Designing a career: international high point market serves as a learning lab for interior design, home furnishings majors.

• Position: Extraordinary EDUCATION

Interior design major Ashley Chisholm always marveled at the technique and skill that Candice Olson displayed while designing creative spaces on HGTV's "Divine Design" TV series. Olson's designs stayed with Chisholm and inspired her to begin her studies at HPU to become a relevant designer herself someday.

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When she landed a job working with Olson at the High Point Market, she knew it was not only a dream come true, but also the professional opportunity of a lifetime.

"It was just really exciting to meet her and learn from her," says Chisholm.

The international furniture market is held twice per year in the city. It's no coincidence that High Point University, with its interior design program ranked one of the top 10 in the country, is located in the Furniture Capital of the World. It's actually a well-executed plan created by a committee of home furnishings executives in 1978 when the home furnishings major was established at the university, and interior design followed.

The market brings thousands of visitors to town twice per year, resulting in a hefty economic impact for the city. For students, however, market means a lot more: job opportunities offering hands-on experience, networking with big-name designers and establishing connections for their future. The university has continued to foster strong connections with designers and companies. Major furniture companies seek HPU students through the Office of Career and Internship Services and departmental professors. The result translates to graduates landing jobs with companies like HGTV early in their careers.

"Both the market as a whole and many of the 2,000 exhibitors have served as a learning laboratory for students who are interested in a...