High Point Showroom Assn. eyes internship effort with HPU
Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, July 4, 2005
High Point — The High Point Showroom Assn. is looking to start an internship program that could give area students on-the-job experience.
HPSA officials have met with High Point University officials to discuss starting a program this fall that would allow students to learn about managing downtown furniture showrooms. Students in the interior design or home furnishings marketing program would learn a variety of tasks ranging from showroom design and layout to helping the HPSA with marketing related tasks such as event promotion.
The association has 36 member showrooms.
Jeanne Glenn, past president of HPSA, who helps manage the Karges and Woodbridge Furniture showrooms, said student interns could help during markets and between them.
Initially the program, which would begin in the fall or spring, will offer five or six internships to High Point University students. Depending on the success of the program, the program could offer more internships and possibly be open to students at other area universities.
"I think it's a great opportunity," said Elizabeth Dull, a professor in HPU's interior design program working with the HPSA to implement the idea.
"We have so much talent in our backyard," she said. "We have students interested in showroom work. This would be a great way to introduce them to all of its aspects."
