With another successful commencement behind us, recent High Point University graduates 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: Jasmine Williams
Hometown: Montgomery Village, Maryland
Major: Williams graduated with a B.A. in Communication, with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in Psychology, on May 7.
Post-graduation plans: Williams accepted a position as a Corporate Communications Coordinator at TEGNA Inc., a Fortune 500 company in McLean, Virginia. In her position, Williams will support internal and external communications by writing/editing press releases and monitoring the company’s social media content. While she was a student, Williams previously completed internships at TEGNA and Gannett Co. Inc.
How HPU helped you get there: “Many of my professors in the School of Communication stressed the importance of getting internships and networking. I had back-to-back internships with the company and not only did I gain real life experience, but I made incredible connections. When an entry-level position opened, my colleagues immediately recommended me for it; maintaining those crucial business relationships ended up being what got me the job.
I met with Doug Hall in Career and Professional Development during the second semester of senior year to help me work on my resume in order to make myself stand out more on job applications. I wish that I had met with him sooner!“
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Dr. Bobby Hayes has truly been one of my biggest supporters at HPU. I was worried about not having a job yet and he always told me, ‘Hang in there, be patient, and the right job will come along.’ He was one of the first people I told when I received an offer from TEGNA.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “One of my proudest memories at HPU was being named an Extraordinary Leader. In that moment, I realized that all of my hard work over the past four years hadn’t gone unnoticed. I am beyond grateful to attend a school that so proudly acknowledges its students for their accomplishments.“
Advice for underclassmen: “Don’t do anything halfway. Everything that you do, fully dedicate yourself to – do it to the best of your ability. You’ll quickly find that just when you think you’ve reached your full potential, you surprise yourself.”