Design Conversations and Connections is a networking event similar to the career fairs. The fair will occur from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 5 in the College of Design Building.
“The Conversations and Connections Fair is intended to be a more casual networking and resourcing fair,” said Tiffany Atilano, the College of Design Career Service director. “Many employers participate but also ISU resources […] support students along the way as well, so [it is] a little broader look compared to other career fairs.”
The event facilitates connections between potential employers and students in a more informal atmosphere than typical career fairs.
“The Conversation and Connections may not get you an internship right away, but it opens up your mind to different careers and opportunities you didn’t even know existed,” Jacey Loew, a senior in architecture, said. “We have our dream jobs and future set in stone until we start building these relationships and connections that open a vast palette of new experiences or ideas.”
According to the College of Design, the design academic programs are consistently ranked the best in the nation. Events through Design Career Services like Design Conversations and Connections help employers connect with creative, talented design students and alumni.
“Students can wear whatever clothes they wear to class,” Atilano said. “They can dress how they desire, but professional attire is not highly recommended like the business or engineering career fair.”
The Design Conversations and Connections originated in October 2022 to allow students at all levels to explore career paths in the design world, meet employers and discuss internships and full-time jobs. The College of Design plans to have 31 employers attending.
“This is definitely a smaller one with an intentionally casual and fun atmosphere just to encourage participation whether your resume or portfolio is ready,” Atilano said.
Ankeny Art Center, CMBA Architects and Midwest LifeShots Photography are just a few examples of the wide variety of employers participating in the Conversation and Connections event.
“It will be interesting to be able to see all the different paths that my peers may take [and] how each person shows off their strengths to get where they want to be, and the career fair really amplifies that,” Sofía Pohl, a freshman in pre-architecture, said. “
