Though commencement is months away, High Point University seniors are already 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 2019:
Name: Ashley Lang
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Major: Business administration with minors in finance and sales
Post-graduation plans: After receiving four job offers, Lang chose to join SmileDirectClub as a people and organization project manager following her graduation in spring 2019. She will drive projects by owning plans, work streams and ensuring project team members are delivering on target. She will be partnering with the people and organization department and functional owners department to redesign business processes and create implementation ideas to change management plans. Lang will be mobilizing project teams and clearly articulating the plan along with roles and responsibilities for each project team member and team leader.
How HPU helped you get there: “High Point University has prepared me for my future through opportunities, experiences and the academic environment the school has to offer. The Phillips School of Business has given me the opportunity to improve my presentation skills, attend guest speaker events, participate in mock interviews and meet with professors that have experience in different fields. I have received hands-on experience like holding two positions on campus in the Student Employment Office and the Survey Research Center that I was able to discuss throughout my interview process. I have utilized the Career and Professional Development Office since my freshman year. I learned how to set up my LinkedIn account, strengthen my resume and go through the interview process. HPU has helped me become more confident in my skills and abilities by providing me with endless opportunities.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “I feel so blessed to have had the chance to connect with so many different faculty and professors who offered their insight on academic topics and helped me prepare for internship and full-time opportunities. My most impactful mentor at HPU has been Whitney Neal in the Student Employment Office. I began working for her my sophomore year, and I developed a passion for human resources. Whitney gave me the opportunity to assist her with projects and presentations, help students find jobs on campus to build their resume and assist students through the onboarding process. Whitney treated me like a member of her team and gave me so much experience to discuss throughout my interview process. When I received my summer internship in HR Compensation, she was the first person to offer me advice. She also introduced me to SHRM which is a professional human resources association. I could not be more thankful for the opportunity to work in the Student Employment Office and have hands-on HR experience by learning from Whitney. I can’t wait to continue to apply everything that she has taught me when I begin my career in HR with SmileDirectClub in January.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “I don’t have one specific impactful moment at HPU, there’s too many to count. I feel extremely lucky to have attended this university, where I completely changed from a nervous freshman to a confident senior ready to enter the corporate world. I am so thankful for all the lifelong friends I have met at HPU, especially through Kappa Delta sorority. I am thankful to have gone to a University where I feel comfortable going to professors’ offices to discuss my goals and receive their advice.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Become involved in anything that interests you! High Point University offers so many different extracurricular activities as well as opportunities for professional development, beginning the first day you arrive on campus. Never be afraid to set up meetings with any professor or faculty member to discuss anything that interests you, even if it doesn’t directly relate to class. I’m sure there is someone on campus that has experience in the specific field you’re interested in or even the specific company may want to work for one day. Everyone at HPU is more than willing to take time to help you achieve your dreams.”