HPU Students Build Professional Skills, Network at High Point Market
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May 01st, 2026

HPU Students Build Professional Skills, Network at High Point Market

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High Point University students worked alongside thousands of home furnishings professionals during the spring High Point Market, which ran from April 25-29. Tomiwa Bello, a senior finance major, worked his fifth market in the Currey and Company showroom as he prepared to start a full-time position with Morgan Stanley after graduating from HPU.

HIGH POINT, N.C., May 1, 2026 – High Point University students worked alongside thousands of home furnishings professionals during the spring High Point Market, which ran from April 25-29. Students sharpened their life skills and gained real-world experience in the home furnishings, design, merchandising and sales sectors as they handled various job responsibilities during one of the world’s largest home furnishings tradeshows.

Tomiwa Bello, a senior finance major with a minor in French, worked his fifth market in the Currey and Company showroom as he prepared to start a full-time position with Morgan Stanley after graduating from HPU. Networking with industry professionals was one of his key takeaways from his High Point Market experience.

“The biggest thing is just being able to see the opportunity in something different,” said Bello, who is from Bowie, Maryland. “Being open-minded in knowing this might not be something you’re interested in or have any roots in, but being able to explore, learn, speak to people, ask questions and be inquisitive, you’ll gain something. Having the opportunity to speak to clients from all over the world and from different backgrounds, they bring something to share with you. So just being open-minded and curious is the biggest thing I would say will open doors.”

Tyler Jung, a junior business administration major, and Maddie Losacco, a senior psychology major, worked in the Currey and Company showroom.
Tyler Jung, a junior business administration major, and Maddie Losacco, a senior psychology major, worked in the Currey and Company showroom.

Tyler Jung, a junior business administration major, improved his networking opportunities and connections as he worked in the Currey and Company showroom for his second market.

“Being able to maintain and sharpen communication skills can directly translate into any field, particularly my field of business,” said Jung, who is from Long Island, New York.

Maddie Losacco, a senior psychology major who worked in the Currey and Company showroom, said the experience improved her personal interactions. She scanned badges and directed customers.

“Just being able to talk to people, making conversation and putting yourself out there, even if you’re not super familiar with what you’re talking about, just helping people in general, whatever they need,” said Losacco, who is from Florham Park, New Jersey.

Maggi Durkan, a junior business administration major from Delray Beach, Florida, worked as a greeter and door scanner for Currey and Company.
Maggi Durkan, a junior business administration major from Delray Beach, Florida, worked as a greeter and door scanner for Currey and Company.

Maggi Durkan, a junior business administration major with minors in economics and sales, from Delray Beach, Florida, worked her fourth market as a greeter and door scanner for Currey and Company. She said she helped customers find their sales reps, built her people skills and enjoyed every minute of it.

Students Make Career Connections at Market

Gianna Greco, a junior marketing major, worked alongside other HPU students who helped manage the front desk at the Bernhardt Furniture showroom.

“I learned about customer service, meeting new people, how to talk to clients and all the professional skills related to that,” said Greco, who is from Colts Neck, New Jersey. “Working here, we also learn the organizational part of it. We check customers in and notify the salespeople in their region to make sure the sales reps are talking with the right people in their group.”

From left were HPU students who worked the front desk in the Bernhardt Furniture showroom, including Gianna Greco, a junior marketing major from Colts Neck, New Jersey; Anna Klippel, a sophomore marketing major from Rockwell, Maryland; Brooke Pleasants, a freshman interior design major from Baltimore, Maryland; Rowan Brahney, a sophomore entrepreneurship major from Monmouth County, New Jersey; and Ella Cianci, a freshman sports media and sports management double major from Lindenhurst, New York.
From left were HPU students who worked the front desk in the Bernhardt Furniture showroom, including Gianna Greco, a junior marketing major from Colts Neck, New Jersey; Anna Klippel, a sophomore marketing major from Rockwell, Maryland; Brooke Pleasants, a freshman interior design major from Baltimore, Maryland; Rowan Brahney, a sophomore entrepreneurship major from Monmouth County, New Jersey; and Ella Cianci, a freshman sports media and sports management double major from Lindenhurst, New York.

She was one of 38 HPU students who worked in the Bernhardt showroom during the High Point Market, said Crystal Chester, the company’s executive assistant.

“Because most of our managers and executives are busy working with customers or other things, they can’t be dedicated to the front desk or they can’t reach every customer who comes in, so we rely on High Point University students to do that,” Chester said.

Nikki Schreiber, a sophomore interior design major, guided customers through the showroom as she worked as a sales representative assistant for Bernhardt. She discussed the furniture products and helped buyers place orders during her fourth time working at the international furniture market.

Nikki Schreiber, a sophomore interior design major, worked as a sales representative assistant for Bernhardt.
Nikki Schreiber, a sophomore interior design major, worked as a sales representative assistant for Bernhardt.

“This has provided me with a lot of experience in the sales industry and has given me more knowledge about the sellers of furniture,” said Schreiber, who is from Middletown, New Jersey. “As an interior design major, it is very valuable to learn about all aspects of the career and how they all work together. I have loved learning about how the furniture is made and all the specifications of it. Additionally, I have learned a lot about how to sell product and how important it is to know how to work with others in a professional manner.”

In addition, she established connections with numerous design firms and industry professionals that she hopes will become lifelong relationships.

“Some may turn into jobs or career experience, but ultimately it has helped me progress my knowledge of design just by talking with people and gaining knowledge based off of their experiences and advice,” Schreiber said.

Remington Ballidis, a sophomore finance major, worked his third market at Bernhardt as a sales rep intern and now plans to pursue a sales career.
Remington Ballidis, a sophomore finance major, worked his third market at Bernhardt as a sales rep intern and now plans to pursue a sales career.

Remington Ballidis, a sophomore finance major, worked his third market at Bernhardt as a sales rep intern and now plans to pursue a sales career.

“Because you have millions of people coming in here, we represent regions,” said Ballidis, who is from Orange County, California. “Sometimes a rep just can’t get to a certain region, so that means I’m helping and taking clients around. I’ve learned your energy is the best thing you can do for your career. When people walk in, they can feel if you’re happy and if you enjoy the process. You can’t afford to have negativity.”

Anna Klippel, a sophomore marketing major from Rockwell, Maryland, worked her second market partially at Bernhardt’s front desk but also as an intern working alongside the marketing team as they met with interior designers. She said the experience taught her more about content creation and event preparation.

Giana Marielli, a senior sport management major from Staten Island, New York, worked her fourth market with Bernhardt Furniture.
Giana Marielli, a senior sport management major from Staten Island, New York, worked her fourth market with Bernhardt Furniture.

Giana Marielli, a senior sport management major, worked her fourth market with Bernhardt.

“I definitely learned hospitality skills and communication skills, talking with people from all across the country and even the world,” said Marielli, who is from Staten Island, New York. “In a sales position, building those relationships with them is really important. I was paired with two sales representatives, a husband-and-wife team from Pennsylvania, Delaware and parts of New Jersey. Because I’m from New York, I can relate to them a lot. They all love High Point. I never thought by doing this I would love this so much and want to go into this business, but the internship may have redirected my track and may be something I want to get into.”

Julia Patirri, a sophomore accounting major, worked for Bernhardt as a sales assistant.
Julia Patiri, a sophomore accounting major, worked for Bernhardt as a sales assistant.

Julia Patiri, a sophomore accounting major, worked for Bernhardt as a sales assistant.

“I learned to work with a team and to work collaboratively,” said Patiri, who is from Long Island, New York. “I also learned a lot about sales. It’s important to make yourself available for different opportunities. My sales reps tell me they would love help with their Instagram, so I’ve been taking videos for them, posting it on their Instagram and using my skills to help them.”

Kayleigh Lennon, a freshman interior design major, greeted customers, scanned their badges and connected them with their sales representatives at the Wildwood Home showroom.
Kayleigh Lennon, a freshman interior design major, greeted customers, scanned their badges and connected them with their sales representatives at the Wildwood Home showroom.

Kayleigh Lennon, a freshman interior design major, greeted customers, scanned their badges and connected them with their sales representatives at the Wildwood Home showroom. It was her second time working at the High Point Market, where she previously assisted Visual Comfort customers at the October 2025 market.

“I am getting to learn how to converse with strangers and be a welcoming but also helpful greeter,” said Lennon, who is from Richmond, Virginia. “I believe it will help me in the future because I could end up meeting someone I could intern for or possibly end up working for after I graduate.”

Sofina Perez, a freshman interior design major, worked at High Point Market for the first time in the Wildwood showroom.

“I have worked for companies before but never specifically with interior design companies,” said Perez, who is from Holmdel, New Jersey. “I think the business dynamic with interior designers is different than other businesses like sales and manufacturing. The designers are closeknit, and I think the people are comfortable with each other. It’s more of the creative side with interior designers, you get to see them showcase their styles in their outfits, shoes and bags.”