Class of 2021 Outcomes: Bridget Anderson Designs in the Rocky Mountains

How HPU helped you get there: “HPU provided me with the tools necessary for my career. By attending a CIDA Accredited Interior Design program, I was able to expand my knowledge and be taught the most up-to-date industry standards in design, architecture and construction. Every coworker of mine is amazed by my understanding of drafting details and my ability to communicate with the proper building language. The HPU interior design program kept me up-to-date with the ever-growing technology in our field. I have become fluent in numerous CAD programs, which has set me apart from my peers. HPU’s heavy emphasis on technology has helped me to quickly tackle and complete complex projects. In addition to interior design, my minor in entrepreneurship put me in a position to understand the business side of running a design firm. The entrepreneurship courses showed me the legal, investing and due-diligence side of business that all are imperative. There’s a difference between those who only dream and those who take action, and by completing my major and minor, I have the ability to confidently take the steps to accomplish my goal to open my own firm in the future. The Office of Career & Professional Development helped me write my first resume, which then led to an interview with Bernhardt Furniture at the High Point Furniture Market. They helped me develop a resume that jump started my career.”

Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU was Brandon Jones. Mr. Jones is one of the most selfless professors that I have come across. As someone that struggles with a learning disability, occasionally, complex topics are not as straightforward to me. Mr. Jones would take the time to help me leap over that daunting hurdle, to fully grasp what was being taught and to feel more confident in class. I don’t know if he truly understood the impact of him staying after class to talk to me or teach me a new computer skill, but it has transformed me to be the designer that I am today. Constructive criticism from Mr. Jones was enlightening. He would bounce new ideas into my mind and give me more “what if?” questions. Mr. Jones is the living definition of what the growth mindset is and to this day he continues to inspire me. I’m appreciative of our relationship and all of the laughter in class to overcome the struggles of an assignment. Mr. Jones has been there, cheering me and all of my classmates on because he wants to see us succeed in life.”

Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was studying abroad in Florence, Italy. There is something unique about learning in a different country. I was able to take classes that I otherwise would not have, that actually have benefitted me in my career such as textile science and trend forecasting. Trend forecasting sparked a new interest in me that I never knew. I engulfed myself with researching trends in all different fields. My creativity flourished while abroad and I hope that everyone considers doing a semester or Maymester abroad. I can’t wait to return to Florence and find product sources.”

Advice for underclassmen: “Find your own self confidence! In the classroom, there is nothing worse than comparing your work to others and feeling like yours is insufficient. Take risks, don’t think that what your classmates are doing is always right and feel confident in your decisions. In the professional world, as someone who is young to be in the position that I am, people will question your talent. Prove them wrong and show them that you can do better than those who have been in the same field as you for way longer. The world is devouring innovation and growth. Be the innovator, not the follower and don’t let your age or recent graduation hold you back!”