91B0FBB4-04A9-D5D7-16F0F3976AA697ED
C9A22247-E776-B892-2D807E7555171534
Alexander Hirsu '17

This year Alexander Hirsu '17 is one of only 10 graduates across the world selected to be part of the Global Corporate Services (GCS) division of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in a Professional Rotation Experience Program (PREP). Given his major in world politics and his previous work-related experiences and internships, his selection is not surprising.

When Hirsu first came to Hamilton from Romania, his interest was focused on economics and biology, but it was in a first-semester course in "American Political Process" that his attention shifted to government. “Only after Professor Cafruny's class in the spring of my sophomore year, [did] I realize that I was best suited for world politics [within the government department].”

about alexander hirsu '17

Major: World Politics

High School: Gheorghe Munteanu Murgoci National College

Hometown: Braila, Romania

read more student outcomes stories

The HPE program consists of four six-month rotations through the functions in GCS, including global procurement or global real estate and is based in offices in the United States, Mexico, Romania and the United Kingdom. Hirsu began his job search last August,  interviewing in the information services industry with LinkedIn and Microsoft, as well as Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), but he chose HPE "for its flexibility and the opportunity to grow very quickly within the organization.”

Discussing how Hamilton aided him in procuring his current position, he said, “I learned how to think analytically and leverage the skills I acquired. Throughout these last four years, I got involved in the Campus Activities Board and TEDx Hamilton College, which helped me get accustomed to managing significant sums of money, working on a team and leading various projects. What helped me even more in developing my negotiation and research skills was the experience I got while interning in Washington, D.C., with the Global Policy Group during the spring of 2016 ... alumnus Ian Graig ’79. The D.C. program was also a huge opportunity for me to improve my networking and communication skills, which are crucial in my current global role.”

Hirsu also worked as a phonathon student caller. “It was a fantastic experience. ... it teaches you how to negotiate and how to become more spontaneous and persuasive. It was very rewarding to be in the position of talking to alumni about how their alma mater influenced their lives. Moreover, interacting with alumni from so many generations certainly reinforced my love for Hamilton and my responsibility to give back to those who will benefit from the same positive experience that I had.”  

In closing Hirsu wanted to express his appreciation in particular to Professor of Government Alan Cafruny, ESOL Director Barbara Britt-Hysell and Professor of Biology Wei-Jen Chang “for their support and guidance at every step.”

Help us provide an accessible education, offer innovative resources and programs, and foster intellectual exploration.

Site Search