Greyhound Grad Justin Banister is giving back to the Eastern New Mexico University College of Business by hosting a three-part workshop series with fellow Greyhound Grad Lindsay Bost for students to learn about resume building, job searching and more.

Justin, who graduated from ENMU in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis in hospitality management and a minor in Spanish, discusses the series, his business career and his time as a student at ENMU.

Tell us about the workshop series.

Working with Lindsay Bost, our main focus for this series was, "How do we make our journey to success relatable to others?" We wanted to help share our successes and our struggles so college students can learn about what it takes to make the most of opportunities after graduation.

We made mistakes along the way that we felt would have been avoidable had we had advice or knowledge to know otherwise, so we want to offer that to students. We want to be examples of what hard work can do for you, but also share insights on our experiences in the business world, as well as the competitive job market that can help others find the job they're looking for, or help them understand it's normal to experience issues that will impact your career path.

Share some details on your role with SecureLink with us.

I am the office manager at SecureLink, an Austin, Texas, tech company. Living in Austin, you hear all about how illustrious and awesome the tech scene here is. I wanted to find a way to break into it, and I joined an awesome company that has seen so much change since I've joined, like a new CEO change, acquiring a company and now my own company is in the process of being acquired. Such an exciting journey, and I'm learning so much!

I manage office expenses, vendor relations, workflow logistics and contactor-related planning. I support the employee onboarding process and off-boarding experience and schedule new hire orientation and department-specific training boot camps. I'm involved in projects ranging from facility remodeling, employee anniversary gift planning and company goal overviews with all departments.

I also work directly with C-suite on scheduling, meeting management, travel coordination and special projects and within the People Operations team with HR on operations and learning and development.

Which aspect of your career is the most rewarding?

Learning how business operations impact the bigger picture. I'm so grateful they took the chance on me, and I know this company will prepare me for whatever future role my current position will evolve into. I love working with all departments of an organization, and this has been the perfect opportunity to grow and remind myself that growth is gradual, not instantaneous.

What are your short- and long-term career goals?

My short-term goal: Using my experience and knowledge to learn as much as I can within business as possible. My long-term goal: Start my own company. I'm not sure what the future holds, but I would love to own and oversee a product-based company that helps make the world a better place.

Where did you work previously?

I was a front desk agent and bell supervisor for Four Seasons Resort, business development representative for GoDaddy and health and fitness supervisor at Barton Creek Country Club.

How did ENMU prepare you for your career?

My business degree has helped me understand so much about the business world, and my previous instructors and faculty have made a huge difference in mentorship and helped guide me to make the right career decisions to be where I am today.

What advice would you give to a student interested in working in your career field?

Success is like climbing a staircase; one step at a time will lead you to be where you want to be. Be a sponge to everything you learn and try to learn as much as possible, and find value in every job you hold.

The bigger picture is always blurry, and you never really know where you'll end up, so just enjoy the journey and focus on what you can control. Also, don't be afraid to take chances or risks! Don't be afraid to go out on a limb; that's where are the fruit is.

Why did you choose to attend ENMU?

I chose to go to Eastern because initially, I thought it would be a great choice to knock out my basics and then transfer to a bigger university. It was close to my hometown of Clovis, New Mexico, where my friends and family were, so it seemed like a great fit!

Then, I fell in love with the University and the opportunities I was able to take advantage of while I was there. 

The professors of the Business Program really helped me push myself, and I was able to grow through the Business Program more than I thought I would. I lost the desire to transfer to a bigger university because of how happy and grateful I was for my life at Eastern.

How did you choose your field of study?

I chose business because I really had no idea where I wanted my career to take me, and I knew every single opportunity in the business world required business knowledge to succeed. I thought if I had a solid foundation from a business degree, I could learn to do anything else I wanted to.

Which activities were you involved in as a student at ENMU?

I tried to be as involved as I could during my time at ENMU. I was a President's Ambassador and took lead positions of Secretary, vice president and president within the program. I also was president of the Business Club.

I made the dean's list every semester from my first freshman semester to my last semester as a senior.

I won the "Student Employee of the Year" award in my senior year. I also was a part of different committees: ENMU Social Media Committee (2015 –2016), director of Communication Services search/hire (2015) and Student Employment Orientation (2015 –2016).

Discuss your Eastern Experience.

I only have positive things to say about my experience at Eastern. I met incredible friends and mentors and loved supporting the University and helping it grow as a President's Ambassador. I loved being able to watch the University become a better place for students. 

Special shout-outs to my favorite and most influential professors I had at Eastern: Dr. Robert Schneider, Dr. Magnolia Jurado and Dr. Pattarapong Burusnukul.

Tell us about your family and background.

I was raised in Clovis, New Mexico, and my family still lives there today! I love visiting to see my family and watching my younger sister grow up. My dad specializes in photography and owns a greenhouse where he sells organic produce to local businesses in Clovis. My mom works for the Post Office and is one of the best sports-booster moms you could ever ask for.

Who are your role models?

My parents sacrificed so much to push my siblings and me to be where we are today and give us opportunities they never had at our age. My love and admiration for their undying work ethic, integrity and their love of life and people inspire me every day to be better and to make them proud.

I want to live a life that showcases their investment of time, love and belief in me were worth the sacrifices they made to give me the tools I needed to be emotionally, spiritually and mentally ready to handle the life God has prepared for me.

Are you involved with any organizations or causes?

My favorite organization in Austin so far is a non-profit blood bank called We are Blood. I've held a blood drive at my office to help promote blood donors from my office to help make an impact on blood donations for the greater Austin area. 

Share an interesting fact about yourself.

I have met so many celebrities from my time in hospitality! These celebrities include Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jones, Seth Meyers, The Goo Goo Dolls, Colt McCoy, Troy Aikman, Derrick Henry, Taylor Kitsch and Rob Zombie, to name a few.

What are your hobbies?

Reading, working out and running, collecting sports memorabilia and comics, listening to podcasts, playing disc golf, hiking and being outdoors.

Is there any additional information you'd like to have included?

Benevolence and ambition are the building blocks of an authentic leader.