Personal Initiative
In a national survey, High Point University asked this question to 500 C-Suite executives: When it comes to work ethic in new college graduates, which of these statements best aligns with your beliefs? 71% of those executives answered, “My generation has a stronger work ethic than new college graduates.”
This stereotypical view that employers have of today’s college graduates is one of the many reasons High Point University fosters personal initiative in students. Strong character isn’t just important when it comes to giving back through service, but also when it comes to launching one’s career.
Throughout the survey, these executives indicated that life skills, such as motivation, emotional intelligence and the ability to solve problems, were more important to their organizations than technical skills, such as training on a specific software or subject. And employers notice the distinct differentiation in HPU graduates who embrace excellence.
This stereotypical view that employers have of today’s college graduates is one of the many reasons High Point University fosters personal initiative in students. Strong character isn’t just important when it comes to giving back through service, but also when it comes to launching one’s career.
Throughout the survey, these executives indicated that life skills, such as motivation, emotional intelligence and the ability to solve problems, were more important to their organizations than technical skills, such as training on a specific software or subject. And employers notice the distinct differentiation in HPU graduates who embrace excellence.
Personal Initiative EMPOWERS GRADUATES
President's Seminar on Life Skills
At HPU, the foundation begins early for life skills—the ability to communicate with different people, present ideas clearly, work in a team, be coachable, be adaptable, have a growth mindset, problem-solve and persevere.
The President’s Life Skills Seminar for all freshmen is led by Dr. Nido Qubein, HPU’s president, entrepreneur and consultant to CEOs. The seminar focuses on topics such as fiscal literacy, persuasive speaking, relational capital and how to embrace change. Qubein also discusses the “rule of thirds”: investing one-third of life in earning, one-third in learning and one-third in serving.
If students can gain the level of life skills in college that would otherwise take years of experience to amass in the real world, Qubein knows they will stand out.
99% Employed or Continuing Education within Six Months of Graduation
When HPU students graduate, they head into the marketplace prepared to seek out opportunity, overcome adversity and embark on a journey of continual professional growth.
HPU’s employment and continuing education rate is proof of this. Within six months of earning their HPU degree, 99% of graduates have launched their careers or are continuing their professional education through avenues such as law school, medical school, Ph.D. programs and more.
HPU’s outcomes rate is fueled by the university’s educational model. When students study on HPU’s transformational campus for four years, they graduate instilled with the values of personal initiative, an entrepreneurial mindset and an appreciation for free enterprise — the same values their families worked to instill in them.
HPU's Pop Up Wall Inspires Students
Next to the Slane Student Center entrance, HPU’s Pop-Up Wall features different pieces of inspirational art throughout the year designed to inspire and motivate students.
From a vibrant butterfly encouraging students to embrace transformation, to a Mentorship Matters mural that encourages students to thank their HPU mentor, these energetic installations reflect the university’s values. Follow #HPUPopUp on social media to discover how students appreciate the moment to pause, reflect and interact.
