High Point University students traveled to New York City and Washington, D.C. during their fall break to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it is like to work in business, professional sports, politics, broadcast journalism and the fashion industry. 

Two groups of students took part in the HPU in the City program, which is co-sponsored by the offices of Career and Professional Development and Institutional Advancement. The program was started in 2015 and resumed this year following a break because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Students toured the U.S. Capitol, appeared on “Good Morning America” and had the opportunity to network with professionals who work for such well-known brands as the NFL, the NBA, Morgan Stanley and Ralph Lauren. 

HPU in the City – New York City

ABC News co-anchor Byron Pitts, who serves as HPU’s Journalist in Residence, gave the students a tour of the studios for “Good Morning America” and ABC News on Oct. 9. The students received career advice from Pitts and one of GMA’s executive producers, and they appeared on the show while holding a large, purple HPU flag. 

Afterward, the students toured the New York headquarters for the NBA, the NFL and Major League Baseball. While visiting the NBA headquarters, they met with HPU alumna Mikaela Campbell, who started working for the NBA after graduating from HPU in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in sport management.

The trip continued with a visit to Morgan Stanley, where students sat down with top officials at the large investment banking company.

Jed Finn, chief operating officer of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, spoke to the students about making sure they enjoy their job instead of accepting a position simply for what it could bring them in the future. He also encouraged them to build relationships if they want to be successful. 

In addition, Mandell Crawley, Morgan Stanley’s chief human resources officer, told the students about having the right mindset and being able to coach, empathize and serve as role models in the workplace.

Students concluded their trip by visiting the Ralph Lauren Library and meeting David Lauren, one of Ralph Lauren’s sons who now serves as the chief branding and innovation officer for the clothing designer. 

“During my New York City trip, I learned the importance of establishing and maintaining good relationships in the workplace. I also learned to be more open-minded and patient as my career develops,” said David Hicklin, a senior majoring in business administration from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. “Many companies have positions that could align with your passion, even if the company doesn't directly interest you. It's important that you do your research on companies to see what opportunities fit with you most.”

HPU in the City – Washington, D.C. 

Ten students who have an interest in working on Capitol Hill took a trip to Washington, D.C. from Oct. 11-13.

On the first morning, the group visited The Heritage Foundation to learn about internships with the think tank and the various roles that participate in helping to craft policy recommendations for lawmakers. Students then spoke with professionals who have worked in both the public and private sectors at the TCH Group, LLC, a lobbying firm based in Washington, D.C.

Zach Charapp, who graduated from HPU in May with a bachelor’s degree in political science, gave the students a tour of the U.S. Capitol. Charapp now serves on the staff for North Carolina Senator Ted Budd. Members of Budd’s team spoke to the group about what they would recommend to anyone looking for a career in politics. 

In addition, students had the opportunity to meet with two HPU alumni who are members of North Carolina Congresswoman Kathy Manning’s staff, staff assistant Dalton Lucas, ’22, and press secretary and digital manager Gia Scirrotto, ’21. They shared with students what it takes to run a U.S. representative’s office on a daily basis.

The final stop on the trip was to the Institute of World Politics, which is a graduate school that focuses on national security, intelligence and international affairs. Students met with Christine Balling, the school’s senior vice president of professional affiliations, and Glenn Corn, a 34-year veteran of the U.S. Intelligence and Foreign Affairs Communities.

“HPU in the City was an amazing networking opportunity for us students. This experience allowed us to broaden our political horizons and create connections with potential future employers,” said Rowan Trietley, a sophomore double majoring in political science and English from Castle Rock, Colorado. “As a cohort, we were able to forge paths for future internships and learn about the political climate of Washington, D.C. This was one of the many opportunities High Point University offers for students to further their academic careers and present themselves as role models of the university.”