her well in other areas of her educational journey, including securing a spot as a OneFinance intern with LyondellBasell.
“My rotations helped push me out of my comfort zone. It gave me exposure to new skills in internal auditing,” she said. “I met several PV alums at my internship. It was a very supportive environment. My first rotation was in Internal Audit, which was completely new to me. I saw it as an opportunity to learn something new while gaining new skills and knowledge. My second rotation was in the Global Credit department. Since credit is in my wheelhouse, I was able to hit the ground running.”
Constance credited College of Business Assistant Dean Kimberly Gordon with putting an internship on her radar.
“It was not something I had given any thought to, but she suggested it to me,” Constance said. “I attended the All Majors Career Fair, where I secured an interview with LyondellBasell and was offered the internship.”
Post-graduation, the sky is the limit for Constance. She is considering a master’s degree but says that whatever she decides, PVAMU will allow her to challenge herself and grow in new ways.
“My rotations helped push me out of my comfort zone,” Constance said. “It gave me exposure to new skills in internal auditing. PVAMU has helped me to expand my network. I feel that I have been well prepared at PVAMU to succeed in graduate school and a career.”
She added that part of the reason she was able to jump into new experiences that pushed the limits of what she thought she was capable of was due to a strong foundation of preparation from PVAMU.
“I love the efforts of the faculty and staff to prepare students for the real world,” Constance noted. “From coaching through the interview process to helping us prepare resumes, they are equipping students not just academically.”
Constance’s advice for other students following in her footsteps echoes her own mantra that she applies daily – never giving up. Do whatever it takes. Don’t let anything – not even yourself – stand in your way.
“Commit to your education,” Constance emphasized. “Give it your all!”
Click here to view more of this semester’s notable graduates.
By Meredith Mohr
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