Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Maria Haramis, Class of 2025
Hometown: Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
Major: Finance, minor in Economics
Post-graduation plans: Maria is beginning her career as a Cash Management Product Analyst with UBS Financial in Weehawken, New Jersey. In this role, Maria will support the client experience by helping manage UBS’s cash management and money movement products. She’ll work with financial advisors and different teams across the bank to make sure clients have smooth, reliable access to services like savings, checking and everyday money movement tools. Maria’s position also focuses on improving products, answering client needs and ensuring UBS stays competitive while delivering exceptional service.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU prepared me for the future by surrounding me with opportunities to learn directly from senior leaders and industry professionals. Through career panels, on-campus speakers and mentorship opportunities, I gained exposure to the mindset and experiences of people who had already achieved success in their fields. Hearing their stories, asking them questions and even networking with them gave me insight into what it really takes to stand out after graduation, combined with HPU’s hands-on academic and leadership experiences that gave me both the knowledge and confidence to step into my career already feeling connected and prepared.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU was Professor Steven Alberts, adjunct instructor under the Earl N. Phillips School of Business. I took Professor Alberts’ business communications course in my sophomore year. Immediately, I went into the class thinking that because I wasn’t scared of public speaking, the class would be easy. However, Professor Alberts truly humbled me into seeing how much work I truly needed to sound professional and confident. One of the greatest lessons he taught me was that regardless of the field you go into, even if it is not a sales job, being able to speak clearly and professionally is a universal skill that is needed. Whether it’s answering the “tell me about yourself” question in an interview, speaking with your boss, or giving a business presentation, being able to speak professionally and clearly is a necessary trait in life.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was having the opportunity to have lunch with a Morgan Stanley recruiter. Thanks to HPU, I was selected at random to have lunch with a recruiter and ask all the questions about the internship/job search process that I had been wondering about as I applied for roles. I was able to get answers from the decision-making person herself and from that, changed my entire approach to the job search process entirely. Soon after, I landed an internship back home for Topcon Healthcare and later that year, secured a role with UBS Financial. Due to HPU’s ability to give me access to these resources in the financial industry, I was able to go into the job search process with a new perspective.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “HPU’s inspiring environment has played a huge role in shaping my personal and professional success. Living and learning on a campus surrounded by luxury dorms and world-class facilities has constantly reminded me of the standard of excellence I want to uphold for myself. Being immersed in an environment where attention to detail, quality and innovation are everywhere has motivated me to maintain a certain luxury of living—not just in material terms, but in how I present myself, set goals and approach opportunities. The campus culture reinforces the idea that success is intentional, and being in such an environment has inspired me to pursue my ambitions with confidence, knowing that I can create and sustain a life of purpose, achievement and elevated standards.”
How did the Office of Career and Professional Development contribute to your success? “I used The Office of Career and Professional Development to assist me in building my resume, to conduct mock interviews and for inspiration as to what to wear for important interviews and business meetings.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “High Point University helped me develop critical life skills such as effective communication, adaptability and resilience, all of which are essential for long-term success. The university’s emphasis on experiential learning, leadership opportunities and relationship-building taught me how to collaborate with diverse teams, think critically and embrace challenges with resilience. These skills, paired with HPU’s supportive environment and focus on personal growth, have prepared me to thrive in both my professional and personal endeavors.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “High Point University’s campus has instilled in me values and virtues that extend far beyond academics. The emphasis on leadership and service has taught me the importance of integrity, responsibility and contributing to something larger than myself. Being surrounded by a culture of excellence has strengthened my work ethic, resilience and adaptability—qualities I know will serve me well both personally and professionally. The sense of community on campus also fostered empathy, collaboration and respect for others’ perspectives, which I’ll carry into every team and workplace I join.”
Advice for underclassmen: “My biggest advice to underclassmen is to take advantage of every opportunity HPU gives you because those experiences are what truly set you apart after graduation. Get involved in leadership roles, build close relationships with professors and mentors, and don’t be afraid to step into internships early—even if they feel intimidating. I’ve found that balancing strong academics with real-world experiences gave me the confidence and skills to stand out in my job search. Most importantly, carry yourself with professionalism and pride in everything you do—the way you network, present yourself and follow through makes all the difference in building the kind of career and lifestyle you want after HPU.”
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