Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Jacob Drew, Class of 2025
Hometown: High Point, North Carolina
Major: Media Production and Entrepreneurship; double minor in Legal Studies and Game Design
Internship plans: Jacob interned at SNY sports network this summer in New York as their Tech Ops Intern. He worked in the studio covering all things New York sports, including the Mets, Jets, Knicks, Yankees and more. Additionally, Jacob also covered the Cricket World Cup as it was held in New York.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU helped me grow. I was a quiet kid who was very passionate about TV. HPU pushed me to be extraordinary. I have climbed mountains and still have a year left.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Joe Michaels, professor of the practice of media production and former director of the TODAY Show. He has been there every step of my journey, at my highs and my lows. I have visited once a week for the longest time to talk about cameras, studios and shows. He has so much knowledge and so many lessons to share. Mr. Brian Heagney, assistant professor of game design, is someone who gave me a chance. When I was a freshman, he invited me to do summer research, which allowed me to explore my field in a new way by being on the front lines of discovery. I study media, and I never thought I would be doing research over the summer, but somehow we ran into each other and spent two summers working on virtual production.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “Being the president of HPU Vision has been most impactful because it allowed me to surround myself with others who were just as excited as I was when we had a crazy idea and tried to do something new.”
What has your internship experience been like and how has it prepared you for your future? “My experience was awesome, and it is preparing me for the future by allowing me to work in the #1 TV market before I have even graduated.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “It’s the little details and little things. People often come to campus in shock at the big, flashy things, but students and staff notice the small things because those small things make the difference: music on the promenade, everything being clean, people being kind and snacks at the kiosks in the morning.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “Leadership. I never really saw myself as a leader, but that quickly changed because everyone was cheering for each other and pushing people to lead something.”
Advice for underclassmen: “When I came to HPU, I didn’t know how to use a camera. Now, just three years later, I have worked in NYC on two shows nominated for Emmys, and I worked in the World Trade Center. My advice is to just keep working.”
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