Here’s a quick glimpse into Ryan’s journey to career success!
Name: Ryan Foley, Class of 2027
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Major: Business Administration, minor in Sales
Internship plans: Ryan Foley, Class of 2027, served as a Divisional Intern with Consolidated Electrical Distributors, known as CED, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He gained hands-on experience managing customer and vendor relations, including direct communication with suppliers and clients to prepare and deliver quotes. Ryan was entrusted with meaningful responsibility from day one, which required strong attention to detail and clear, professional communication.
How HPU helped you get there:
“High Point University’s culture pushes students to strive for the highest standard of professional and personal growth, and that environment shaped how I approach every opportunity. Through the relationships I built, including my fraternity brothers and my role as vice president of Campus and Community Outreach for HPU’s American Marketing Association chapter, I grew both professionally and personally. Those connections and opportunities played a direct role in helping me reach the goals I set for myself.”
How did you use the Office of Career & Professional Development?:
“The Office of Career & Professional Development has been extremely helpful with my LinkedIn and refining of my resume.”
What has your internship experience been like?:
“My internship experience put real weight on my actions and showed me that I could genuinely make a difference, whether that was reflected in results on paper or through the way I contributed to the team’s culture. That sense of ownership and impact is exactly what’s preparing me to step confidently into my future career.”
What life skills did HPU help you develop?:
“High Point University taught me how to lead with authenticity. My involvement in clubs and my fraternity has drastically shaped how I build relationships, both personally and professionally. It’s a skill I know will serve me long after graduation, whether I’m working with clients, colleagues or my own team.”
What values and virtues will you take with you?:
“A virtue High Point University helped instill in me is the confidence to simply be myself. I quickly learned that there’s only one of me on this planet, and that uniqueness is an asset, not something to downplay or hide. Staying true to what genuinely brings me joy has given me the freedom to pursue success unapologetically, on my own terms.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU:
“James Chenier, interim chair and professor of the practice, has been the most impactful mentor and resource I’ve found at High Point University. He pushes his students to discover what they’re naturally best at and encourages them to pursue it with everything they have. Beyond career guidance, he’s been a genuine source of support and life advice, the kind of mentorship that goes far beyond the classroom.”
Most impactful moment at HPU:
“The most impactful moment of my time at High Point University was joining my fraternity. It gave me access to a network and set of resources that pushed me to grow both personally and professionally in ways I hadn’t expected. That experience shaped who I am today and played a meaningful role in preparing me for life after graduation.”
Advice for underclassmen:
“My advice for underclassmen is to get involved with as many clubs and organizations as possible. Never be afraid to go out and find your people, because with billions of people on this planet, there’s only one you. Put yourself out there, and you’ll find where you truly belong.”
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