Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Mitchell Blanda, Class of 2026
Hometown: Santa Clara, California
Major: Finance and Sales
Post-graduation plans: Mitchell has accepted a position as a Client Service Associate with Mariner Wealth Advisors in Danville, California. In this role, he will assist advisors in building customized client portfolios utilizing private credit, private equity, private real estate and traditional equities to meet client needs. Mitchell will also work to assist advisors in meeting clients’ individual needs for wealth planning as well as onboarding new clients.
How HPU helped you get there:
“The Honors College at HPU funded the fees for a research paper I authored, which was published in the Journal of International Finance and Economics, with myself as first author in the June 2025 edition. This paper distinguished me as a knowledgeable candidate with the skills needed to work in asset and wealth management with the ability to show deep understanding of analysis of a sector’s financials. Additionally, through HPU I will have the opportunity to take the CFA Level 1 exam through HPU’s scholarship program. This has distinguished me even further as a candidate serious about finance with a deep quantitative knowledge.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU:
“Dr. Nathan Hedman, director of the Honors Scholar Program, and Dr. Philip Slater, adjunct instructor of accounting, have been my most impactful mentors at HPU because without both of them I never would have been able to publish my paper, and if it wasn’t for them I would not be considering graduate school and applying for a Fulbright. Dr. Slater mentored me through the research process and Dr. Hedman of the Honors Scholars encouraged me throughout the process and funded it.”
Most impactful moment at HPU:
“The most impactful moment at HPU for me was my publication in the Journal of International Finance and Economics, which wouldn’t have been possible without Dr. Slater who mentored me through the research process and Dr. Hedman of the Honors Scholars who funded my research. This set me on the path I currently am on and has opened so many doors for me in my future career.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success?
“The biggest thing with HPU’s inspiring environment is that I felt comfortable in all environments and comfortable talking to anyone. Having speakers come in like Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak, who you get to interact with, has helped build confidence in speaking to people no matter their status or money, which I feel has contributed to my success in asset and wealth management.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success?
“Through HPU’s on-campus learning labs such as 1924 Prime, Kazoku and Alo, I have been well prepared to feel comfortable having any type of conversation with clients in any formal setting. This has already benefitted me in my internship with Mariner Wealth Advisors, where I attended a formal event with clients and felt comfortable talking with all the clients in this formal setting.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation?
“At HPU, the value of respect and etiquette is something I will take with me after graduation. Through proper etiquette and showing respect to everyone, you build respect for yourself. This builds trust with clients and makes people comfortable in working with you and having you handle their wealth, which is one of the most important aspects of a person’s life.”
Did HPU’s dining experiences help prepare you for professional settings?
“Throughout my internship, which led to my full-time offer, we had a formal event at a winery where I spoke with many clients. Additionally, we had multiple business lunches, and I felt 1924 Prime prepared me well for both of these formal events.”
How did you use the Office of Career & Professional Development?
“My freshman year, the Office of Career & Professional Development helped me build my initial resume and LinkedIn. Sophomore year, Career & Professional Development assisted me in how to search for internships via LinkedIn and Handshake.”
Advice for underclassmen:
“The best piece of advice I can offer underclassmen is that the biggest impact is getting to know a professor who really knows you, who can mentor you and help you get to your dream career. The other piece of advice I would offer would be to take every opportunity you are offered, whether it be scholarships, research or conferences — try to do it all.”
Are you an HPU graduate with exciting news to share?
Share your news with us for a chance to be featured!