Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Christian Sawina, Class of 2024
Hometown: Westfield, New Jersey
Major: Finance with a minor in instrumental music
Post-graduation plans: Christian is heading to JPMorgan Chase in Wilmington, Delaware, to work as their Rotational Analyst. He will be a rotating analyst through the company’s different lines of business, including the community and consumer bank, commercial bank, asset and wealth management, as well as the investment bank. Additionally, he will be completing work in project management, process improvement and analytics. Christian’s full-time role is a continuation of his summer internship in 2023.
How HPU helped you get there: “I was surrounded by students that had similar goals as me in an environment that encouraged hard work and taking chances. HPU’s unique emphasis on getting a job after college helped me stay focused.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Dr. Brian Meixner, professor of music, and I spent a lot of time together in the music department as he was my private lessons teacher, professor for classes, and ensemble conductor. He provided me with a lot of opportunities that I would not have gotten otherwise, including chances to speak, meet with other professionals, performance opportunities and more. I knew that if I ever needed something during my time as an HPU student, he would have been there for me.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “It’s much easier to stay motivated and encouraged when you are busy. HPU’s campus is always active, and that means its students are always active! Similar to the phrase, ‘Look good, do well,’ HPU’s campus can motivate an individual to put on a polo instead of a t-shirt, or a dress instead of a sweatshirt. I know it doesn’t work the same for everyone, but it applies to many people; when you look good, you feel good and you often perform at a higher level.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “HPU helped instill that what you know in the classroom isn’t the only thing that matters. Students with only technical knowledge will only go so far in their career. Everyone needs the life skills for continued success, and that’s as simple as a good handshake, or as complicated as a two-minute drill.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Don’t wait! Get involved on campus right away, whether in different clubs or deep involvement in a couple of activities or jobs on campus. If you have a resume, update it with the Office of Career and Professional Development. If you don’t have a resume, go to them to understand the steps in creating one. There is no reason why a freshman cannot be applying to internships for the following summer. Companies are looking to hire people who are excited about working for them. If your whole cover letter is about the experience you’ll gain from the job, you’ve got it all backward. You need to focus on what you can bring to the company. How do your experiences make you the best candidate to make the most impact in the company? That’s the million-dollar question you need to answer in your cover letter, and your resume should support your statements. My last advice is to apply to positions early. Many internship program managers start to recruit interns up to a full year in advance. Get your resume to their inboxes in September!”
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