Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Sara Gheitanchi, Class of 2024
Hometown: Chantilly, Virginia
Major: Business Administration with minors in Strategic Communications and Operations & Supply Chain Management, Class of 2024; Masters of Business Administration, Class of 2025.
Post-graduation plans: Sara is currently a Program Management Office Analyst at CACI International Inc. in Sterling, Virginia. She is responsible for providing project support for multiple teams. The expectation is that she updates CACI & customer program reporting and tracking of cost, schedule, and performance parameters. Another one of Sara’s main tasks is to help facilitate coordination with cross-functional teams by executing program deliverables to ensure programs are well-resourced from within the CACI organization.
How HPU helped you get there: “High Point University has taught me so much during my undergraduate years. I was able to grow personally through the relationships and friendships that will last a lifetime. Professionally, I was able to take classes that provided me with the knowledge to become successful in my career. The networking and professionalism skills that HPU believes in have helped me immensely. I am currently pursuing my MBA through HPU. The program has allowed me to master time management and will support my goals for the future.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Bridget Holcombe, Assistant Professor of the Practice of Business Communications and Director of Career Education has been and always will be my favorite professor at HPU. Professor Holcombe encourages her students and she became my mentor right away. Her class, Business Communications and Professional Development, had the most significant impact on my career. I learned so much about the workforce and how to develop professionally once graduated. Professor Holcombe has always helped me grow and has been an amazing mentor. Thank you for everything, Professor Holcombe!”
Did any portion of your job interview process include a dining component, If so, did you feel HPU prepared you for this type of setting?: “My interview process did not include a dining component. However, since working at the organization, I have participated in various lunches and dinners. HPU prepared me for the dining component of any work outing. The professionalism and tips taught at Alo and Prime are instilled in me. Because of the fine dining experiences at HPU, I will always feel prepared for any dining component in my career.”
How you used Career & Professional Development: “The Career & Professional Development Center helped me refine my resume and gave me interview tips. I interviewed with my current company for an internship during my sophomore year. Before the interview, I had an appointment at CPD to help walk me through the steps and secure an internship. CPD is a great resource for students who need career guidance.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success?: “HPU has excellent opportunities on campus. The best life skill that I utilized almost weekly was dining at one of the fine dining restaurants. Not only was it a great way to have a good dinner with my friends, it taught me about professionalism and etiquette. During my first work dinner, I remembered all of the tips that I was taught to help me stand out. In addition to the fine dining restaurants, HPU has amazing opportunities to network. Each speaker that came to campus was available to the students to learn from and ask questions. Learning how to network effectively is a tool I use frequently in my role and has set me up for long-term success.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation?: “God, Family, Country. HPU allowed me to develop my values and be proud of the work I am doing. Supporting the U.S. Government has opened my eyes to the positive impact that my company has on the country. Being able to support the Government’s mission is done with HPU’s God, Family, and Country virtues in mind.”
Advice for underclassmen: “HPU is a University with outstanding resources and opportunities. My best advice is to visit the Career & Professional Development Center early to determine possible career paths. Take as many electives as possible to try different classes and see what you enjoy learning. Taking advantage of the mentorships and networking experiences on campus will be the best possible way to ensure success after graduation.”
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