Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Katie McAlexander, Class of 2024
Hometown: Durham, NC
Major: Event Management with a minor in Hospitality Management
Post-graduation plans: Katie is heading to Savannah, Georgia, to intern for the baseball team, The Savannah Bananas. Working for the baseball team as their People Operations Intern, she will coordinate all part-time teammates during Bananas events, including traveling with the team on their 2024 world tour. She will greet the teammates upon their arrival, ensure they are informed about game operations and fan experiences, and oversee role changes throughout the event to meet fans’ evolving needs. Additionally, Katie will focus on making each teammate feel valued for their specific contributions while learning scheduling techniques and communication strategies to enhance team cohesion and overall event success.
How HPU helped you get there: “High Point University and the event management program have been instrumental in preparing me for my professional career and helping me achieve my goals. Through HPU’s Office of Career and Professional Development, I’ve had access to valuable one-on-one career advice and guidance, which has been crucial in shaping my career path and professional development. Additionally, being part of the first PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association) group from High Point University to win the PCMA Global Student Competition in January 2024 was a significant accomplishment. This success not only highlighted the skills and talents of my team but also showcased the excellence of our program. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support and mentorship from our professors and HPU faculty, who have provided us with the knowledge, resources and opportunities needed to succeed in the field of event management.”
What has your internship experience been like and how is it preparing you for your future?: “My internship experience has been incredibly valuable and hands-on, providing me with practical skills and insights that are preparing me for my future career. Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Durham, NC, where I joined the team for a weekend event. During this time, I had the privilege of meeting the entire front office staff and receiving hands-on training from them. This experience allowed me to immerse myself in the day-to-day operations of event management, learn from seasoned professionals and gain a deeper understanding of the industry. Being able to work closely with the front office staff provided me with real-world experience and a glimpse into the inner workings of event management. I learned how to navigate various tasks and challenges, collaborate effectively with team members and adapt to changing situations on the fly. Additionally, interacting with the team in a live event setting gave me valuable insights into the importance of teamwork, communication and problem-solving in the fast-paced world of event management.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “The most impactful mentors for me at HPU were my event management professors, Dr. Jessica Wiitala, assistant professor of event management, Dr. Briana Clark, event and hospitality management chair, and Dr. Matthew Ritter, assistant professor of hospitality management. Their unwavering dedication to the program and investment in us as young event professionals made them stand out as our biggest cheerleaders and advocates. They went above and beyond to provide guidance, support and encouragement, not only in the classroom but also through mentoring, networking opportunities and real-world experiences. Their passion for the field of event management was contagious, and their commitment to our success inspired us to strive for excellence and pursue our goals with confidence. Overall, Dr. Wiitala, Dr. Clark and Dr. Ritter’s mentorship has had a profound impact on my personal and professional development, and I am grateful for their guidance and mentorship at HPU.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “The most impactful moment for me at HPU was when my senior seminar group won the 2023 PCMA Global Student Competition. This achievement was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it was a testament to the hard work, dedication and collaborative effort of our team members, who worked tirelessly to develop and execute an innovative event concept that impressed the judges and surpassed competitors from around the world. Winning the competition not only validated our skills and abilities but also provided us with valuable recognition and exposure within the event management industry. This moment symbolized the culmination of our academic journey at HPU and the culmination of everything we had learned and experienced throughout our time in the event management program. It was a moment of pride and fulfillment, knowing that our efforts had paid off and that we had achieved success on a global stage. Additionally, winning the PCMA Global Student Competition was a transformative experience that opened doors to new opportunities, connections and possibilities for our future careers in event management. It provided us with valuable industry recognition, networking opportunities and professional development resources that have since contributed to our growth and success in the field.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “HPU’s inspiring campus environment has been instrumental in contributing to my success in several ways. Firstly, the campus itself fosters a culture of excellence and innovation, with state-of-the-art facilities, beautiful surroundings and a vibrant atmosphere that motivates and inspires students to aim high and pursue their goals with passion and determination. Being immersed in such a dynamic and supportive environment has encouraged me to set ambitious goals, challenge myself and strive for personal and academic growth.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “HPU has played a pivotal role in developing essential life skills that have prepared me for long-term success in event management. Through my coursework and hands-on experiences, HPU has helped me enhance my communication skills, enabling me to effectively convey ideas, negotiate contracts and build relationships with clients and vendors. Additionally, the emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving at HPU has equipped me with the ability to anticipate and address logistical challenges, troubleshoot issues during events and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Time management and organizational skills have been crucial in coordinating event logistics, managing multiple tasks simultaneously and ensuring seamless execution of events within tight deadlines. Moreover, HPU’s focus on leadership development has empowered me to lead event teams, delegate tasks effectively and inspire collaboration among team members to achieve shared goals. Overall, the comprehensive education and practical experiences provided by HPU have equipped me with the necessary skills and confidence to thrive in the dynamic field of event management and pursue long-term success in this industry.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “HPU has instilled in me a set of values and virtues that I will carry with me long after graduation. One of the most significant virtues I’ve embraced is compassion, which HPU emphasizes through its culture of service and community engagement. This virtue inspires me to empathize with others, seek understanding and actively contribute to the well-being of those around me. Additionally, HPU’s commitment to integrity, excellence and leadership development has further strengthened my character and equipped me with the skills and mindset to lead with compassion, make ethical decisions and strive for excellence in all endeavors. Overall, the values and virtues nurtured by HPU’s campus will serve as guiding principles in my personal and professional life, shaping my interactions, decisions and contributions to society.”
Advice for underclassmen: “My advice for underclassmen looking to be successful after graduation is to start building your network early on. Networking is crucial for opening doors to opportunities, gaining insights into your chosen field and establishing valuable connections that can support your career journey. Take advantage of networking events, career fairs, alumni networks and professional organizations related to your field of interest. Be proactive in reaching out to professionals, attending industry events and participating in internships or volunteer opportunities. Cultivate genuine relationships with peers, professors and professionals in your field, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice, guidance, or mentorship. Remember that networking is a long-term investment in your future success, so start early, stay engaged and nurture your connections throughout your academic and professional journey.”
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