Real World Design Week 2008

RealWorld DesignWeek is a comprehensive, national program focused on career development, offering both classroom and hands-on learning experiences to introduce students to the real world of interior design. The program is designed to educate future leaders of the industry and provide them with experiences that will help them embrace the professional practices, ethics and skill sets necessary to secure a prestigious and respected position in interior design. RealWorld DesignWeek exists exclusively for ASID members. During RealWorld DesignWeek, ASID student members will participate in one-day shadow experiences with ASID professional and allied members, as well as industry partner representatives on the site of their work locations. RealWorld DesignWeek will be book-ended by a pair of online instructional seminars—Prepare and Position—hosted by prominent guest speakers. On the front end, Prepare educates students on various aspects of professionalism including * Composition of a professional introductory business letter * Construction of a cover letter and resume * Proper business etiquette and attire * Correct use of digital communication On the back end, Position reinforces the importance of follow up to address * Continued business etiquette such as hand-written thank you notes * How to maintain contacts * How to expand experience into possible internship or job placement * How to use experience as a stepping-stone to future career RealWorld DesignWeek will be launched simultaneously nationwide in every ASID chapter, October 19 – 25, 2008. Prepare will take place online in September 2008. Position will take place online in November 2008. A celebrity interior designer, Matt Lorenz, Allied Member ASID, winner of Bravo’s “Top Design,” is the national spokesperson for RealWorld DesignWeek and will endorse both the program and ASID membership on a national level. The program is sponsored by Sherwin Williams, Industry Partner of ASID, and Thermador, Industry Partner of ASID. Additionally, Metropolis magazine serves as a national media partner and Canfield & Tack, Inc., as a print partner. More information here.