Here’s a quick glimpse into Jackson’s journey to career success!
Name: Jackson Whitlock, Class of 2026
Hometown: Thomasville, North Carolina
Major: Sales
Post-graduation plans: Jackson has launched his career as a sales consultant at Piedmont Decks and Outdoor Living, a deck and outdoor living company in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Jackson sells luxury outdoor spaces and guides customers through the company’s design process, which includes an initial consultation, collaborating on 3D designs and showroom appointments to find the best solution for each customer.
How HPU helped you get there:
“Being a sales major, the frequent presentations and sales role plays really helped me become comfortable pitching and asking people for their business.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU:
“Andrew Tzavaras, interim chair and assistant professor of history, interviewed me before my freshman year for the Presidential Scholars Program, and I took two classes that he taught. His teaching style made it very fun to learn the content, but he also showed me how much better a career is when you are passionate about what you do.”
How did you use the Office of Career & Professional Development?:
“I used the Office of Career & Professional Development for resume building and LinkedIn.”
What values and virtues will you take with you?:
“I put God first in all things I do, and I value my family and where I am from.”
Most impactful moment at HPU:
“While I was touring, I had planned to be a Criminal Justice major to pursue a life in law enforcement. During an open house I went to a seminar hosted by Larry Quinn, professor of the practice of sales, and it was that lecture that motivated me to shift my career path.”
Advice for underclassmen:
“Find something you enjoy and chase it. Don’t worry about having too much on your plate because nothing worth having comes easy.”
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