Graduate Spotlight: Ryan Tatum Uses Texas Southern Education and Internships to Land Dream First Job

When reflecting on his time at Texas Southern University, Ryan Tatum’s face lit up with excitement.

“Overall, it was the best decision of my life. It gave me the opportunities to do things outside my comfort zone. I was able to grow and be a better person.”

His decision to earn his degree from Texas Southern as part of the fall 2025 class has resulted in some incredible internship opportunities and ultimately exceptional employment. Tatum spent his summer of 2024 interning with Plurasight, a software company where he served as a software engineer and followed that up in the summer of 2025 interning for the Utah Jazz. 

“It was an amazing experience! I was able to learn all the soft skills and technical skills while also learning how people work and how I speak to others.”

His resume he built while attending TSU landed him a job with Fidelity Investments. He credits the rigorous program and courses for help shaping his path, specifically the courses taught by Dr. Lila Ghemri.

“Going through Dr. Ghemri’s classes was not easy. We had to turn in our phone, she made things real strict. We had to abide by that program, or we weren’t going to pass those classes.” Tatum said.

The Rockwall, Texas native is ecstatic to officially begin his career. As he transitions from student to professional, a popular gospel song has become his theme music.

“The biggest milestone I’ve ever accomplished in my life. Staying down until you get up. The man I became. I’m honestly, stronger, wiser and better like Marvin Sapp.”