HPU graduates are leading 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 at one extraordinary member of the Class of 2023:
Name: Josh Noel
Hometown: Jamestown, North Carolina
Major: Sports media with minors in data analytics and statistics and sales
Post-graduation plans: Noel will join the Key Risk team in High Point, North Carolina, as an underwriting trainee. He’ll be learning the essentials of workers’ compensation insurance and making data-driven decisions to deliver innovative, responsive solutions to support clients and other departments.
How HPU helped you get there:
“Meeting with professors like Larry Quinn, chair of the department of marketing and sales, career advisors like Brandon Floyd, assistant director of career and professional development, and interacting with in-residence faculty like Willie Jolley, HPU’s Personal Development Expert in Residence, helped me look internally and decide on the lifestyle I wanted to pursue. I utilized the resume bar in the Office of Career and Professional Development to tailor my experience to fit the particular job I was applying for. Additionally, I made appointments with Megan Parker, director of corporate relations, and others to share my long-term vision and ask about the practical steps I could take to get there. I found this opportunity with Key Risk as the perfect way to combine my communication, analytical and interpersonal skills.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU:
“I’m fortunate enough to say that my most impactful mentor at HPU is my mom, Gwenn Noel, vice president of student life. She raised me to advocate for myself, be accountable for my actions and take chances. She exudes faithful courage every day, and it inspires me to live the best life I can for myself. In my family, we say ‘What if here goes nothing is the start of everything?’ I attribute this mantra to some of the best choices I have made over these past four years.”
Most impactful moment at HPU:
“My most impactful moment at HPU was when I declared my minor in sales in the fall of my junior year. I was always intrigued by the concept of mutually beneficial deals and negotiations, but my first real exposure was during the inaugural Randy R. Moser Memorial Speed Selling Competition. During the event, students recite their two-minute drills, where they introduce themselves, share their strengths and describe what they are looking for in a future opportunity. Although I hadn’t quite yet entered into the world of professional selling, I felt confident in my public speaking abilities and decided to participate. I spent time before the event preparing my speech and delivery. I ended up winning first place in the competition, and I felt that all my work thus far had truly come full circle. That competition gave me the confidence to pursue new avenues in my professional journey, and that led me to where I am today with Key Risk.”
Advice for underclassmen:
“Always be on the lookout for ways to complement your major with minors or involvement in clubs. It will widen your network for potential jobs and make you a more adaptable young professional. Your skillset is truly what matters for real-world opportunities.”
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