Advertising, Public Relations, and Strategic Communication prepares graduates for a rewarding career as a corporate communicator, account executive at a public relations or advertising agency, a social media manager, a media buyer, or a public information officer. Students in the advertising, public relations and strategic communication program have also gone on to graduate school at places like Boston University, University of Georgia, and and University of Maryland.
High Point alumni are working in advertising and public relations agencies, radio and television stations and are producing corporate and theatrical media throughout the nation. A number of our graduates have gone on to earn Ph.D.’s in communication and other fields, while others have chosen to attend graduate and law school at some of the finest institutions in the country including:
- The Annenberg School at the University of Southern California
- Boston University
- Clemson University
- Georgetown University
- High Point University (M.A. in Strategic Communication)
- Purdue University
- The University of Florida
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- The University of Georgia
Featured Graduate & Student Outcomes:
Amy Butsch née Sladek, ’17 Walt Disney World Theme Parks & Products Marketing Associate
Job Description: Build, develop, and execute integrated communication plans and marketing campaigns, across the 4 theme parks, focusing on new attractions and entertainment experiences by influencing the consumer mindset and behavior in order to drive annual revenue and attendance goals.
“HPU gave me opportunities both in and outside the classroom. The communication faculty, Phil Watson, Bobby Hayes, Dean Smith, John Mims, Vern Biaett and Shannon Campbell never stopped cheering me on and helping me succeed in their office hours and in the classroom. They prepared me both as a student, but also as a young adult. They truly took an interest in my life, and the relationships I have with them mean so much to me because I know I could call them to ask for advice anytime.”
Kenna Winter, ’17 – Management Trainee at Uprooted Consulting
“HPU has helped me get to where I am now in various ways. I have had many hands-on projects and clients through my classes. I have applied what I have learned in my classes through different internships. My teachers have taught me the basics and technicalities that will help me with my future career.”
Andrew Greene, ’17 – Sales Professional at Tom James in Washington, D.C.
“High Point University has helped me get to where I am now because of the fantastic professors. The professors really believe in each and every student, and they help them reach their full potential. It’s nice having small classes where each professor knows your name and cares about how you do in class.”
Charlie Kissel, ’17 – Sales Trainee at Quoizel
“The PSB Sales Club has given me every opportunity to network and get my name out there to big time companies. It wasn’t until I joined the Sales Club that I was sure I wanted to turn my interest for sales into a career. Professor Larry Quinn is one of the most motivational characters I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and it is because of him that I now feel confident in myself and my abilities to be highly successful in sales. I couldn’t imagine a better environment or group of people to learn the highest level of professional sales tactics than the sales club and classes here at HPU.”
Diamond Johnson, ’17 – CEO and Producer at K.O. Productions Media, her own film and multimedia production company in Charlotte, North Carolina
“With HPU’s immersive platform in the Communication Department, I was able to get hands-on experience behind professional broadcast cameras and directing. These experiences helped me implement in-class exercises outside of class. Now, my production company, thanks to High Point University, has been able to develop five new clients and produce 10+ production requests ranging from commercials to music production.”
Emily Krol, ’17 – Lenovo as an Accelerated Sales Rotational in Morrisville, North Carolina
“HPU taught me the importance of transferable skills and greatly prepared me for the professional world. By the time I began interviewing for jobs, I had already attended multiple professional career fairs, performed in front of thousands of people, and become accustomed to High Point’s gorgeous state-of-the-art campus. After studying video game design and vocal performance, one might think that my career options are limited; however, High Point University taught me the significance of transferable skills and I was able to land an incredible job at the headquarters of the biggest PC company in the world. I was able to hold many leadership positions at HPU and discover my true potential as a student, a leader, and as a professional.”
Jenna Irvin, ’17 – Pure Barre franchise owner in the State College, Pennsylvania market
“HPU has helped me immensely. I was lucky to have had some of the most amazing professors, mentors, and success coaches and all of them have played a critical role in me being able to accomplish this dream. Every faculty member at HPU, that I have had the pleasure of meeting, have went above and beyond to support, encourage, and believe in me. When you have that kind of support, it makes the step towards your dreams feel a lot less scary.”
Jennifer Pascale, Journalism ’16 – Content Generation Specialist and Project Manager at Shift Now Inc.
“My most impactful mentor has been Joe Michaels. He is the former director for NBC Today in New York. I was one of the directors and an anchor for HPU News, which Joe oversees. He was always there to encourage me and help me along the way.”
Anthony Vita, Strategic Communication ’16 – Assistant Account Executive at ASTRSK PR
“HPU does a fantastic job instilling the idea that to make it in this world, you need to truly seize every moment that is thrown your way. I think people take for the granted the free time they have in college and let so many opportunities pass them by when, in fact, we have this incredible window of time in our lives to explore, get lost, question everything and really discover our truest passions.”
Graham Billings, Electronic Media Production ’16 – Social Media Intern at DraftKings
“HPU helped me achieve my goals by helping me find a passion for digital marketing. The communication professors at this university are world class. I couldn’t have been more blessed than with the opportunity to spend four years at HPU.”
Sierra Middlebrooks, Electronic Media ’16 – Programming intern at Awesomeness TV in Los Angeles, California
“HPU offers a great amount of opportunity to get involved and the tools you need in order to be successful. There was always something to be involved in – some sort of activity or event that would allow me to practice my skills in a way that allowed me to grow both as a person and as a professional.”
Tyler Lee, Strategic Communication ’16 – Junior Marketing Designer at Yext, a global digital location management leader in New York City
“High Point University helped me gain the skills and confidence to really go after whatever I set my mind to. I’ve grown so much and learned so many things, not just from my classes and teachers, but from organizations that I joined, speakers who came to campus and by living in an environment where you’re inspired to dream big. Career and Professional Development also helped me get my LinkedIn profile ready for my job search and prepared me for what to expect in my interviews.”
Carly Delengowski, Electronic Media ’16 – Multimedia Journalist for the CW 22 in Raleigh, North Carolina
“HPU really helped me prepare for post-graduation life. I worked closely with many professors in the School of Communication who gave me great knowledge and practice to succeed in the media industry. You could always find me in the ‘mock’ newsroom on the first floor of the School of Communication and now I’m in a real one.”
Nicole Forman, ’16 – Communications Coordinator for the Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District in Upton, Massachusetts
“HPU helped me to get where I am now by giving me both theoretical and practical experience. I love that I have an all-encompassing understanding of the way communications works, and can also communicate effectively through writing and speech.”
Marissa Pierre, Strategic Communication ’15 – Communications Manager at RLF Communications
“HPU helped me by providing me with unlimited opportunities and resources, both in and outside of the classroom. I always felt surrounded by HPU’s ‘inspiring environment’ and was continuously motivated to succeed. Because I was in close proximity to reputable advertising agencies in Winston-Salem and Greensboro, I was able to acquire four internships during my time at HPU and gained valuable industry experience. I interned at Mullen, the Triad’s largest agency, and received credit toward my major through HPU’s Career and Internships Services.”
John Pattillo, Electronic Media ’15 – Stage Manager for ESPNU
“HPU helped me understand that by hard work and dedication, I will be able to achieve my goals and pursue my passions. HPU also provided a state-of-the-art broadcast studio where I had superior experiences that easily transform into my workplace at ESPNU studios.”
Krista Willard, Journalism ’15 – Associate Content Producer for CBS Interactive
“HPU has encouraged me to learn to work outside of my comfort zone during my time as a student-journalist and as a member of the cross country and track teams.”
Brenna Austin, Strategic Communication ’16 – Public Relations and Events Intern at Entertainment Fusion Group in Los Angeles
“Every professor and staff member at HPU has helped me with my internship,” she says. “Starting with my freshman year, I was always encouraged to keep striving and continue working hard, and the courses I’ve taken in my major have definitely helped me with my written and oral communication skills.”
Ed Harlin
, Electronic Media ’14 – Camera Operator for the Atlanta Braves
“The most impactful moment for me at HPU was my time working with Mr. Goodman and the senior production classes as a Director of Photography/Steadicam operator. It gave me on-set experience with equipment that is used in the professional world today. For example, when I got to the Atlanta Braves, I noticed they use the exact same lighting kits we have access to at school. Being able to use and operate professional-level equipment has given me the confidence to be able to step up and say ‘yes I can do that’ because it’s something I’ve already done.”
Click here to read more student success stories from the Communication Majors at High Point University
