Name: Abby Meeks

Hometown: Canton, Ohio

Year: Class of 2020

Major: Business administration with minors in economics and marketing

Internship: Meeks is gaining experience with The Timken Company as the global marketing communications intern to develop smart leads for distributors, work alongside project engineers to conduct customer success stories used by the global field sales team. She works with a variety of different agencies to develop webpages, surveys, presentations, analyze website data and make audits on the webpages. Meeks handles the optimization of content based on google analytics data user inquiries to add new content where gaps are identified and deploy updated messaging for one of the company’s product lines.

How HPU helped you get there: “High Point University has instilled in me the confidence to push myself towards my career goals, starting as freshman. The university has provided me with unique resources through the Office of Career and Professional Development, which has helped me grow as a young professional and as a freshman, I made it a habit to meet with the office on a bi-weekly basis. I wanted to secure a high-level internship as a freshman but I knew there were areas in which I needed some improvement. Whether it was sitting down for mock interviews, tidying up my LinkedIn profile or simply going over my resume, all of these interactions helped me land impressive internships both my freshman and sophomore year. During my time at the Timken Company, I would regularly meet with clients and other important distributors who conduct business with us on a daily basis. Having dined at 1924 Prime, HPU’s fine dining learning lab, I was well equipped all the proper dining etiquette. Not only did I represent myself well in these situations, but I also represented my company in a professional and mature manner.”

Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Dr. Daniel Hall, my microeconomics professor has had a very strong impact on my academic career so far. He makes a consistent effort to ensure I understand the material both in and out of class. Though I’ve struggled with the course material at times, his confidence in me helps me push myself further. I am now minoring in economics because of his efforts.”

What has your internship experience been like, and how is it preparing you for your future?: “My internship at Timken has been an entire summer of hands-on learning. From day one, I was entrusted with a variety of different tasks, I had an entire team counting on me. From this internship, I am confidently prepared for the future. I have been able to grow as a professional who is ready for the future. Being trusted with real-life projects and deadlines has shown me that I have all the skills to get projects done. I have also learned the importance of asking questions, there is always an opportunity to learn and know more.”