Avery Good Interns With Wilson Warbirds

Name: Avery Good, Class of 2027

Hometown: Youngsville, North Carolina

Major: Graphic Design, minor in Strategic Communication

Internship plans: Avery is interning at the Wilson Warbirds as a Graphic Design Intern in Wilson, North Carolina. As a Graphic Design Intern, he develops social brand identity, runs social media accounts and assists in the creation of motion graphics, signage and sponsorship assets. Additionally, he promotes a fan-first atmosphere and markets to local fans. 

How HPU helped you get there: “Working within HPU’s Athletic Communications department allowed me to build a much stronger portfolio and experience, which helped me secure my internship last year and be asked back this year.“

Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU is Janis Dougherty, Instructor of Visual Arts, who is my advisor and professor for several classes. She’s just an amazing designer and teacher, and I’ve really enjoyed having her help me along the way.“

Most impactful moment at HPU: “Having my design used for a NASCAR T-shirt giveaway at a women’s basketball game was my most impactful moment at HPU. There were a lot of positive reactions and hype for the shirt. Being able to have an opportunity like that was insane and probably not even fathomable if I went anywhere else.”

What has your internship experience been like and how is it preparing you for your future? “My internship has been the greatest thing to happen to me. It’s basically a full-time job for me since I run the social accounts and create marketing elements constantly. I know that this is setting me up for success in the future. Working in minor league baseball is not for the weak; there are some 70- to 80-hour workweeks, and they can be grueling. But I know that this is what I want to do with my life, whether it be in MiLB or the MLB. Overall, I have a lot of fun with it, and I’m very proud of my work.”

How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “I feel like the most inspiring environmental aspect is the small class size. I like being able to actually know my professors and not feel like a statistic compared to a bigger state school.”

What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “I’ve really been able to develop a career-focused mindset, and many of my classes promoted group work or utilized projects that reflected what it would be like to work in the real world.”

Advice for underclassmen: “Try. Take your classes and career seriously. There’s time to have fun too, but if you don’t utilize all that HPU offers, you will miss out and not be ready for your future.”