Name: Alex Gross
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Major: Gross will graduate with a B.A. in Human Relations, with minors in Sales and Marketing, on May 6.
Post-graduation plans: Gross accepted a position as an SMB Account Executive at Gartner in Fort Myers, Florida. In his position, Gross will retain and grow a book of small- to mid-sized businesses while also attaining new clients. Gross previously interned at Gartner last summer, and was able to secure a full-time a job offer with the company upon completion of his internship.
How HPU helped you get there: “I am a part of the board for the PSB Selling Club. Professor Randy Moser and Professor Larry Quinn have given me the necessary skills to negotiate and bring confidence to my selling IQ. With due diligence and practice, I introduced myself to Gartner through the Selling Club’s exclusive Career Fair and become an ambassador for them. High Point brought the opportunities to the door, and with their help, I was able to answer the door.
I used Career and Professional Development to make sure that my resume was up-to-date and future-oriented. They were able to find errors and help me develop the most professional look that represented who I was on one page.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Dr. Donald Scarborough. He is my mentor, my best friend, and without him, I guarantee 100% I would not be at HPU. We met my freshman year and he opened my eyes and gave me the opportunity to speak to the Chamber of Commerce. He always had my back with everything I went through. Financials were not easy and my impact on the university is different than others. It was not possible without Dr. Scarborough. I thank him every day for all he has done and sacrificed for me.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was deciding to stop playing baseball my sophomore year. That was the day my life changed forever. I had spent every day breathing, speaking and sleeping baseball as far back as I can remember. But I had to stand up and tell myself it had to be over. I could curl up and give up on everything, or I could get up and make something of who I am.
Looking at I why I left makes me love my life more and makes me so proud who I have become. I had to think about my future and ensure that I had a career that would bring success and happiness to my life. I knew baseball wouldn’t be there forever. My career is more important and will be there for me in the long run. Making decisions like this only makes me more confident to meet my goals.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams, and don’t be afraid to be honest with yourself. People become so used to who they are, that they are afraid to stray away. Success comes from coming out of your comfort zone and finding out who you are as people see you. I always asked for help. People have perspectives, opinions and most importantly experience. I love talking to Professor Quinn, Moser, Michael, etc. about sales and learning about the times they’ve failed, the times they’ve succeeded, and the feelings that followed those times. I am never afraid to ask for help or embarrassed for saying something that may be obvious. When it comes to growing as a person and wanting more for myself, I have zero fear. I challenge you to do the same thing.”
Are you an HPU graduate with an exciting job or graduate school offer?
Share your news with us for a chance to be featured!
It may be early in the semester, but Commencement will be here before we know it. Many 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. View more extraordinary seniors from the Class of 2017 here.