Anna Randles Interns in Sales at Furnitureland South

Here’s a quick glimpse into Anna’s journey to career success!

Name: Anna Randles, Class of 2028

Hometown: Mills River, North Carolina

Major: Business Analytics and Economics, Sales

Internship plans: Anna Randles, Class of 2028, served as a sales intern at Furnitureland South in Jamestown, North Carolina. In the role she shadowed professional design consultants through the sales process, learned product knowledge and industry strategy from furniture representatives and toured manufacturing facilities to understand product differentiators and value propositions. Anna closed the internship by presenting market research and strategic recommendations to a professional audience.

How HPU helped you get there:

“I found the internship through a repost that the Office of Career & Professional Development posted on LinkedIn.”

What has your internship experience been like?:

“My internship experiences with Furnitureland South and Universal Furniture have provided valuable hands-on exposure to sales, client engagement, market research and business strategy. At Furnitureland South, I shadowed senior consultants, supported the sales process and presented market research on e-commerce trends to more than 150 professionals, strengthening my public speaking and analytical skills. At Universal Furniture, I worked directly with buyers during High Point Furniture Market, guiding showroom tours and learning how to identify client needs and communicate value effectively. Together, these experiences have strengthened my communication, problem-solving and relationship-building abilities while confirming my interest in consulting, healthcare, medical technology and other client-focused industries. They have also given me greater confidence in my ability to connect with professionals, analyze complex challenges and contribute meaningfully in future business roles.”

Most impactful mentor at HPU:

“My most impactful mentor is April Cosner, director of Business Fellows and assistant professor of business communications. As my professor for a class, she wrote me a recommendation letter and has been a mentor, advising on my resume, LinkedIn and presentation skills.”

How did you use the Office of Career & Professional Development?:

“I met with an adviser in the Office of Career & Professional Development to determine what major I wanted and what it would look like.”

What life skills did HPU help you develop?:

“Through opportunities at High Point University, including Alpha Kappa Psi, Sales Club and Professor April Cosner’s Business Communication and Professional Development course, I have developed valuable life skills that will support my long-term success. These experiences taught me how to effectively communicate my strengths, build professional relationships and confidently interview for internships and future career opportunities. Through presentations, networking events and real-world business experiences, I strengthened my public speaking abilities and learned how to present both myself and my ideas in a professional and engaging way. HPU has also helped me develop confidence, adaptability and relationship-building skills that will be essential throughout my career.”

What values and virtues will you take with you?:

“Being surrounded with people who are driven and determined to make their own success has shown me where I can go if I work hard enough for it.”

Most impactful moment at HPU:

“My most impactful moment was my Sales in Dynamic Environment class, where Professor Mark Michael taught me how to do a complete B2B sales cycle. Here I learned how to do a sales role play and handle myself in that environment.”