Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Lilianna Allen; Class of 2026
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida
Major: Interior Design, French and Francophone Studies
Internship plans: Lilianna will be interning as the Design Assistant for Caitlin Kah Interiors in Palm Beach, Florida. As a Design Assistant, she will work closely with the interior designers on various aspects of their projects. Her responsibilities include assisting with photo shoots, staging, orders, client presentations, and design selections. In addition, Lilianna will initiate organizing the office’s sample libraries, run errands and schedule meetings.
How HPU helped you get there: “The professors and mentors at HPU helped me get this internship by teaching me vital skills necessary to operate and contribute to the design industry such as professional communication, AutoCAD and much more. Campus Concierge helped train me to offer compassionate and effective customer service and communicate professionally and efficiently via email, which is a huge part of my job. I am so grateful to HPU for preparing me to seamlessly transition into the professional world! The Career and Professional Development office has also helped me refine my resume and tailor it to the positions I am applying for. In addition, I have explored different career paths that suit my interests using PathwayU and guided by Career and Professional Development.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “There have been many people at HPU who have inspired and supported me; however, I am especially grateful to one professor in particular: Dr. Benoit Leclercq, Associate Professor and Director of the French Department. He has been an invaluable mentor to me. Encouraging me academically, professionally and personally by showing me that hard work pays off. Additionally, he has gone above and beyond to accommodate me and help me advocate for the things I want to do and learn. I will always remember his kindness and the positive impact he has made in my life!”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “A moment at HPU I will never forget is when I was sitting in the Pauline Theater opening my acceptance letter with my parents and peers. I was overjoyed to have just been accepted to the school of my dreams, and at this moment, I knew my life was about to change for the better, and it certainly has these last three years!”
What has your internship experience been like and how is it preparing you for your future? “Amazing! I am learning so many new things every day about how a design firm operates and the expectations of an interior designer, which will prepare me well to work in the industry after graduation. I am so grateful that Caitlin Kah Interiors involves me in so many different types of work, from ordering samples to meeting vendors and attending client presentations. But more importantly, I love the people I work with and the clients I have the privilege of serving. I truly look forward to going to work every day!”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “As an interior design student, beauty is arguably one of my most important core values. I wholeheartedly believe that your environment influences your mood, productivity and outlook on life. Therefore, it is absolutely no coincidence that I feel happy, inspired and motivated almost every day I am on High Point University’s campus. I definitely do not take the care and attention to detail High Point University provides for granted!”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “During my time at HPU, I have learned the importance of life skills both professionally and personally. Primarily, I have learned to advocate for myself, seek mentorship, initiate positive growth and follow through wherever I am. I attribute the development of these skills, in large part, to the caring and supportive people who make HPU so impactful.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Find one to two things outside of your classes that you are really passionate about and make them a priority to pursue and develop. For me, it’s ballroom dancing and the International Furniture and Design Association. You will find that you meet your closest friends and find your greatest fulfillment through initiating these things. A work-life balance as a student is crucial and will set you up with good habits after college.”
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