With Commencement just around the corner, High Point University seniors are preparing to commence prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier law, medical and graduate school programs, and many other esteemed organizations thanks to their journey at HPU. Here’s a glimpse of one extraordinary senior from the Class of 2016:
Name: Matthew Gahrmann
Hometown: Hillsborough, New Jersey
Major: Gahrmann will graduate with a B.S.B.A. in Business Administration and a B.A. in Strategic Communication on May 7.
Post-graduation plans: Gahrmann accepted a position as a Commercial Real Estate Analyst and Project Manager at Winning Link Property Resources (WLPR) in High Point. In his position, Gahrmann will analyze commercial properties as potential investments, development or redevelopment opportunities, foresee the project through the purchasing stages, and continue to manage of the property. Gahrmann previously completed an internship at WLPR last semester, and continues to intern for the company this semester.
How HPU helped you get there: “The environment that High Point University hosts is one that you don’t notice until you reflect on how you have grown and changed as an individual. As a freshman, I quickly adapted due to all the support from professors who want to see their students succeed. Now as I senior, I realize that without the environment that pushes one to be extraordinary, I likely wouldn’t have accomplished all that I have in the four short years that I had at HPU.
As a sophomore, I utilized the Career & Professional Development office to craft a resume, cover letter, and perfect my LinkedIn profile. As I approached my junior year summer, the staff helped me in securing a management training internship with the Target corporation, even with that position being in New Jersey. As I completed that internship I became interested in real estate and Eric at Career & Professional Development helped me through the process of finalizing the internship for school credit. Now as I approach graduation, the office has helped me prepare for my full time post-graduation offer.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU has certainly been Larry Quinn. As a freshman I quickly had big ambitions and recognized the importance of having the skill of selling. Whether it is an idea, product or service, we are all salespeople as seniors since we are selling our personal attributes and skills in order to secure a desired career. His dedication to the craft and willingness to dedicate time out of class to help others learn and grow inspired me to replicate his work ethic in my life. With his mentorship and guidance, I was a finalist and placed second in the Adobe Connect Sales Call at the Adobe Selling Decathlon competition at Northern Illinois University last year. I would also like to thank Dr. Wehrley for introducing me to the president of WLPR. Without his introduction I may have never discovered the depth of interest that I have in the field.“
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment has come recently as I reflected on how hard work and dedication has paid off. I was disappointed my first year when there wasn’t a ski club at HPU. However that year I began one myself. Sophomore year, I organized trips and created a club constitution for club chartering. As graduation approached and I took on other on-campus roles such as being an Ambassador, I transitioned away from the Ski and Snowboard club. However, the strong foundation I built was able to be finalized as I helped in the final charting process and the club is now an officially charted club with many of the original documents that I formed freshman year.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Don’t be afraid to work hard and stand out. Get involved as soon as you can, and explore different areas. Don’t get discouraged and never submit work that you aren’t proud of. People will notice your work ethic and actions speak louder than words. Don’t be intimidated to set your goals high, and if you get halfway there, you’re doing well.”