Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Reanna Rosenthal, Class of 2025
Hometown: Syosset, New York
Major: Journalism
Post-graduation plans: Reanna will begin her career as the Morning Anchor/Producer of WVVA News in Bluefield, West Virginia. She will deliver the news on air and produce her own shows. You can watch Reanna live at 5:00 AM, Monday through Friday!
How HPU helped you get there: “My wonderful professors at the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication have taught me to search for news stories outside of HPU’s gates, get to know my community, and improve upon my journalistic skills through hands-on learning. As a journalism student at HPU, I have been trained in every aspect of the news. We are taught to report, write, film, edit and so much more, which has greatly prepared me for my future in broadcast journalism.”
How you used the Office of Career & Professional Development: “I made an appointment with the CPD office to touch up my resume and get it professionally formatted. I believe my updated resume was certainly a factor in landing my first post-grad job!”
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 job interview process included a lunch with my potential employer (and now, my employer), which went quite well! HPU’s fine dining opportunities on campus, such as Prime and Alo, have reinforced the importance of being a respectful and polite guest. One thing Prime has taught me in particular is to avoid making modifications to menu items, and keep your order simple.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU is Dr. Bobby Hayes, Chair and Professor of the Practice of Journalism. When I first became a journalism major, Dr. Hayes was my advisor. Whenever I’d stress about my credits, or if a class I needed was getting full, Dr. Hayes was optimistic and helped me stay on track. Later on, I found out that Dr. Hayes would also be my professor. Although the coursework was tough at times, Dr. Hayes created a positive, constructive environment where students could improve their skills as copy editors and have fun in the process. In Dr. Hayes’ Feature Writing class, I wrote the most personal, most difficult story I’ve ever written about one of my family members. When it came time for Dr. Hayes to read my story, he told me just how powerful he thought it was and that I should get it published. During final exam week, I presented my story in front of the class and noticed Dr. Hayes was getting teary-eyed. When final presentations concluded, I went over to Dr. Hayes and apologized, telling him I felt bad for making him cry. He said, “Don’t feel bad. It was a beautiful piece. I’m proud of you.” I didn’t think that my writing could leave such an impact, but I was happy to hear that it did. When I began my job search, I got an email from Dr. Hayes. He said he was looking for journalism students who’d be interested in interviewing with potential employers, and that he thought of me. I immediately signed up and thanked him for thinking of me. Although I didn’t land a job with either of the interviewers, I was very grateful for the experience, which I would not have gotten without Dr. Hayes. I have chosen to share all of these memories with you because I want future journalism students to know that Dr. Hayes wants to see you succeed. He is the most supportive professor I’ve ever met, and I hope to continue making him proud in my future endeavors.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was joining the on-campus broadcast club, HPU Vision. Over the years, I’ve rotated through different roles on-camera and grown to appreciate every aspect of the newsroom. Being a part of All-Access, our news show within HPU Vision, has led me to strive for a career in broadcast journalism. I love the environment in the studio, the stories we tell, and the fact that I am surrounded by motivated, enthusiastic people who want our shows to succeed as much as I do.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Apply to as many jobs in your field as possible. You never know where you may find yourself after graduation, and you should not overlook any potential opportunities that come your way!”
Are you an HPU graduate with an exciting job or graduate school offer?
Share your news with us for a chance to be featured!