WithIt Student Mentoring Day Provides Behind-the-Scenes Look at High Point Market
Furniture World News Desk on
11/18/2018
With the vision to attract and develop the next generation of home furnishings professionals, WithIt recently hosted 110 students at its annual Student Mentoring Day during the fall High Point Furniture Market. Participating students majoring in interior design, furniture design, and interior architecture represented five area colleges: Appalachian State University, Forsyth Technical Community College, Meredith College, Randolph Community College, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The annual event is designed to give students real-world exposure to the industry as well as facilitate connections for internships and career networking.
“WithIt's Student Mentoring Day is a unique event that gives students the opportunity to experience High Point Furniture Market first-hand,” said Pam Thomas, supply chain director at Universal Furniture and 2018 WithIt president. “From showroom tours to round table discussions, students get a chance to interact with industry leaders as well as see and learn about market from a variety of perspectives.”
The program kicked off with a presentation by furniture designer Catina Roscoe, principle of Catina Unlimited. Roscoe shared her unique design perspective and industry insights as a WithIt member and president of the International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD). Students then had the opportunity to participate in two informal roundtable gatherings. Choosing from topics ranging from How to Network to Sustainability in Home Furnishings, participants interacted with small groups of peers and industry insiders. Next, guided tours through some of the industry’s finest showrooms gave students a chance to learn about the latest product and trend directions. The afternoon concluded with lunch, generously provided at the host showrooms of: Mottahedeh & Co., Norwalk Furniture, Universal Furniture, Vanguard Furniture, and Zuo Modern.
“Our Student Mentoring day is just one way WithIt is working to introduce the home furnishings industry to the next generation of young professionals,” said Thomas. “We are very thankful for the members and member companies that take time out of their busy market schedule to participate.”
More about WithIt: WithIt was formed in 1997 for women in the home and furnishings industries in order to support their multi-dimensional career paths. The non-profit network is based in North Carolina and supported by leading companies across the industry including their Vision and Platinum sponsors: International Market Centers, Heritage Home Group’s Charitable Trust, AHFA Furniture Foundation, Crypton Home Fabrics, Myriad Software and Twin Star Home. WithIt’s purpose is to encourage and develop leadership, mentoring, education and networking opportunities for professional women in the home and furnishings industries