With another successful commencement behind us, recent High Point University graduates 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: Melia Sigmon
Hometown: Denver, North Carolina
Major: Sigmon graduated with a B.A. in Communication, with a concentration in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Political Science, on May 9.
Post-graduation plans: Sigmon accepted a position as an Editor at Impatient Cow Productions in Salt Lake City, Utah. In her position, Sigmon will work with the post-production team and assist on-set during productions.
How HPU helped you get there: “My production classes and extra projects helped me learn the hands-on skills I need in the real world. A lot of my professors had previously worked professionally in the subjects they were teaching, so it’s good to see that the knowledge they’re passing on is accurate. Career Services also cheered me through the interview process and gave me helpful tips along the way. I pretty much visited Sue Brien every day during the interview process to get her feedback.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Charisse McGhee-Lazarou, the Director of Media Fellows, is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the media industry and the way it operates. Charisse helped me by generating show ideas and ways to improve HPU TV when I was general manager. She’s been supportive through the summer internship hunts and job hunts, which was always a stressful process. No matter how much work is on Charisse’s desk, she always makes time to chat. Also, I appreciate Sue Brien, Bridget Holcombe, Jen Paolino, and the rest of Career & Internship Services – I managed to chat with someone from their office at least a few times a week.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “Being General Manager at HPU TV was an incredible learning experience and resume builder that opened the door for a lot of other important opportunities, such as my internships with NASCAR and ESPN.”
Advice for underclassmen: “My email to Impatient Cow was a cold email; I didn’t know anyone from the company or have any mutual connections. However, what I sent them was unconventional and seemed to capture their attention. Don’t be afraid to send out a few Hail Mary attempts with the job search.”