Gian-Karlo Alvarez, Human Resources Partner II and a proud double alumnus of UCF (Class of '11 and '21), recently shared insights into his remarkable career journey at the university. Starting as a student worker in 2008, recommended by his orientation leader, Gian-Karlo found his niche in student services while pursuing a degree in Management (HR). Reflecting on his initial post-graduation job search, he stumbled upon a role with Career Services that seamlessly blended his passion for supporting students with applying his HR expertise.

"I found a job with Career Services that surprisingly let me combine both my passions supporting students and applying my HR knowledge to support their work experience program. It was great finding out that UCF had a job that was perfect for me!" Gian-Karlo expressed.

Beyond the specific roles, Gian-Karlo highlighted the pervasive positivity at UCF. He firmly believes that every individual at the university is dedicated to the best interests of students and the community, contributing to a positive impact.

"Everyone is positive. I truly believe every person at UCF is doing the best job they can. We all want what’s best for students, what’s best for our community, and what will have a positive impact! As an HR person, I don’t get to work with students as often, but I know that my work directly impacts the success of the university and indirectly helps contribute to the success of our students," Gian-Karlo affirmed.

His journey at UCF spans 16 years, transitioning from a curious student worker to an established mid-career professional. Gian-Karlo attributes his growth to the support and encouragement he received from UCF leaders, promoting skill development, learning from others, and embracing new challenges.

"Benefits – our benefits are amazing! The health insurance options are tremendous, the amount of leave we get compared to private industry is huge (yay game day), and the retirement options are solid. They even paid for me to get my MBA while I worked full-time (tuition remission is great). Most people can’t even name a place that offers a pension and rewards dedication like UCF," Gian-Karlo praised.

He underlined the tangible impact of UCF's culture, emphasizing that being part of something bigger than oneself is both respected and valued in the community. Gian-Karlo spoke passionately about the diverse and impactful work at UCF, from lunar simulant to cutting-edge laser pulses and engineering marvels like the James Webb Space Telescope.

"I’ve got a million stories about how lives have been changed or impacted by the work that we do here. My life has been shaped profoundly by UCF. It’s a great place to find others and grow in the community," Gian-Karlo concluded, providing a compelling testament to the transformative journey one can embark on within the vibrant and impactful community at UCF.

VOICES OF UCF