HPU graduates are leading 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 graduate from the Class of 2022:
Name: Sydney Sullivan
Hometown: Queens, New York
Major: M.A. in communication and business leadership with a minor in nonprofit leadership and management
Post-graduation plans: Sullivan joins Sullivan & Cromwell LLP in Manhattan, New York, as an executive coordinator. In her role, she serves as a liaison for the executive director and coordinates company events for attorneys, partners, directors and staff.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU’s Student Success Program and Office of Career and Professional Development helped me get where I am. As a first-year student, I decided to change my major and declare a minor. At first, I didn’t think I would be able to graduate on time after completing an entire year of science-related courses. Fortunately, my Success Coach Britt Carl and career advisors Emily Long and Dr. Doug Hall, helped me navigate this transition seamlessly. I also had teachers who believed in me and saw my potential. And the clubs and organizations I was involved in aligned with my passions and pushed me further to success.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU was Dr. Doug Hall, vice president for Career and Professional Development, because he always lent me a helping hand and was genuinely invested in the success of the students he mentored. He was one of the first career advisors and African American staff members I connected with when I came to HPU. He truly has the best interest of his students at heart and embodies mentorship for numerous minority students on HPU’s campus.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “Some of the life skills HPU helped me develop that prepared me for long-term success are critical thinking, networking and public speaking. Public speaking is necessary as an aspiring attorney and an employee of a law firm. During my sophomore year, I took a persuasive speaking course which helped me strengthen my speaking skills. I’ve learned a lot about critical thinking during the M.A. Communication and Business Leadership Program, and networking is something I learned as early as my freshman year in the President’s First-Year Seminar on Life Skills.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “The value of family is essential to me, especially as an only child of a single parent. Although I’ve graduated, everyone at HPU has a special place in my heart and will always be considered family. Whether it’s Ms. Mary in the Farmers Market, Ms. Kristy in the Cafe or Ms. Nita in the library, I knew that wherever I went across campus I had someone supporting and looking out for me. This is the most important value to me because HPU felt like home when I first visited in 2017 and ultimately decided on the university. Five years later, I still feel the same way.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Stay true to yourself, know what your goals are and don’t let anyone or anything deter you. After you graduate, continue utilizing the network and resources that HPU provided. Although there is no correct way to ‘adult,’ remember that you know your interests, passions and end goal; therefore, you should do whatever it takes to get there — whether it’s a gap year, going to graduate school or getting a job right after graduation.”
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