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 at one extraordinary member of the Class of 2023:
Name: Sydney Donohue
Hometown: Litchfield, Connecticut
Major: Finance with a minor in healthcare management
Post-graduation plans: Donohue joins Aetna, a CVS Health company, as an analyst in their Finance Leadership Development Program. The program is a three-year rotational experience designed to develop finance and accounting talent into future leaders at CVS Health. As an analyst, Donohue will complete rotations grounded in controllership fundamentals, finance planning and analysis, and data analysis and visualization.
How HPU helped you get there:
“As a finance major within the Phillips School of Business, the rigorous course of study helped me develop the discipline and self-confidence to succeed in this field. HPU also provided me the opportunity to develop life skills through countless projects and presentations which ultimately assisted me in my interview process. I also took advantage of the resources the Office of Career and Professional Development provides, such as resume review, free LinkedIn headshots and career fairs.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU:
“Thomas James, assistant professor of the practice of finance was my most impactful mentor at HPU. As my mentor, he gave me the best advice, taught me life lessons and furthered my passion to pursue finance.”
Most impactful moment at HPU:
“My most impactful experience at HPU was traveling to Walt Disney World with the Business Fellows Program to participate in the Disney Leadership Institute where we spent two days learning how Disney operates behind-the-scenes. This firsthand experience taught me a lot about how profitable companies are run and continue to be successful.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success?
“I believe that being surrounded by beautiful buildings, well-appointed classrooms and an invigorating campus helped me stay focused and energized on my goals. HPU is not only focused on educating students but also on fostering the next generation of thoughtful leaders.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success?
“The primary life skills I developed at HPU are presence and communication. Being part of the Business Fellows Program, I had many opportunities to interact with leaders from various industries. These real-world interactions helped to prepare me for internship and job interviews and feel confident in my ability to present myself and communicate effectively.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation?
“HPU holds to the values of being a God, family and country school. Being part of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority helped these values come to life as I developed long-lasting friendships that I will take with me as I move on to the next stage of life.”
Advice for underclassmen:
“Enjoy every moment, even the hard ones, because four years goes so quickly. Take advantage of everything the university has to offer because all of it combined will help you grow in so many ways. Work hard, search for internships early and grow your network. HPU helped prepare me for a life of significance and gave me the best four years of my life.”
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