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 2018:
Name: Kendra Bickford
Hometown: Moultonborough, New Hampshire
Major: Bickford graduated with a B.A. in communication with a concentration in strategic communication and a minor in marketing.
Post-graduation plans: As an account manager at Samuel Adams in Boston, Massachusetts, Bickford secures and manages both new and current accounts in the Greater Boston North Shore Area. Bickford is also in charge of the sales, marketing promotions and events for a large portfolio of the company’s products in this area including Samuel Adams, Twisted Tea, Angry Orchard and Truly.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU provides the opportunity to join countless clubs where you can easily become an active member and learn new things in your area of interest. It also allows you to meet peers and mentors who share the same passions and goals as you. During my time at HPU, I was a member of six clubs, and these opportunities allowed me to sharpen and refine all the skills I was learning in the classroom. From improving my public speaking skills to simply building my confidence, I owe a lot of who I am today to the opportunities the university provides for students. Career and Professional Development is a great tool for students whether you know what you are doing and where you are going and are simply looking for encouragement along the way, or if you are completely lost and need help A to Z. The office is always there to help you through it all.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “I have experienced hundreds of impactful and life changing moments at HPU. All the time I was blessed to spend at the university shaped me and grew me into who I am today. The moment I will remember the most is speaking as Senior Class President at my graduation this past May. It was not only a moment full of nerves and tremendous excitement, but a true honor to speak in front of my peers and an audience of more than 10,000 people. From being an anxious freshman, to growing into a confident leader and public speaker four years later, I credit my alma mater. I am so blessed to have been given such an unforgettable memory to end my story at High Point University.”
Advice for underclassmen: “My advice to underclassmen is simple: You have one life to live and four wonderful years at HPU to prepare yourself for it. Do not waste these moments, these memories or these incredible opportunities. Join a club, step outside your comfort zone, talk to new people, apply for that internship, ask for help and get involved. It may not seem easy, but it certainly will be worth it.”