Austin Jones, an energy commerce major graduating in May 2021, shares about his experiences at Texas Tech and Rawls College.
Wherever life takes them after Rawls College — graduate studies or a new job — the spring class of 2021 reflects on the achievements made possible through a community that promotes academic success, encourages student involvement, and inspires excellence.
Austin Jones, originally from Garland, Texas, will be graduating in May 2021 with a bachelor's degree in energy commerce and a certificate in international business.
During his undergraduate career, Jones was actively involved in the Energy Commerce Association. Additionally, in the summer of 2020, he completed a virtual internship with Texas Tech.
Q&A
Why did you choose to major in energy commerce?
From a young age, I knew I had an appetite for business. However, I did not want to go into one of the other majors at Rawls because I felt they might limit me to one form of career. I would be learning a role rather than an industry. With energy commerce, I can take on many different roles over the course of my career. It allows me to be a part of an industry with a tremendous number of moving parts, and one that I would be learning about forever.
What educational accomplishments are you most proud of?
Graduating Summa Cum Laude is something I am very proud of. I have a really strong desire to do the best I can possibly do, and I think Summa Cum Laude was the result of that. It took a lot of long nights and sacrifices, but I am happy I was able to perform to the best of my abilities. I am also very proud of my study abroad experience. Studying abroad was a huge leap out of my comfort zone, but it was one of the most enlightening and exciting things I have ever done.
During your time at Rawls College, who has made the greatest impact on you, and why?
Professor Kantelis, and it is not even close. I have taken six classes with her at Rawls, and none of them were easy. However, her teaching has allowed me to refine my writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. She is someone that pushed me hard, but not beyond my limits. She provides scant information, but it makes you actually think and figure out ways to do things. She is tough on us, but she also goes to bat for us and wants to see us succeed when we leave school. I am forever grateful for the teachings and wisdom she has given to me.
What are your plans after graduation?
In the short-term, I hope to land a role and really get started on my career. In the long-term, I hope to have a career that touches a lot of different parts of the energy industry and to simply enjoy it.
What advice would you offer current or incoming Rawls College students?
Reach out to fellow students and faculty. Building these relationships early will not only help you but also make Rawls more fun. Also, jump out of your comfort zone as much as you can. I am pretty bad at this, but every time I do I have a blast.
What were some of your favorite things about living in Lubbock?
Tech basketball games, all of the different restaurants to eat at, and nights out on Broadway/the Depot District.
Why do you love Rawls College?
I love Rawls because of all the different people I got to meet. Whether it was fellow students, faculty, or guest speakers, I got to share stories with so many different people. I will never forget my time here.