On the morning of October 19th, fifteen students and professors from the University of Cincinnati and Miami University were able to join us for a Firm Field Day around Cincinnati. The students started the event off by going on tours of three local downtown firms: GBBN, RJE Business Interiors and Champlin Architecture. They were able to spend time at each firm seeing what a day in the life of a designer in the industry looks like, as well as having the chance to ask Senior Designers and Principles at the firms any & all questions!
The day then led into a lunch at Champlin (provided by Dan Binford & Associates) and a roundtable discussion with three leading local figures in the industry. Michelle VonderBrink of Champlin, facilitated a conversation with Jamie Cornelius of ChangeUp; Vicki Wiesman of Kroger; and Carrie Malatesta of SHP on what they were looking for in graduates coming into the industry. Students were able to hear first-hand on what they need to be prepared for when starting their career coming out of school, and what they should be doing even now while in school. The students then had an opportunity to ask questions that they had on what personal things could they focus on to get a head start on their careers.
The day wrapped with the attendees having a chance to walk around and talk with local manufacturer representatives for multiple companies. The attendees were able to stop in booths assembled by the reps to see their featured products, as well as have conversations focused on the importance of the materials and what designers are looking for & what issues they are trying to solve.
The students had a great afternoon of learning and networking. They all left with insider knowledge of what employers are searching for when they graduate in the near future!
We look forward to planning more events for you in 2023! If you have any additional feedback, suggestions, or are interested in joining our IIDA Cincinnati/Dayton Board, don't hesitate to reach out to iida.cindaydirector@gmail.com.
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