With commencement just around the corner, High Point University seniors are preparing to commence prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier law, medical and graduate school programs, and many other esteemed organizations thanks to their journey at HPU. Here’s a glimpse of one extraordinary senior from the Class of 2015:
Name: Jay Carroll
Hometown: Falls Church, Virginia
Major: Carroll will graduate with a B.A. in Strategic Communication on May 9.
Post-graduation plans: Carroll accepted a position as an intern with Direct Impact, the grassroots subsidiary of Burson Marsteller. In his position, Carroll will help integrate the communicative messaging of #GoLocal across the country on various grassroots campaigns. Within these grassroots campaigns, Jay will be initiating various social media tactics to reach his target audiences.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU helped me achieve the skills necessary to be a successful communicator in business as well as in life. My communication professors pushed me to become expert communicator through hard work and giving me a view of what the public relations world can be like. Dr. Qubein has also helped prepare me with his wonderful quotes of how to be successful, my favorite being: ‘Listening is to hearing what speaking is to talking. Hearing is the natural response of your ears to sound. But listening is using your ears and your mind to absorb and understand what the other person is saying.’ By learning to listen I have been able to achieve many things by opening my ears to hear what the world has to say. This is all thanks to High Point University.
I also have utilized Career & Internships Services since my sophomore year through the wonderful guidance of Kellie McLeod. She was able to guide to take the Meyers Briggs test and make my LinkedIn page early in my college career. I would not be in the position which I am in today if it not for the amazing people from Career & Internship Services.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “I would have to say my most impactful mentor has been Professor Phil Watson, my first professor for my strategic communication major. I used to be a goofy kid who had no drive but it was Professor Watson who helped push me to be the professional that I am today. With his open door policy, constant care for others, and overall professional talent, he taught me life lessons which I will never forget.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most memorable moment at HPU would have to be when I joined my fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha. It was there where I was able to vault myself into various roles within the fraternity, help raise money for the Jimmy V. fund, and lead me to so many other things. I was also able to make friends that I will have for the rest of my life.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Always have a action plan in place, even sophomore year of college. Having a action plan for the future is so vital to getting a job in this day and age. HPU gives you the tools to achieve this. Seize the sources that you have right in front of you!”