Corporate and Employer Partner Guide

PARTNER GUIDE

LEADING WITH LIFE SKILLS

Dear Executive Leader:

As a leader, you’re looking for employees who will add value to your organization the very moment they come on board.

High Point University offers an important partnership opportunity for executives nationwide. HPU knows the skills needed to succeed never change.

We all need Life Skills development, regardless of our age, position or stature. Of course, you know that, or you wouldn’t have risen to the level of success you enjoy today. You’ll want to take a few minutes to review this brochure to understand how HPU prepares students for the world as it is going to be. You’ll also find practical takeaways, such as six questions you should be asking interviewees.

In the President’s Seminar on Life Skills that I teach to all freshmen, I always tell them that applying talents without thinking of values and principles is like using your car’s accelerator without touching the steering wheel.

That is true for all of us.

When we hire, we all need to think about what works best for our organization’s values and principles. We all know we are the sum total of the choices we have made in the past. But we also need to know that we can change what we are in the future through the choices we make today.

Let us all choose well. And as we challenge all our students at HPU: Choose to be extraordinary!

Since rely,

Nido R . Qubein President

EMPLOYERS APPRECIATE HOW HPU EQUIPS STUDENTS WITH LIFE SKILLS.

OF GRADUATES ARE EMPLOYED OR CONTINUING THEIR EDUCATION WITHIN 180 DAYS OF GRADUATION. THAT’S 14 POINTS HIGHER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE.

Data from the Class of 2022. High Point University follows the National Association of Colleges and Employers first destination reporting protocols.

HOW HPU STUDENTS BUILD LIFE SKILLS AND WHY THAT MATTERS TO YOUR ORGANIZATION

You need the right talent for your team – a person with technical skills, but also someone with life skills that outlast and extend beyond inevitable technical changes.

That’s why High Point University is The Premier Life Skills University.

Life skills such as adaptability, communication, collaboration, motivation and coachability are an essential element of HPU’s holistic education. By ensuring our students develop life skills while learning the technical skills necessary for their chosen profession, HPU students stand above the competition upon graduation.

Take Kenzie Ulrich, for example.

My experience at HPU shaped me into a more confident version of myself,” says Ulrich, ’21, Marketing and Graphic Design Intern with Lowes Foods. “Experiential learning, a focus on life skills, and a plethora of resources prepared me to feel confident that I had the skills necessary to be successful. The classes and experiences I had at HPU have been critical in preparing me.

HPU’s emphasis on life skills makes graduates the perfect candidates for your organization.

ACCESS TO INNOVATORS

HPU STUDENTS LEARN FROM APPLE’S CO-FOUNDER, THE FIRST CEO OF NETFLIX AND MORE.

INNOVATOR IN RESIDENCE

Steve Wozniak Apple Computer Co-Founder

SPORTS EXECUTIVE IN RESIDENCE

Cynt Marshall CEO of the Dallas Mavericks and former Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at AT&T

CORPORATE EXECUTIVE IN RESIDENCE

Russell Weiner Domino’s CEO

High Point University is the only university where students learn from this growing list of impactful leaders, entrepreneurs and change agents.

The industry titans who HPU attracts to campus to mentor students are featured on these pages, but the list is always growing. Visit www.highpoint.edu/innovators to learn more.

ACTOR IN RESIDENCE

Dean Cain

Famed Actor, Producer, Television Presenter and Former Football Player

JOURNALIST IN RESIDENCE

Byron Pitts Co-Anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline”

TRUST EXPERT IN RESIDENCE

David Horsager

Bestselling author and global authority on helping leaders and organizations become the most trusted in their industry

ENTREPRENEUR IN RESIDENCE

Marc Randolph Netflix Co-Founder

HUMAN CAPITAL EXPERT IN RESIDENCE

Johnny Taylor President and CEO of SHRM

TALENT ACQUISITION EXPERT IN RESIDENCE

Dee Ann Turner

Former Vice President for Talent at Chick-fil-A

EXECUTIVE COACH IN RESIDENCE

Dr. John Maxwell

Bestselling Author and Internationally Renowned Leadership Expert

CORPORATE EDUCATOR IN RESIDENCE

Scott McKain

Best-Selling Author, Business Consultant and Trainer

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Ben Owen III American Studio Potter

GLOBAL LEADER IN RESIDENCE

William “Bill”

E. Kennard

Current Chairman of AT&T’s Board of Directors, Former U.S. Ambassador and Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

BROADCASTER IN RESIDENCE

Joe Michaels

22-year Former Director of the NBC “TODAY” show

HEALTH CARE EXPERT IN RESIDENCE

Sue Downes

CEO and co-founder of MyEyeDr

SPORTS REPORTER IN RESIDENCE

Bob Ryan

Famed Sportswriter for The Boston Globe; known as “the Quintessential American Sportswriter”

SALES PROFESSIONAL IN RESIDENCE

Larry Quinn

Director of HPU’s Professional Selling Program; former National Sales Training Manager at Xerox; former Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Thomson Professional Publishing Group and Duplex Printing Corp.

HPU STUDENTS THRIVE IN THE WORKPLACE

High Point University graduates 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.

You can see a glimpse of where they’ve launched careers on the right, and you can read hundreds of student success stories at www.highpoint.edu/outcomes.

JESSICA KEYS, ’21

MAJOR: Marketing with a minor in sales Sales Development Program Trainee, Nestle

“HPU grows students holistically. That’s how I turned my internship into a full-time job offer at Nestle. All of my experiences at HPU motivated me to improve in any way possible and always reach for my goals. Going forward in my career, these life skills will help me succeed in everything I do.”

CHARLIE TAYLOR, ’21

MAJOR: Business administration with a minor in finance Wealth Management Client Associate, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.

“The environment and culture that circulates the campus on a day-to-day basis is inspiring and has helped shape my daily mindset. Thanks to HPU’s small class size and caring professors, I developed my communication skills and grew into a more confident speaker. The Office of Career and Professional Development jump started my internship and career searches exponentially. They assisted me with everything I needed from finding a career path that interested me, to connecting me with employers and more.”

MICHAELA MUCHA, ’18

MAJOR: Graphic design and minors in computer science and mathematics. Creative Print Marketing, Walt Disney Studios

“My time at HPU was such a growth experience for me. It prepared me to be a leader, grew me holistically, gave me confidence in my creative skills, and drive to contribute ideas in creative collaboration meetings for upcoming Disney+, Animation, and 21st Century Studios films.”

TYLER THOMAS, ’22

MAJOR: Marketing with a minor in social media marketing Public Sector intern in the Defense and National Security Division at AT&T

“HPU helped me through their direct focus on career and professional development. I attended many LinkedIn and mock interview sessions hosted by the Office of Career and Professional Development, which significantly developed the skills I used to obtain my internship.”

HPU’S NATIONAL C-SUITE EXECUTIVE SURVEY ON COLLEGE GRADUATES IN THE WORKFORCE

High Point University’s Survey Research Center surveyed 500 C-Suite executives nationwide to find out what they want in their future hires and which traits, characteristics and attitudes they see in their current employees that make them successful.

These executives lead businesses with anywhere from 5,000 to 25,000 employees, and the answers they gave are resounding.

Below are a few snapshots from the results of HPU’s Executive C-Suite Poll. You’ll enjoy reading the full survey results at www.highpoint.edu/executivepoll.

HPU has taken this feedback and applied it in our distinctive learning model. That’s because we know that when you hire a candidate, you need that candidate to support your organization’s values, principles and goals. We also know that you need employees who can grow and adapt on a continual basis, and HPU students are prepared to do that.

Of these two sets of skills, which would you rather colleges instill in recent college graduates?

Of these areas, where do you spend the greatest amount of time training and educating recent college graduates?

Of these accomplishments, which is most important to you on a recent college graduate’s resume?

77% relates to experiential learning. HPU students are encouraged to learn by doing! Facilities like Cottrell Hall (funded entirely by HPU parents), provide dedicated resources and opportunities to learn experientially.

ESSENTIAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

YOU’LL WANT TO ASK EVERY CANDIDATE

Give me an example of a time you failed in your career and how that experience helped you grow.

Understanding Their Response: A resume is often designed to showcase one’s accomplishments, but discovering how the candidate processed and managed their decision during difficult situations is key. Be able to decipher the difference between productive failures and nonproductive successes. The process of learning and growing always involves challenges.

Internships and leadership roles in clubs and organizations in college can prepare a student for life after college. How have you seen this work experience help you grow, not only intellectually but emotionally?

Understanding Their Response: There is no substitute for experience, which creates competence. And competence leads to confidence. Commitment is a byproduct of confidence.

Give me an example of how you found a solution to a problem you faced in your life or your work experience.

Understanding Their Response:

In any line of work, every organization needs solution finders — NOT merely problem solvers. Solution finders think vertically to eliminate an issue permanently. Problem solvers think horizontally and only react to the tyranny of the urgent. You are looking for deep, vertical thinkers to join your team.

Talk about a time when you had a task you disliked. How did you stay motivated?

Understanding Their Response: Motivation is crucial in any position, and it often boils down to work ethic. Bad habits are easy to develop but hard to live with. Yet, good habits are hard to develop but easy to live with. Motivation is one of those good habits to cultivate.

Tell me about your goals in life. How do you plan to achieve them?

Understanding Their Response: What matters is not so much what someone wants to do but rather what someone wants to be. This question will give you insight into prospective employees’ personal initiative, underlying motivations and self-assessment of their strategic thinking.

Tell me about a time when you took on a leadership role — whether assigned or pursued. How did you motivate the people around you to carry out the mission? And how did you handle uncommitted teammates?

Understanding Their Response: Leaders must build bridges of understanding in order to persuade, influence and guide others. Look for candidates who can clearly explain how they connected with their teammates in order to foster trust. Remember, “If no one will follow you, you’re not a leader!”

LIFE SKILLS AND EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT HOW YOUR COMPANY CAN BENEFIT BY JOINING

Through HPU’s Life Skills and Executive Leadership Development Program, companies such as CarneyCo, The Phillips Collection, CocaCola Consolidated Inc., Thomas Built Buses and Caffey Distributing have joined forces with HPU to create a top-to-bottom career experience for HPU’s talented students.

Through several rounds of applications, these companies identify the best students to complete rotations in several departments. The employer gains a capable team member with a growth mindset who is willing to assist with a variety of projects, while the HPU student gains a deeper understanding of the company, its mission and its industry.

While traditional internships are increasingly valuable, HPU’s unique Life Skills and Leadership Development Program gives students a 360-degree view of a company, from entry-level positions to executive-leadership roles.

HPU students roll their sleeves up, ready to contribute and help companies achieve their goals. They do everything from riding a route with the logistics team, to performing market research, to presenting data-driven solutions to company leaders.

Students completed the experience with a new perspective on how they can contribute to their future employers.

If your organization is interested in joining the HPU’s Life Skills and Executive Leadership program, please contact our team for more information.

High Point University students consistently bring a level of professionalism through not only their technical skills, but also an excellent skill set comprised of strong communication skills, ability to work in a team, and a passion for innovation, Simply put, HPU students are strong young professionals who are mission driven. We always look forward to bringing them into the Consolidated family for this program.

– Lindsay D. Scott, Talent Development Manager at Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

Our company is proud to partner with High Point University and impressed with their caliber of students. While we were able to offer the students a comprehensive look at how a business operates, they provided valuable work and solutions for our business. In the end, it was a true partnership.

– Chris Caffey, CEO of Caffey Distributing

We experienced every part of how the company works together. I learned to push myself out of my comfort zone and put myself out there.

– Allison Hayes, Life Skills and Executive Leadership Development Program Intern

If your company is interested in developing the next generation of leaders and welcoming productive team members to assist in a variety of departments, joining this program is right for you. Contact us at careerservices@highpoint.edu to learn more.

HOW DOES HPU DO IT?

A new High Point University student grabs Starbucks before a study session in Cottrell Hall.

But when the student walks into Cottrell’s open atrium, they find more than coffee waiting.

Through the glass walls in this modern facility, they see so much.

Their friends rehearse job interview questions and finetune their resumes at the Career Bar in the Office of Career and Professional Development.

Across the lobby, global education advisors guide students to different dots on the map. Europe. Asia. South America.

A panel of upperclassmen who have completed internships at the “TODAY” show, NBA and Madison Square Garden Company share advice on landing high-level opportunities with other students during a panel inside the Bauer Executive Education Auditorium.

And the Harris Professional Sales Center is filled with students practicing to sell everything, from their own ideas and abilities to a company’s product, inside of simulated environments that look like a financial firm, Silicon Valley startup and a health care setting.

PICTURE THIS.

Resources surround them, and HPU students begin to grow as professionals early in their academic careers.

The heart of HPU’s approach to career and professional development is housed in Cottrell Hall, where students also flock to study and collaborate. It reverberates throughout campus because of HPU’s focus on life skills.

LIFE SKILLS LEARNING LABS ARE PREVALENT ACROSS CAMPUS.

These real-world environments for every major guide students in developing abilities you’ll want your employees to have.

Consider 1924 Prime and Alo.

Two fine-dining restaurants on HPU’s campus not only expose students to international cultures and cuisines, but they also give the opportunity to practice professional etiquette during dinner. The restaurants require professional dress, and staff guide students through important lessons and fine dining etiquette during each meal.

At 1924 Prime, I learned how to be professional while sharing quality time with my friends - it was the best of both worlds. There are things I continue to do to this day that I have learned over a meal at 1924 Prime.

When you hire an HPU student, you’ll be comfortable inviting them to dinner with colleagues or clients. You’ll also be comfortable asking an HPU graduate to take an important client to dinner.

Thanks to these opportunities at HPU, our students are prepared to help your company succeed.

– Laney Badulis, ‘20, marketing and communications specialist at Earl Swensson Associates in Nashville, Tennessee.

HPU’S ACADEMIC INNOVATION

64 MAJORS

66 MINORS

With 64 majors and 66 minors, HPU students appreciate the opportunities to study a breadth and depth of fields that reflect the needs of the global marketplace. In addition to a long list of majors, HPU has also undergone a total transformation and is agile in adapting to the changing needs of the world. That means our curriculum is continually reviewed and updated to ensure our graduates have the technological skills and life skills needed to succeed at your organization.

From sales and marketing, to engineering, to neuroscience, to digital media, HPU students learn from curriculum designed to succeed in the role for which you hire them.

Majors, Minor and More! Learn more about High Point University’s 64 majors and 66 minors.

HPU FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS: A FOCUSED PATH FOR ADVANCED

STUDENTS

Recruiters have access to academically advanced and honors students who participate in HPU’s fellowship programs. These programs bring like-minded students together for community programming, housing, hands-on projects outside of class and other experiential learning opportunities, such as shadowing industry experts. HPU provides the following fellowship programs in specialized fields:

Business Fellows

Communication Fellows

Creative Arts Fellows

Education Fellows

Exercise Science Fellows

Honors Scholar Program

Natural Sciences Fellows

Siegfried Leadership Fellows

Strickland Women’s LIFT Fellowship

OVERVIEW OF STUDENT POPULATION

When you hire a High Point University student, you have access to an abundance of talent that represents all 50 states and 54 different countries.

ABOUT HPU STUDENTS:

6,000 Total Enrollment

76% from Out of State

24% from North Carolina

Degrees Programs include BACHELOR, MASTER AND DOCTORAL LEVEL

Begin Conducting Research Freshman Year, Much Earlier Than Other Institutions

Contribute 500,000 volunteer hours annually

Growth Mindset is Woven into HPU’s Academic Curriculum

Students receive FOUR YEARS OF EXECUTIVE EDUCATION at the Premier Life Skills University, where HPU prepares them to thrive in the workplace in addition to excelling in their major.

All Students Complete The President’s Life Skills Seminar, where they learn directly from HPU President Dr. Nido Qubein, an accomplished business owner, author, public speaker and philanthropist.

Students gain FOUR YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE and cultural enrichment through HPU’s fine-dining learning labs with international cuisine.

GLOBALLY CONNECTED WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS, students work with titans such as Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak through HPU’s Access to Innovators Program.

Most Popular MAJORS:

Business, Entrepreneurship

Communication

Biology

Sales, Marketing Interior Design

Technology-Focused Programs such as Engineering & Computer Science

Exercise Science

Psychology

EMPLOYER IMPRESSIONS/TESTIMONIALS

“We love hiring graduates from HPU, especially for our engineering, operations and purchasing programs. There is a lot of great talent coming out of HPU, and we look forward to welcoming plenty more.”

Will Jackson, Supplier Relationship Manager at

Volvo

“HPU graduates are coachable and willing to grow, which is why they’ve been phenomenal in our leadership program.”

— Ryan Torchia, Regional Vice President at Gartner

“We’ve always had talented students from HPU. They come with a lot of experience and the great educational background that we’re looking for. “

— Mari Fujino, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Kontoor Brands, Inc., the parent company for Wrangler, Lee and Rock & Republic denim brands

“We’ve had several interns from HPU, and their skill set, professionalism and willingness to complete projects really stood out to us.”

— Andrea Whiticar, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources at Tanger Outlets

“We have been lucky to have multiple interns from High Point University on our Regional Marketing Services team here at IMG College. The students have been motivated, smart, interested and team players. They come into the internship eager to learn and work hard. We challenge our interns here with real-world work that gives them a taste of what it would be like to work in our department full time. HPU students have taken on that challenge and developed the skills necessary to be an asset to our team. We have been very pleased with our interns from High Point and look forward to hiring more in the future.”

— Brandon Hillis, Director of Regional Marketing Services for IMG

“HPU students are well prepared. They are open to new challenges and have a maturity about them that help them cope with real-life business situations.”

— Jeff Eilers, Regional Vice President and Director of Sales Trainee Program For Mutual of Omaha

“HPU students are self-motivated and always come to us seeking internship opportunities. They’ve all consistently delivered strong results. They take initiative and bring positive curiosity and intellect.”

— Sam Soloman, University Program Manager for the Center for Creative Leadership