Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Sara Lafontaine, Class of 2025
Hometown: Southington, Connecticut
Major: Interior Design
Post-graduation plans: Sara has started her career with Manganaro Building Group, LLC in Charlotte, North Carolina. She helps the estimating team by reviewing plans, doing quantity takeoffs and preparing complete bid packages. Sara works with estimators in scope review meetings, gathers labor and material pricing and learns how projects run through field visits and training. Overall, Sara’s role is to support the bid process, build estimates and assist with tasks like proposals, research and vendor coordination.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU helped me prepare by having realistic expectations within the classroom. I was learning exactly what I needed to be successful in any niche field I wanted to step into – mine being construction, I have a strong knowledge base just like my coworkers who have been doing this for some time.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “I would say Professor Brandon Jones. He took the time to really dive into the construction side of interior design and always had a plethora of knowledge to share with us. He wanted us to know our stuff, and for that I am now thankful for!“
Most impactful moment at HPU: “I was a Campus Ambassador, and I would give tours and be engaged with all our incoming students. I quickly learned my favorites to engage with were future Interior Design students. It made me realize how passionate I truly was about my major and HPU. I could go on and on about the program and how much of yourself is invested into it. Now graduated and in the “real world” I will forever be grateful for that program and how it was truly structured towards my success!“
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “Every day in the classroom, and sometimes outside, I was always learning something that would be impactful in my career. It was real-world knowledge getting taught and practiced. The environment was always surrounded by people you could look up to or even ask some advice from.”
How did the Office of Career & Professional Development contribute to your success? “I have used the Career & Professional Development office a multitude of times to check my resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profile. As well as heading to Handshake to start my search for a career or internship.”
Advice for underclassmen: “It’s OK to have a plan that you really want to stick to but just know it’s OK to steer away from it. There are endless careers and opportunities out there – don’t just stick to something because it was your major.”
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