A woman smiling in front of a white brick wall, wearing a pink plaid suit and a pink beaded necklace.

Meet Valerie Bynum

In 2014, I made the decision to leave the corporate world and dedicate myself to a lifelong passion—helping young adults present themselves with confidence and professionalism. Over the years, I had witnessed how the ability to communicate effectively could open doors, transform opportunities, and change lives. I knew I wanted to empower students to articulate their identities, share their stories, and step into interviews with self-assurance.

With this mission in mind, I founded Best U Interview, a program designed to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in admissions, scholarship, and job interviews. Through personalized coaching, I help students uncover their strengths, refine their messaging, and engage in meaningful conversations that leave a lasting impression.

There is no greater satisfaction than watching my students grow—seeing their confidence build, hearing their excitement when they say, “The interview went great!” and knowing that they now believe in themselves as much as I believe in them. Best U Interview is more than a coaching service; it is a platform for young people to discover and present their most authentic and exceptional selves, unlocking doors to their future.

Woman wearing a black and white embroidered top, smiling, standing near columns.

My Passion & Experience

Helping young adults articulate their identities and recognize their strengths is deeply rewarding. Seeing their confidence grow—whether through personal statements, essays, or interviews—reinforces my belief in the power of clear, authentic communication. The joy in their voices when they say, “The interview went great!” is a reminder of the impact of this work.

My passion for the interview process began in college, where I conducted interviews for leadership and scholarships. After graduating, I traveled to 50 universities as a national consultant for my sorority, honing my ability to assess individuals' strengths and coach them toward success. Later, during my 13-year tenure at Merck & Co., I refined these skills further—mentoring, conducting interviews, and mastering persuasive communication.

In 2014, I left the corporate world to dedicate myself fully to helping students prepare for life-changing conversations, from college and graduate school admissions to scholarships and job interviews. Through Best U Interview, I help students showcase their true strengths and genuine personalities, giving them the confidence to seize exciting opportunities for their future.

My Personal Life

I have been blessed to share 33 years of marriage with my husband, Rick Bynum, raising three wonderful children in a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of coffee and bacon. Service has always been a cornerstone of my life, from community involvement to singing in my church choir. I was honored to receive the National PTA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, reinforcing my belief that we all have the power to create meaningful change.

 

Open the door to your future!

Prepare with confidence by understanding different interview formats, practicing key questions, and mastering the do’s and don’ts before, during, and after your interview.

Need comprehensive guidance for college and graduate school admissions? Visit www.hopecollegecounseling.com to see how we can support your journey to success!