Student lands sales job at Cvent

Clara Fernandez is moving from the classroom to a corporate sales floor next year. The High Point University student, who is part of the Class of 2027, has secured a position as a sales development representative at Cvent. The role is based in Tysons Corner, Virginia, where Cvent operates its event management software business.

Fernandez, originally from Chevy Chase, Maryland, will focus on commercial and enterprise clients. Her daily tasks involve identifying potential customers and building relationships with key prospects. She will assess each prospect's event planning needs to determine if Cvent's software offers a viable solution. The goal is to qualify these opportunities and close sales.

The university credits its curriculum with preparing Fernandez for this specific role. She studied marketing with minors in sales and finance. According to Fernandez, the professionalism skills she developed at HPU helped her land an internship at Cvent that converted into a full-time position. She stated that Business Fellows classes prepared her for interviews and professional communication. She also credited campus leadership positions with giving her relevant experience to start immediately.

Fernandez began working with the Office of Career and Professional Development during her freshman year. She used the office to craft resumes for on-campus jobs and internships. The staff helped her prepare for interviews. She noted that the Peer Career Advisors and full-time career advisors supported her journey. This assistance gave her the confidence to proceed with the job search. She described the process as potentially scary but felt prepared because the office walked her through every step.

The university's motto, 'Choose to be extraordinary,' served as a guiding principle for Fernandez. She said the phrase motivated her to avoid settling for less than her dream job. It reinforced the idea that every action is a choice and that she is responsible for making good decisions. This mindset carried her through her time at the university and into her career planning.

One of her most impactful experiences was the HPU in the City program in Boston. During that trip, students visited high-profile companies and networked with professionals from various industries. They observed working culture and learned what companies expect from new graduates. Fernandez said this experience showed her that the opportunities provided by HPU prepare students for the real world. It demonstrated that they can handle whatever challenges arise.

Cynthia Hanson, chair of the Department of Marketing and Fernandez's faculty advisor for the American Marketing Association, played a key role in her development. Hanson encouraged Fernandez to take leadership positions in the organization during her freshman year, even when Fernandez was unsure of her skills. Hanson's enthusiasm and support pushed Fernandez to perform at her highest ability and challenge herself in uncomfortable situations. With this mentorship, Fernandez gained professional skills and opportunities to travel and represent the school.

Fernandez advised underclassmen to utilize all resources the university offers. She listed leadership positions in organizations, knowledgeable professors, and real-world classwork. She also mentioned fine dining labs, Innovators in Residence speakers, travel programs, and study abroad options. She described HPU as unparalleled in what it offers and urged students to use every available tool.

The university is currently soliciting news from other graduates who have exciting career updates. They invite students to share their news for a chance to be featured in future communications. This outreach aims to showcase the success of recent alumni and their career trajectories.