Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Megan Lipari, Class of 2026
Hometown: New Milford, Connecticut
Major: Event Management
Post-graduation plans: Megan will be launching her career as an Account Associate at Global Experience Specialist (GES) in Chicago, Illinois. In this role, she will be moving through departments learning the functions of the company in selling GES services to help put on trade shows/conventions. Megan will enter a unique driven training program at the start of her position, learning each department before being assigned to a trade show to work on.
How HPU helped you get there: “I was offered an internship by an alumna from our program here who introduced me to the company as well as attended a convention with other students in the event management program where I was connected with GES and recruited. This is all thanks to Dr. Jessica Wiitala, assistant professor and director of HPU’s Event Management and Entrepreneurship Fellows, and Dr. Briana Clark, chair of HPU’s Department of Event and Hospitality Management and certified festival and event executive (CFEE). HPU also aided me in the process of expanding my networking and forming leadership skills that made me confident enough to have conversations that led me to this position.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “I would have to list both Dr. Wiitala and Dr. Clark. They both directly led me to individuals and opportunities external from High Point that led me to my career. They also prepared me for the work I’ll be doing post-grad through coursework, conversations and projects.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “Joining the honors dorm, Finch. This was my first impression of HPU, and I was a freshman attending college for what was my first time. The community, the people and just the feeling of excitement and anticipation is something I miss to this day and what I see incoming classes experience. I think it truly began the pathway to transforming myself into the best version of myself.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “It’s hard not to be inspired walking around campus. The energy, the staff, the music playing as you walk on the sidewalk. My program especially couldn’t be more willing to help me and my peers be successful. They are the reason I have a job.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “Communication, empathy and independence.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “Intentionality and gratitude. Looking back, I have grown so much since I was in high school. I’m so gracious for everything I went through that made me who I am today and HPU only furthered that. They served as a great mentor to instill these qualities in me that I’ll take to post grad.”
Did any portion of your job interview contain a dining component? If so, how did HPU prepare you? “It did not, but during my internship and the convention I attended, there were multiple occasions where we’d be networking and eating. I think HPU prepared me in the sense that I was intentional about the placement of everything around me and my mannerisms.”
Did the Office of Career & Professional Development contribute to your success? “Yes, I have visited several times for help with my resume.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Use your resources! Go to the Office of Career & Professional Development and meet with your professors and classmates. Join clubs and just get involved. I think my support network played a huge role in my success today as well as my well-being. The people that surround me make me so happy and I am going to miss them so much.”
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