With commencement just around the corner, recent High Point University graduates 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: Mackenzie Bliss
Hometown: Milford, Massachusetts
Major: Human relations with a minor in sport management
Post-graduation plans: As a human resources associate for the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bliss will be assisting with the on-boarding of new employees and interns, maintaining current files and databases, orienting new employees to the organization and participating in special HR projects and research.
How HPU helped you get there: “The professors and administrators who work at High Point University are truly one of the best resources the university has to offer. They genuinely want to see every student succeed and reach their maximum potential. Their guidance has allowed me to feel confident in anything I do and has helped me to not shy away from setting my goals high. Without the faculty at HPU, I would not feel as prepared for my future as I am, and I am sad to have to say goodbye to them all. Kellie McLeod from the Office of Career & Professional Development was an incredible help to me and my academic career at HPU. Coming to school here, I thought I had my career plan figured out. However, sophomore year I came to the realization that I was not happy with the path I was taking. Kellie gave me great advice and encouraged me to follow my interests because, at the end of the day, hard work and determination would allow me to be successful in any field I am passionate in. Throughout my time at HPU, I also met with Kellie multiple times to revise my resume, so that I was able to be successful in the application process for internships and post-graduate jobs.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU is one of my sport management professors, Dr. Florian Hemme. His passion for sport management, and for the sport industry in general, radiated through his teaching and made me only that much more engaged in his classes. Not only did he provide me with the knowledge I needed to be able to succeed in the sports industry, but he willingly guided me through the process of narrowing my topic for my human relations senior research project which will continue to benefit my career in sports. Although he may not know it, his passion for sports and constant encouragement helped me feel confident in my decision to pursue a career in the sports industry.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at High Point University was when I landed the Game Day Operations Intern for the football department of the Atlantic Coast Conference. I will forever be thankful for my peers and professors at HPU for guiding me toward this opportunity. Without it, I would not have been able to greatly expand my network, or gain the knowledge and skills I needed to land my dream job with an NFL team for after graduation.”
Advice for underclassmen: “If I could summarize a life lesson I learned throughout my academic career at HPU in a quote, it would be, ‘Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do.’ During my time at HPU, I constantly felt stuck between choosing to pursue a career I was passionate about, versus choosing to pursue a career that would guarantee great financial success. My advice for underclassmen would be to pursue a career that you are passionate about, because ultimately it is your decision, and finding happiness in what you do is so important. Whatever you choose to do, be great at it. Use the resources that HPU will provide you to network, get your foot in the door, and try something new that pushes you out of your comfort zone. You will be thankful for the people you meet, and the opportunities that come your way.”