HPU graduates are leading prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier law, medical and graduate school programs, and many other esteemed organizations thanks to their journey at HPU. Here’s a glimpse of one extraordinary senior from the Class of 2022:
Name: Anna Lomax
Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina
Major: Interior design with a minor in visual merchandising
Post-graduation plans: Lomax accepted a position with Nehmer and HVS Design as a designer, where she will be providing interior design concepts and plans for various hospitality projects across the country. She will specifically be working with Marriott and Hilton hotels, using AutoCAD and Revit software programs to produce floor plans and renderings, develop construction documentation for renovations and new builds, and choose sustainable furniture, fixtures and equipment for various spaces.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU provided me the essential life skills that will help me succeed in the professional world. The Interior Design Program’s rigorous coursework challenged me to go beyond my comfort zone and further develop my skills, and my professors taught me the most prevalent standards that have successfully prepared me for today’s design industry. Additionally, attending college in the city considered “the furniture capital of the world,” provided me with opportunities to get involved with the High Point Market and International Interior Design Association chapter events. Through these experiences, I networked with various industry professionals and expanded my knowledge of the many facets of design. HPU also helped me discover my career path of working as a commercial interior designer. I consistently used the Office of Career and Professional Development to review and improve my resume each year as I gained new experiences and achievements. During my junior year, I attended seminars to gain information on internships and the application process. Finally, last semester when I was applying to full-time jobs, I visited my career advisor to learn how to tailor my cover letter and resume for each individual company. Prior to this, I never knew that a resume and cover letter had to be tailored specifically for each job application and now I can take this information with me.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU was Cathy Nowicki, assistant professor of home furnishings and interior design. She always encourages students to challenge themselves and look at different viewpoints when working on projects. She is a personable and knowledgeable professor who can offer many resources for projects, design organizations and career paths as she knows exactly how the design industry works. I have talked with her for hours about different ways I could further develop my designs. She encouraged me to find unique ways to showcase my talents beyond project expectations as a way to promote a growth mindset. I have been taught by her in several courses where she inspired me to want to go into the retail and hospitality sector of the design industry. After my study abroad trip to Italy was canceled due to COVID, she generously created a project for me and another student outside of the intended curriculum. I applied my skills and knowledge from both my major and minor to put towards designing my first retail store. To this day, that project is my favorite, and I am very appreciative of everything Ms. Nowicki has done and for our relationship.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU happened very recently when I found out that I was unanimously nominated by the faculty of the School of Arts and Design to receive the 2022 Haverty Cup Award. When I got the news that I was selected as an outstanding senior, I was overjoyed. This was unexpected and proved that all my hard work and devotion toward school and my future career was noticed. I am extremely grateful that I was selected by professors who have watched me grow into a professional designer. This honor taught me that others notice your dedication and commitment is never overlooked, even if it sometimes seems like it.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “HPU’s inspiring campus motivated me to become the best version of myself possible and to work hard to achieve my goals. Looking at the beautiful campus every day and enjoying luxurious amenities inspired me to want to be successful. It has made me appreciate the path I have chosen in life.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “HPU helped me find my own path by providing me with hands-on opportunities throughout my four years. I engaged with industry professionals as well as staff, professors and students that have different perspectives on life and different experiences. Through HPU President Dr. Nido Qubein’s First-Year Seminar on Life Skills, I learned that to be successful, you must embrace those who surround you and learn from others. Another skill HPU helped me develop is the ability to make long-lasting relationships and explore new opportunities outside of my comfort zone. These life skills helped me secure a job in my field post-graduation.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “The two values that HPU helped me develop are personal initiative and being extraordinary. I learned to push myself, challenge myself, try new things, and to go above and beyond my limits. I will continue to embrace these values in my field and everyday life.”
Advice for underclassmen: “It is important to learn how to ‘work hard, play hard’ to avoid burnout. I enjoy being busy because it strengthens my time management skills and motivates me to be more driven with school work. However, it is just as important to find things you enjoy and to decompress from the stresses in life. Explore new opportunities and get involved with different activities and hobbies you are passionate about. Creating a balanced life is essential to finding out who you are as a person and allows you to discover the strengths that will help you stand out amongst others in your industry.”
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