Career Guide - Graduate School by High Point University

COMPREHENSIVE

CAREER GUIDE

Preparing HPU Students for

GRADUATE SCHOOL

Pursuing graduate school creates an extraordinary opportunity to expand your knowledge and experiences. There are many benefits to continuing your education, including career advancement, employment opportunities, networking and personal accomplishment. In addition, your earning potential as a graduate-educated professional will likely be higher than that of someone whose education concluded with a bachelor’s degree. Because graduate school entails a commitment of time, money and effort, it is important that you weigh the decision carefully and clarify your professional goals and your preparation level. If you are interested in pursuing an advanced degree, speaking with a Career Advisor, faculty members, pre-professional program advisors, and graduate program alumni can help with your decision. EVALUATING GRADUATE SCHOOL As you consider graduate school, ask yourself the following questions to ensure you have thought through your post-graduation plans: • What are my short-term and long-term goals? Where does graduate study fit into these goals? • What will this graduate degree do for me that my undergraduate degree will not? • What are my interests, skills, and strengths? How can I prepare myself for the educational commitment? • How will I pay for graduate school? What financial obligations do I have? • Is this the right time to pursue graduate study or would another time be better? • What is my reason for pursuing graduate study? Faculty, alumni, and pre-professional program advisors are other people that can help you decide. You can ask them: • What is your career background? Where did you obtain your degree(s)? Why did you choose that discipline and program?

GRADUATE PROGRAMS: YOUR FUTURE CAN CONTINUE AT HPU Did you know High Point University has graduate degree programs that can further your success? While earning your undergraduate degree, be sure to explore these ever-evolving master’s and doctoral degree opportunities. Health Professions: Athletic Training (MSAT) Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Future/Proposed Health Programs: Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) Doctor of Medical Sciences (DMS) Master of Biomedical Sciences (MS) Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) Business Administration Business Administration – Leadership (MBA) Business Administration – Healthcare Management (MBA) Business Administration – Business Analytics (MBA) Communication Strategic Communication (MA) Communication & Business Leadership (MA) Education Educational Leadership (Ed. D.) Education (M.Ed.) Education (M.A.T.) Add-On License in Educational Administration

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking time off to work or travel before pursuing an advanced degree? If I take time off, what experiences might I pursue to show my interest in the field? • What career options are available after obtaining this degree?

CAREER CATALYST:

HPU GRAD PROGRAMS

HERE ARE SOME RESOURCES WE RECOMMEND TO ASSIST YOU IN RESEARCHING SCHOOLS AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS: • Gradschools.com • U.S. News and World Report • Princeton Review • Peterson’s

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Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at gradadmit@highpoint.edu to learn more about specific programs listed above. You can also chat with your Career Advisor in the Office of Career & Professional Development, about possible paths to graduate school. You can visit www.highpoint.edu/graduate/apply/ to see application criteria for each program.

“The MBA program at High Point University challenges students to think critically about real-world situations to pursue their career goals. My communication and research skills have developed tremendously during my time in the program.” – Robert Grey Lyttle

“By pursuing my PharmD and Healthcare Management MBA, I will have the ability to work at the top of my field in medicine. This program has given me the chance to explore how I can implement Healthcare Management as a future pharmacist.” – Erin Sirois

“I chose to apply to HPU’s Master’s in Communication and Business Leadership because it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The idea of being able to receive a graduate degree focused on communication and business leadership was the complete educational package I never knew I was looking for. I believe this master’s degree, combined with my undergraduate degree from HPU, will put me on the path towards my dream job.” – Kacey Ruben

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STEP 5

DECIDING TO APPLY TO GRADUATE SCHOOL

DECIDING TO APPLY TO GRADUATE SCHOOL Pursuing graduate school creates an extraordinary opportunity to expand your knowledge and experiences. There are many benefits to continuing your education, including career advancement, employment opportunities, networking and personal accomplishment. In addition, your earning potential as a graduate-educated professional will likely be higher than that of someone whose education concluded with a bachelor’s degree. Because graduate school entails a commitment of time, money and effort, it is important that you weigh the decision carefully and clarify your professional goals and your preparation level. If you are interested in pursuing an advanced degree, speaking with a Career Advisor, faculty members, pre-professional program advisors, and graduate program alumni can help with your decision. EVALUATING GRADUATE SCHOOL As you consider graduate school, ask yourself the following questions to ensure you have thought through your post-graduation plans: • What are my short-term and long-term goals? Where does graduate study fit into these goals? • What will this graduate degree do for me that my undergraduate degree will not? • What are my interests, skills, and strengths? How can I prepare myself for the educational commitment? • How will I pay for graduate school? What financial obligations do I have? • Is this the right time to pursue graduate study or would another time be better? • What is my reason for pursuing graduate study? Faculty, alumni, and pre-professional program advisors are other people that can help you decide. You can ask them: • What is your career background? Where did you obtain your degree(s)? Why did you choose that discipline and program?

CAREER CATALYST:

HPU GRAD PROGRAMS

HERE ARE SOME RESOURCES WE RECOMMEND TO ASSIST YOU IN RESEARCHING SCHOOLS AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS: • Gradschools.com • U.S. News and World Report • Princeton Review • Peterson’s

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GRADUATE SCHOOL | 2

If you decide that graduate school is beneficial for your career path, use our timeline for graduate school to help you complete steps in the application process. Remember to start preparing for graduate school early in your undergraduate career. At a minimum, you should begin gathering materials for your application one year before you plan to attend graduate school. When completing the application process, schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor to create a timeline, review your resume/C.V. and edit your personal statement.

GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATION TIMELINE: Freshman and Sophomore Year

• Conduct informational interviews with current graduate students in areas of interest • Begin to identify three to five professors who could become recommendation sources • Create and continually update your resume

Junior Year

• Research areas of interest, graduate programs, and universities at graduate school fairs, online, and in person • Register and prepare for required graduate admissions exams. Take a practice test. • Investigate application deadlines

Summer Before Senior Year

• Take required graduate admissions exam. Have scores sent to the schools to which you are applying. • Visit schools of interest. Narrow your list of schools.

ENTRANCE EXAMS: Depending on the program, graduate schools require specific entrance exams. The following are the most common required exams: GRE, MCAT, LSAT and GMAT.

• Find out application requirements • Gather financial aid information • Make a chart of application deadlines and scholarship, fellowship, or graduate assistantship deadlines

You can prepare by buying test preparation books and/or flashcards, signing up for a classroom course, and/or completing one-on-one tutoring. Kaplan and Princeton Review are test preparation resources that can assist you in any of these ways. In addition, the company that publishes each test creates preparation materials. The University has access to Learning Express, a college and graduate entrance test study platform. This resource includes access to hundreds of timed practice tests that students can use to prep for entrance exams. The user also has access to practice guides which discuss methods to succeed when taking these tests. Students are encouraged to make an account while on campus so that they can use the timed tests and track their progress. HPU Libraries’ book collection also includes access to materials on test taking prep.

• Explore your interests, skill set, and career goals with a Career Advisor

• Write a draft of your admissions essay or personal statement • Compile a draft of your C.V. if necessary • If your prospective program requires you to identify an advisor before admission, contact potential advisors Fall Semester Senior Year

• Revise and finalize your admissions essay or personal statement with help from a Career Advisor • Revise and finalize your resume/C.V. with help from a Career Advisor • Request your letters of recommendation from faculty/supervisors early. Make the request in person if possible and follow-up with an email. Provide them with a copy of your resume/C.V. and programs to which you are applying. Inform recommenders of whether they must submit the recommendation online or by mail.

Regardless of which resource you use to prepare, it is advisable to take several practice tests to simulate test day.

• If necessary, take admissions examination again • Make arrangements with the Registrar to send your official transcript • Submit application materials with required fee at least three weeks in advance of application deadline • Apply for scholarships • Follow up with schools to ensure your application is complete Spring Semester Senior Year

• Schedule a mock interview with a Career Advisor prior to admissions committee interview • Follow-up with the Registrar to have final transcripts sent • Once you have decided on your school of choice, accept the admittance and notify the other schools to decline acceptances • Send a deposit to your school of choice • Fill out the FAFSA • Send thank you notes to people who helped you with the application process. Let them know of your acceptance(s) and your decision.

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STEP 5: SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES | 79

STEP 5

APPLYING TO GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL

APPLYING TO GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL If you decide that graduate school is beneficial for your career path, use our timeline for graduate school to help you complete steps in the application process. Remember to start preparing for graduate school early in your undergraduate career. At a minimum, you should begin gathering materials for your application one year before you plan to attend graduate school. When completing the application process, schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor to create a timeline, review your resume/C.V. and edit your personal statement.

GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATION TIMELINE: Freshman and Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Summer Before Senior Year

• Take required graduate admissions exam. Have scores sent to the schools to which you are applying. • Visit schools of interest. Narrow your list of schools.

ENTRANCE EXAMS: Depending on the program, graduate schools require specific entrance exams. The following are the most common required exams: GRE, MCAT, LSAT and GMAT.

• Find out application requirements • Gather financial aid information • Make a chart of application deadlines and scholarship, fellowship, or graduate assistantship deadlines

• Explore your interests, skill set, and career goals with a Career Advisor

Regardless of which resource you use to prepare, it is advisable to take several practice tests to simulate test day.

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GRADUATE SCHOOL | 4

Your personal statement is an important facet of the application and an opportunity to present yourself to the admissions committee. Articulate your professional goals, your interest in the specific school’s program, and your work, volunteer, and educational experiences that led you to pursue an advanced degree in the field. Career Advisors are here to review your personal statement! Faculty are another resource that can assist you with revisions. UNDERSTANDING THE QUALITIES OF A STRONG PERSONAL STATEMENT • Your resume or C.V. may show the reader what you have done, and your personal statement explains why • Your personal statement should not be a narrative form of your resume. Rather, consider an overarching theme to tie everything together, starting with a personal story. Alternatively, you can use a big metaphor or analogy through the essay • Your statement should be deeply personal, giving the admissions committee insight into your passions and your ultimate decision to pursue a career in this field • Give yourself as much time as possible to write your statement. It will take longer than one evening to get your personal statement right. Plan for weeks or possibly months to work on your statement • A compelling and introspective personal statement can make the difference between getting an interview and facing admission rejection PAY ATTENTION TO THE PROMPT • Some personal statement prompts give specific guidelines on content, format, word count and submission method. They may include a series of specific questions that you must answer throughout your essay • Other applications provide little in the way of guidance, asking prospective students to simply expand on why they want to apply to the program or supply information on their backgrounds and professional goals • It’s crucial that you read and understand what is expected of your personal statements. It won’t matter how beautifully crafted the statement is if it doesn’t address the prompt or if it disregards stated length requirements

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STEP 5

PERSONAL STATEMENTS INTRIGUE THE READER • The introductory paragraph and, even more importantly, the introductory sentence of your essay, will most certainly make or break your overall statement • Ensure that you have a creative and captivating opening sentence that draws the reader in. This is your first and only chance to make a first impression and really capture the attention of the committee • Starting with an event or an Aha! moment that inspired your decision to pursue this academic study or profession is one way to grab their attention. The kinds of things that inspire or motivate you can say a lot about who you are as a person • The broader introductory paragraph itself must also serve as a roadmap to the reader, allowing them to understand where the remainder of the story is headed. If your prompt asks you to answer specific questions, make sure your introduction is leading you into answering those questions WHY THIS GRADUATE PROGRAM • In addition to catching the reader’s attention in your first sentence of your essay, the other most important tip for personal statement writing is to tailor your essay to the school or program to which you are applying • Your essay should include reasons why you are interested in this program specifically. Some reasons may include: -

Curriculum Experiential learning opportunities Faculty research Community involvement School history or tradition

• While researching your programs of interest, pull unique pieces about each program that resonate with you and include them in your essay

Some graduate programs ask you to write a general personal statement explaining your interest in the field, then require you to write supplemental essays specific to each program of interest. Work with a Career Advisor or faculty member to ensure you are following protocols for your individual graduate plans.

STEP 5: SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES | 81

PERSONAL STATEMENTS Your personal statement is an important facet of the application and an opportunity to present yourself to the admissions committee. Articulate your professional goals, your interest in the specific school’s program, and your work, volunteer, and educational experiences that led you to pursue an advanced degree in the field. Career Advisors are here to review your personal statement! Faculty are another resource that can assist you with revisions. UNDERSTANDING THE QUALITIES OF A STRONG PERSONAL STATEMENT • Your resume or C.V. may show the reader what you have done, and your personal statement explains why • Your personal statement should not be a narrative form of your resume. Rather, consider an overarching theme to tie everything together, starting with a personal story. Alternatively, you can use a big metaphor or analogy through the essay • Your statement should be deeply personal, giving the admissions committee insight into your passions and your ultimate decision to pursue a career in this field • Give yourself as much time as possible to write your statement. It will take longer than one evening to get your personal statement right. Plan for weeks or possibly months to work on your statement • A compelling and introspective personal statement can make the difference between getting an interview and facing admission rejection PAY ATTENTION TO THE PROMPT • Some personal statement prompts give specific guidelines on content, format, word count and submission method. They may include a series of specific questions that you must answer throughout your essay • Other applications provide little in the way of guidance, asking prospective students to simply expand on why they want to apply to the program or supply information on their backgrounds and professional goals • It’s crucial that you read and understand what is expected of your personal statements. It won’t matter how beautifully crafted the statement is if it doesn’t address the prompt or if it disregards stated length requirements

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INTRIGUE THE READER • The introductory paragraph and, even more importantly, the introductory sentence of your essay, will most certainly make or break your overall statement • Ensure that you have a creative and captivating opening sentence that draws the reader in. This is your first and only chance to make a first impression and really capture the attention of the committee • Starting with an event or an Aha! moment that inspired your decision to pursue this academic study or profession is one way to grab their attention. The kinds of things that inspire or motivate you can say a lot about who you are as a person • The broader introductory paragraph itself must also serve as a roadmap to the reader, allowing them to understand where the remainder of the story is headed. If your prompt asks you to answer specific questions, make sure your introduction is leading you into answering those questions WHY THIS GRADUATE PROGRAM • In addition to catching the reader’s attention in your first sentence of your essay, the other most important tip for personal statement writing is to tailor your essay to the school or program to which you are applying • Your essay should include reasons why you are interested in this program specifically. Some reasons may include: -

Curriculum Experiential learning opportunities Faculty research Community involvement School history or tradition

• While researching your programs of interest, pull unique pieces about each program that resonate with you and include them in your essay

GRADUATE SCHOOL | 6

MASTER OF ARTS

COMMUNICATION & BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

NOTES

THE COMMUNICATION AND BUSINESS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM The MA-CBL degree provides the full complement of analytical and practical success skills resulting in exceptional communicators that employ interdisciplinary principles of business management. This program develops students’ strategic thinking and messaging, relationship building, organizational leadership, logical analysis, negotiation, and complex problem-solving abilities. This MA program can be completed in three semesters of full-time enrollment. The 30 credit-hour program is broken into three areas: • 24 credit-hours of courses • 4 credit-hours of practicum • 2 credit-hours of capstone

Required Courses: • Organizational Behavior • Strategic Message Design • Data and Decision Making • Global Leadership • Persuasion, Positioning, and Negotiation

Sample Practicum Workshops: • Project Management • Media Training for Leaders • Creative Professional Branding

SUCCESS SKILLS • Global Leadership Principles Display the actions that leaders take to communicate a vision and generate buy-in, understand tactics that create a motivational environment, and respond to intercultural and international issues that impact business decisions and community relations. • Persuasive Communication Construct clear, concise, and convincing written and oral communication and integrate technology in message dissemination. • Ethical Analysis Recognize and respond to legal and ethical dilemmas in decision-making and complex problem solving. • Team Development Skills Foster collaboration and manage group and interpersonal dynamics in a multilevel team environment. • Data Driven Decision-Making Identify opportunities in dynamic and uncertain business environments and integrate business concepts with core communication strategies to provide data-driven solutions “The MA-CBL program at HPU has been the perfect balance between business and communication, two vital skills in a constantly changing world. This program has equipped me with the tools necessary to adapt and thrive, while allowing me to grow both personally and professionally. My experience has prepared me to be a successful leader, ready to take on the next chapter of my life.” KAYLEE KERR B.A. ’20; M.A. ’21 7 | HPU’S COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDE

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