College to Career Program

The College of Design sponsors a variety of professional development and career networking activities for both undergraduate and graduate students. These events and activities give students an opportunity to make professional connections, explore career and internship options, and see theory in practice. The experiences support classroom learning and encourage students to take a proactive approach to designing their professional futures.

Contact Lucy Reile, College to Career Coordinator, for information on events. All events are cosponsored by the Design Student and Alumni Board.  

Spring 2012 events:

Interior Design Panel and Discussion with Professionals
Friday, April 13th
11:45 am - 1:30 pm
22 McNeal Hall

Join us for the upcoming networking event with interior designers!   This free event is an opportunity for all undergraduate interior design students to meet experienced interior designers (as well as an architect and HR contact) and hear their advice and suggestions about working in the industry.  Students will hear from the professionals in a panel format and then break out into small groups to discuss advice and feedback on your resume or work. Lunch is provided!

Professionals:
Mike Meehan, BWBR
Traci Lesneski, MS&R Architects, Ltd
Joyce Stupnik, BDH+Young
Kristin Erdman, RSP
Michele Espeland, Cuningham Group 

Agenda:

11:45 am – Check-in and Lunch

12:00-12:15 pm: Introductions from professionals

12:15-12:45: The panel will discuss the following along with questions from students:

·         interview process

·         portfolio expectations

·         presentation skills

·         how to close an interview

12:45-1:30: Students may bring resumes/work samples/portfolios for individual or small group review by guest speakers. 

REGISTER HERE: http://z.umn.edu/idesnetworking

If you have suggestions of what type of events you want to see, contact the representative for your major on our Design Student and Alumni Board. Click here for a list of members who you can contact.

Earlier Spring 2012 events:

Tour at CoCo Minneapolis, a collaborative workspace
Friday, January 20th, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
View pictures from the tour

Landscape Architecture Branding Workshop
Wednesday, February 15th, 6:30-8:00 pm

Best Pitch: Selling your ideas with style
Wednesday, February 29th, 7:00-9:00 pm
33 McNeal Hall

Graphic design professionals shared their best pitch-making stories and techniques at our first event showcasing the variety of ways the designers pitch their own work and project ideas for maximum impact.

2012 Pitch-Makers:

• Rett Martin, Creative Director, Clockwork
• Jane Tilka, Founder, Tilka Design
• Jes Lahay, Director of Creative Content, LaBreche
• Darryl Kluskowski, Chief Creative Officer at YAMAMOTO

Housing Studies Career Panel
Wednesday, March 21st, 5:30-7:00 pm
22 McNeal Hall

Students had the opportunity to hear from alumni about different types of jobs they started right out of college, what they do now, and advice on what to do during college to further your career. Co-sponsored with HOUS (Housing Organization for University Students)

Retail and Design Trend Panel
Wednesday, March 21st, 6:00-7:30 pm
33 McNeal Hall

The Retail and Design Trend Panel featured a wide variety of experts who work with trends in many different areas including apparel, products, stores, and home. 

Michelle Lamb, Editorial Director, The Trend Curve
Jennifer Hartley, Retail Marketing Trends, Mall of America
Bridget Burke, Bridget Burke Consulting, LLC

Architecture Networking and Portfolio Event
Thursday, March 22nd, 6:00-8:30 pm
Rapson Hall Courtyard

Architecture students met with professionals, 20 different firms represented, and asked questions from a variety of experienced architects. 

Apparel Design Speed Networking
Wednesday, March 28th, 6:00-7:30 pm
22 McNeal Hall

Students moved around the room and had short, individual conversations with apparel professionals

Fall 2011 events:

Housing Studies Alumni Gathering
Wednesday, October 5th
5:00-7:00 p.m.

50th and France Boutique Tour, Retail Merchandising
Friday, November 11th
9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Visited two local boutiques in the 50th and France area of the city: Hot Mama and Drama.

Interior Design Revit Workshop
Saturday, November 19th
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
33 Rapson Hall, computer lab

Opened to Interior Design seniors who are interested in learning more about using Revit.

Apparel Design Movie Night -Schmatta: Rags To Riches To Rags
Monday, November 28th
6:00-8:00 p.m.
33 McNeal Hall

Dirty Laundry
Thursday, December 1st
7:00 p.m.
Ryan Carlson and Brent Gale, co-owners and designers at Twin Six, an alternative cycling apparel company
Geoffrey Warner, AIA, founder of Alchemy Architects and the weeHouse

Graphic Design Studio Tour
Friday, December 9th
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Visit Target Corporation's product, design, and development studio and Sussner Design Company

Related Links

College of Design Programs

Design in 7
Dirty Laundry
Mentor Program
Past College to Career Programs

CDes Student Organizations

Career and Internship Services

Professional Development Funds

Professional Organizations and Associations