HIGH POINT, N.C., Feb. 17, 2023 – The opportunities were endless at High Point University’s Career and Internship Expo, held Feb. 14 in the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center. Nearly 100 companies connected with students looking to land their first job out of college or a summer internship.

Students brought tailored resumes and dressed professionally to network with companies at the expo, including Coca-Cola Consolidated, Bell Partners, Toyota, Kontoor Brands, Novant Health, Universal Furniture, Labcorp and more. This is the largest number of companies HPU has hosted at the annual networking event for students.

“The Career Expo gave me the opportunity to talk and market myself face-to-face with the companies I am interested in applying for after I graduate,” said Campbell White, a senior criminal justice major from Richmond, Virginia. “One of the reasons I decided to transfer to HPU is for events like this. There are so many opportunities the university provides, and this event is so great to help college students land a job or an internship.”

“Every single time I’ve come to the Career Expo, HPU never ceases to amaze me by the variety of companies they bring in,” said Raya Riley, a sophomore criminal justice major from Dallas, Texas. “This is almost like a learning lab for students to get more experience speaking with employers and to see what they may be interested in pursuing. I’m thankful I can keep an open mind to all the possibilities that are presented to me with all the companies here.”

It's not just upperclassmen who came by the Career Expo to network with the dozens of companies represented. Freshman Alec Maher took the initiative to get a head start on looking for internships for the summer.

“I’m keeping my mind open by talking to the different companies here and seeing if there’s a path where I am most passionate,” said Maher, a business administration major from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. “The thing I love about HPU is that there are so many ways to grow professionally, whether through the innovators that come to campus or learning from the companies that come to campus for events like this. I love that HPU gives you these great opportunities.”

HPU’s Office of Career and Professional Development organizes the event twice a year to connect undergraduate and graduate students with employers. The expo is one of the many opportunities HPU provides to help students prepare for the world as it is going to be.

“This event is so important for students because it gives them a chance to connect with organizations about their internships or full-time job openings,” said Dominique Jones, employer relations in the Office of Career and Professional Development. “Even if students aren’t currently looking for employment, they’ll get experience researching industries and professions, learn how to communicate professionally with recruiters and grow their network.”

What Employers Say About HPU Students:

“Novant Health is well-aware of the students who attend High Point University, and that compassion, being out in the community and providing service is at the heartbeat of the university,” said Na’tosha Brooks, campus recruiter for Novant Health. “When you pair ‘choosing to be extraordinary’ with remarkable, and knowing they are equipped with The Premier Life Skills, that is definitely what we are looking for.”

Employers from Universal Furniture and Coca-Cola Consolidated shared the characteristics of HPU students who have been successful in their companies.

“The students we have hired from HPU are dedicated, conscientious, responsible, hardworking and have gone the extra mile in many cases,” said A.J. Filloy, vice president of sales for the East region.

“We consider this a great school that provides great students who want to work with Coca-Cola Consolidated,” said Molly Lynch, a talent development manager at Coca-Cola Consolidated. “From what I’ve seen today, the students are all prepared, excited and have come prepared with questions for us. Our company has had successful students from HPU participate in our internship program.”

HPU’s Career Expo attracts companies that have locations across the country, including automotive manufacturer Toyota

“Every student I’ve interacted with has been very prepared for the workforce and professional, and very eager and excited to get into their careers,” said Jamie Hall, HR operations manager for Toyota Battery manufacturing in North Carolina. “Toyota already has a name for itself, but the students I’ve talked to are wanting to know more deeply what the company is all about. They are wanting to make informed decisions about their future employment.”

HPU hosts two Career and Internship Expos each academic year, as well as additional career fairs focused on specific majors, and dozens of professional development events throughout the year. Discover more opportunities here.