Jeffrey D. Harris
Class of 1990
Executive Vice President
Furnitureland South
(and excellent baseball player!)
I was able to learn many technical aspects of how the furniture industry works, as well as develop many social and communication skills. Building and nurturing relationships is paramount to many professional careers, and that is especially true in the retail sector.
The strengths of the program lie in the well-roundedness of the curriculum. I was exposed to nearly every sector in the furniture industry such as interior design, retail, manufacturing, and even textiles.
Dr. Richard Bennington took a personal interest in my development as a student.
Being located in the furniture capital of the world, the resources and opportunities for expanding this program are limitless. This program should be geared towards developing students for careers as residential interior designers, retail sales, merchandising, and leadership. To promote the program you must show a potential student the career path, and earnings potential.
With my degree in Home Furnishings from High Point University, I was able to step right into the industry out of college, and make an immediate impact. With many industry experts as guest speakers, I was also able to gain unique perspectives on the industry's infrastructure.
Amber Wilhelmina Price
Class of 2008
Junior Designer
Barbour Spangle Design Group
High Point itself is really what sets us apart from any other Interior Design Program. Being able to utilize what the area has to offer really helped me start my career (in interior design). Whether it’s an internship, working furniture market, or even just going on class field trips, the exposure and connections you make in the community are priceless.
Erica Wingo
Class of 2007
Management Trainee
Hooker Furniture
The Home Furnishings Marketing program, located in the “Furniture Capital of the World,” opened the door to numerous opportunities for me and enabled me to gain valuable real world experience in the industry. Working bi-annually at the International Home Furnishings Market, hearing distinguished guest speakers, and participating in internships with La-Z-Boy and FFDM all contributed to my career goal of working with Hooker Furniture upon graduation. Thank you Dr. Bennington and HPU!!!
Krista (Aglio) Shelton
Class of 2006
Studio/Set Designer
Viewpoint Studios
I thoroughly enjoyed my internship opportunity while attending High Point University. The faculty and staff involved in the program were very friendly and helpful, making the experience wonderful and beneficial from start to finish. The education that I received while attending HPU provided me with the foundational skills that are both necessary and applicable in a professional work environment. I would highly recommend the HPU internship program because it is an excellent way to help build your resume while gaining valuable knowledge and real-life work experience in your chosen major.
Erin Peters
Class of 2006
Interior Designer
Interior Solutions Inc./Design Resource of North Carolina
The Interior Design program at High Point equipped me with many skills for my future, both related and non-related to my profession. I learned technical design skills, fostered my creativity, and learned how to marry the two to create a functional, innovative design. I was faced with learning time management through juggling several projects at once.
I was taught to market my ideas and concepts to a classroom, faculty, and even industry members in project presentations. I was trained to put myself in the position of a client, and of an end user, which has proven to be useful in both designing spaces and interacting with clients. I was taught that doing what is asked is expected, and that success is achieved by going above and beyond. Hard work was required, self-discipline was cultivated, and openness to new ideas was expected.
My education at High Point was a worthwhile investment that will pay off for years to come.