-Take assessments to identify optimal education and career pathways that fit you.
-Explore different career pathways that make the most sense for your unique interests and values.
-Prepare for your future by learning about your gifts and the type of environment you need to succeed.
Schedule an appointment to explore your major today! Select “PathwayU” as your appointment type.
Research different industries and professions in order to vault your career! You must register for an account to access the website.
The O*NET database contains hundreds of standardized and occupation-specific descriptors on almost 1,000 occupations covering the entire U.S. economy.
The OOH can help you find career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations.
Find fulfilling career possibilities based on what matters to you. Explore content and resources to help you answer the question, “What should I do with my life?”
Our very own library has excellent resources on exploring and researching careers and companies.
Explore careers, find training, and view additional resources.
Find graduate degree programs from thousands of accredited graduate schools.
When you find a major that seems great, you will want to also understand what you do with that degree once you graduate. HPU’s Career Advisors and their career development website will help you understand how your major translates to real-world career paths.
- Accounting
- Actuarial Science
- Advertising, Public Relations, and Strategic Communication: Advertising Focus
- Advertising, Public Relations, and Strategic Communication: Public Relations Focus
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Business Analytics & Economics
- Chemistry
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Cybersecurity
- Dance
- Data Analytics and Statistics
- Data Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Elementary Education
- English
- Entrepreneurship
- Event Management
- Exercise Science
- Fashion Merchandising
- Finance
- French and Francophone Studies
- Game Design
- General Engineering
- Graphic Design
- Health and Physical Education
- Health and Wellness
- History
- Hospitality Management
- Interior Design
- International Business
- International Relations
- Journalism
- Marketing
- Mathematical Economics
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Media Production
- Middle Grades Education
- Music
- Neuroscience
- Nursing
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Religion
- Sales
- Social Media and Digital Communication
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Spanish
- Special Education
- Sport Management
- Sports Media
- Studio Art
- Theater
Explain to the reader your name, your major, and where you go to school. Share your career and industry interests. Tell the contact why you are asking them (as opposed to someone else) for their advice. Mention their expertise, company knowledge, or who referred you to speak with them. Ask the contact if he or she would be able to meet with you briefly to discuss their career path. Share days and times that you might be available to meet either in person or speak over the phone. Thank the contact for reading this email.
Sincerely, Your Name
If you are interested in continuing your education at High Point University, we offer many graduate programs in fields including the health professions, business, communication, and education. Be sure to check out more information on our Graduate Admissions page.
Because graduate school entails a commitment of time, money, and effort, it is important that you weigh the decision carefully and clarify your professional goals and your preparation level. If you are interested in pursuing an advanced degree, speaking with a career advisor, faculty members, pre-professional program advisors, and graduate program alumni can help with your decision.
You have the option of attending graduate school directly after graduation or after taking time off to achieve other goals. Many programs offer full-time, part-time, or distance options as well as financial assistance including fellowships, assistantships, and tuition waivers. It is important to research schools, programs, and financial aid opportunities.
Evaluating Graduate School
As you consider graduate school, ask yourself the following questions to ensure you have thought through your post-graduation plans:
- What are my short-term and long-term goals? Where does graduate study fit into these goals?
- What will this graduate degree do for me that my undergraduate degree will not?
- What are my interests, skills, and strengths? How can I prepare myself for the educational commitment?
- How will I pay for graduate school? What financial obligations do I have?
- Is this the right time to pursue graduate study or would another time be better?
- What is my reason for pursuing graduate study?
Faculty, alumni, and pre-professional program advisors are other people that can help you decide. You can ask them:
- What is your career background? Where did you obtain your degree(s)? Why did you choose that discipline and program?
- What was your experience like in graduate school?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking time off to work or travel before pursing an advanced degree? If I take time off, what experiences might I pursue to show my interest in the field?
- What career options are available after obtaining this degree?
- Who else should I contact for information or advice?
You can find helpful information on any of these sites:
If you decide that graduate school is necessary to further your career path, use our Graduate School Timeline to help you complete steps in the application process. Remember to start preparing for graduate school early in your undergraduate career. At a minimum, you should begin gathering materials for your application one year before you plan to attend graduate school.
When completing the application process, schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor to create a timeline, review your resume/C.V., and edit your personal statement.
Entrance Exams
Depending on the program, graduate schools require specific entrance exams. The following are the most common required exams:
GRE
MCAT
LSAT
GMAT
You can prepare by buying test preparation books and/or flashcards, signing up for a classroom course, and/or completing one-on-one tutoring. Kaplan and Princeton Review are test preparation resources that can assist you in any of these ways. In addition, the company that publishes each test creates preparation materials.
The University has access to Learning Express, a college and graduate entrance test study platform. This resource includes access to hundreds of timed practice tests that students can use to prep for entrance exams. The user also has access to practice guides which discuss methods to succeed when taking these tests. Students are encouraged to make an account while on campus so that they can use the timed tests and track their progress.
HPU Libraries’ book collection also includes access to materials on test taking prep. Use the catalog link to search for the name of the test.
Regardless of which resource you use to prepare, it is advisable to take several practice tests to simulate test day.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is an important facet of the application and an opportunity to present yourself to the admissions committee. Articulate your professional goals, your interest in the specific school’s program, and your work, volunteer, and educational experiences that led you to pursue an advanced degree in the field. Contact a career advisor to review your personal statement. Faculty are another resource that can assist you with revisions. You also may wish to share your personal statement with the people who write your letters of recommendation, so they are aware of your reasons for obtaining an advanced degree.
For assistance brainstorming and writing your personal statement, view our guide on Graduate School above.
Additional resources for writing your personal statement:
Purdue Owl
Peterson’s
Letter of Recommendation
Before requesting letters of recommendation, select 3-5 people who know you well enough to write a strong recommendation. Faculty, club advisors, volunteer supervisors, work/intern supervisors, and student affairs staff are some people who could serve as references. Once you decide on 3-5 people, ask the references in person if they could provide you with a strong recommendation letter. If they oblige follow-up with an email that gives an overview of your conversation. Also, provide your references with the following materials:
- Copy of your resume/C.V.
- List of programs to which you are applying
- Instructions about submitting recommendation letters online or by mail. If submitted by mail, provide a stamped, addressed envelope.
- When you need the letters submitted
