Key Risk Hires Ella Ott

How HPU helped you get there: “HPU helped me get where I am now by providing an environment full of opportunities that I chose to actively pursue. From my freshman year, I used the resources available to develop professionally, prepare for career fairs and build genuine connections. Through that initiative, I networked with KeyRisk at my first career fair, which led to a Compliance Internship with W.R. Berkley. Internal networking in the company then opened the door to a KeyRisk Finance Internship, and continuing to grow with the company ultimately led to my Underwriting Trainee role in preparation for my full‑time underwriting career. My drive, combined with the tools I sought out at HPU, helped me build long‑lasting relationships that shaped my path forward.”

Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Professor April Cosner, Assistant Professor of Business Communications, was my most impactful mentor at HPU. Her Business Communications class that I took as a Business Fellow freshman allowed for exponential growth and pushing me out of my comfort zone. Since then, she has continued to be a consistent mentor, always willing to follow up, answer my curious questions and offer mature insight and wisdom. Her own successful career has given her a depth of experience that she’s generously shared, helping me navigate challenges and develop as a young professional. She has been a crucial part of my college journey, and I look forward to staying connected with her long after graduation.”

Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was being able to see the different organizations early on as a freshman. This allowed me to figure out what I could be interested in, understand involvements and get started early on. Through my campus involvements, I have been able to grow while gaining hands-on experience in leadership.”

Did any of your portion of your job interview process include a dining component, such as lunch or dinner with your potential employer? If so, did you feel HPU prepared you for this type of setting? “Many of my interview processes included dining components across the different internships I’ve had over the past three years. Through the Professional Selling Program and my role as Vice President, our Executive Council partnered with corporate sponsors to host networking lunches in 1924 Prime on campus. Being in that environment gave us the chance to practice fine‑dining etiquette while also networking with employers who were actively hiring. Those experiences made formal dining scenarios feel natural, and I was able to use everything I practiced in the fine‑dining learning labs when it came time for professional meals with executives.”

What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “HPU helped me develop my life skills by putting me in environments that pushed me to grow every day. Through the professional development culture on campus and the emphasis on experiential learning, I learned how to use a growth mindset, collaborate in any situation and stay adaptable. I also learned not to take any opportunity for granted, knowing that one conversation or connection can lead to extraordinary outcomes.”

What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “The values of hard work and determination are two things I’ll take with me after graduation. HPU’s environment is built around opportunity, and being surrounded by countless resources pushed me to grow and professionally develop in ways I chose to pursue. The perseverance modeled across campus by students, faculty and the culture itself allows me to stay resilient and adaptable in any situation, especially when change is necessary.”

Advice for underclassmen: “Take every opportunity to learn and do it with a positive attitude. You never know where it may take you or what opportunities there are if you shut things down because initially they may not seem right.”