Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Reece Harnett
Hometown: Tega Cay, South Carolina
Major: Journalism
Post-graduation plans: Harnett will be joining WCNC Charlotte as part of their producer-in-residence program. This is the largest producer development program in the industry and is designed to develop the next generation of broadcast and digital producers. Upon completing the program, Harnett will be a full-time producer at a local station.
How HPU helped you get there:
“HPU provided me with opportunities to try a plethora of new things. The curriculum is designed to allow students to explore industries both inside and outside of their specific major. This allowed me to figure out which aspects of the broadcast journalism industry I wanted to focus on. I took advantage of the Office of Career and Professional Development by having them review my resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile. I always walked away with a better understanding of what I needed to work on to achieve my goals.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU:
“Before college, I always dreamed of having a professor who I could talk to as both a friend and a mentor. I’m delighted to say that Professor Kenneth Medlin, professor of the practice of journalism, filled that role. We met on the first day I stepped on HPU’s campus, and since then he has made a difference in my life. As Professor Medlin is a journalist himself, we’ve bonded over the highs and lows of the industry. He pushed me to try new things and never stopped believing in me.”
Most impactful moment at HPU:
“My most impactful moment at HPU was when my parents visited me during my sophomore year. I led them on a tour of campus and showed them what I had been working on in the School of Communication. I had grown so much in just one year. I’ll never forget how proud my parents were that day. I was also proud of myself and how excited I was to show my parents everything. I’ll never forget that day.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success?
“HPU allows you to be creative and confident. I have found these two skills to be the most important to future employers, and HPU instills these skills in students. HPU constantly pushes students to think outside of the box and make the world a better place.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success?
“Being a professional in any environment is something that must be practiced. While I had developed time management and tact prior to coming to college, HPU put me in situations where my skills were tested. Meeting professionals like Byron Pitts, HPU’s Journalist in Residence, forced me to become comfortable in environments outside of the classroom. It seems simple, but having confidence in these situations is a very useful skill.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation?
“Details make a difference. We all know and love how beautiful HPU’s campus is, but when you take a second to notice the fine details of what makes it so welcoming, you realize it’s so much more than fountains and pretty buildings. It’s as simple as having someone greet you at the entrance. It’s students’ work that is showcased around campus. It’s the classical music that is played on the International Promenade. Together these elements make up an extraordinary campus. Details always make a difference.”
Advice for underclassmen:
“Find your story. Maybe you were unsure about your future, but you found your niche in your senior year and stuck with it. You don’t need to have multiple internships and be the president of every club to stand out. Once you find your story, go out and share it with others.”
Are you an HPU graduate with an exciting job or graduate school offer?
Share your news with us for a chance to be featured!