Rebecca Eastwood, Shannon Kennedy, communications and marketing manager for the High Point Market Authority, Natalie Golikov, and Kelsey Pethybridge stand in a showroom at the High Point Market. The three HPU students are interior design majors.
When it comes to gaining professional experience and making connections in the furniture industry, High Point University interior design majors say there’s no better place to put what they’ve learned in the classroom into action than the High Point Market.
During the April furniture market, six interior design majors at HPU woorked for the High Point Market Authority as "market scouts" by helping new buyers navigate their way around the event.
"We direct new buyers to the area where they’ll find the product and the price point that they’re looking for," says sophomore Natalie Golikov. "This opportunity helps us to understand what the furniture market is all about, and it gives us a first-hand look at the industry."
The High Point Market Authority began the market scouts program last year, and it’s become an integral part of creating a successful furniture market, says Shannon Kennedy, marketing and communications manager for the organization.
"HPU students and the Market Scouts program has been invaluable to the High Point Market Authority by helping newcomers to the High Point Market," Kennedy says. "The scouts make recommendations on specific categories that they’re looking for, direct them to showrooms or buildings, and help them get oriented with the logistics for the furniture market. The scouts also help manage many furniture market events, including design seminars, media events and entertainment."
Working closely with furniture industry experts also provides an opportunity for the students to make connections in the industry that often lead to internships and full-time careers.
"It really helps us get to know the professionals," says sophomore Rebecca Eastwood. "You can get your name out there and let people know what you have to offer and that you’re interested in a career in furniture. That’s so important."
At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people. HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with over 4,200 undergraduate and graduate students from 51 countries and 46 states at campuses in High Point and Winston-Salem. It is ranked by US News and World Report at No. 3 among Regional Colleges in the South. Forbes.com ranks HPU in the top 7 percent among "America’s Best Colleges." Parade Magazine lists HPU in the top 25 private schools in the nation. The university offers 50 undergraduate majors, 42 undergraduate minors and 14 graduate degree programs. It is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the Web at highpoint.edu.