Sign up to be a Professional Shadow Host during RealWorld DesignWeek!
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, developed by a student for students, 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 student members with the active participation of ASID professional members, allied members and Industry Partner members. It will be launched simultaneously nationwide October 19 - 25, 2008, in every ASID chapter. ASID student members will participate in one-day shadow experiences with ASID designer members and Industry Partners. The shadow week will be book-ended by a pair of online instructional seminars—Prepare and Position—hosted by prominent guest speakers.
Prepare, scheduled for September 2008, 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
Position, which will take place in November 2008, reinforces the importance of follow up and will 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
Program Details and Downloads
Program Overview
Outcomes & Benefits
Timeline
General Participant Instructions
FAQ
Recognition and Award Programs
Chapter Expectations
Chapter Marketing Resources
Tips for Students
Tips for Practitioners
Spokesperson and Sponsors
Matt Lorenz, Allied Member ASID, winner of Bravo’s “Top Design,” is the national spokesperson for RealWorld DesignWeek. The program is sponsored by Sherwin Williams, Industry Partner of ASID, Thermador, Industry Partner of ASID, and TOTO, Industry Partner of ASID. Additionally, Metropolis magazine is our national media partner and Canfield & Tack, Inc., is the print partner.
Student members can sign up for RWDW May 17th-31st. In general terms, students will log on to a secure RealWorld DesignWeek site, browse through an online archive of shadow day opportunities using search functions by name, city or zip code and self-select their desired shadow day. The process will be much like searching for and booking a hotel room online. Shadow day selections will be first come, first served, so students should sign up early! More detailed instructions on how to sign up as a student will be sent to all ASID student members in the coming weeks as well as reminders. These instructions will also be posted here on the RealWorld DesignWeek Web site.
*If you are attending High Point this year, you can still participate in RealWorld DesignWeek as a shadow day host! Since the dates for High Point Market and RealWorld DesignWeek coincide this year, a grace period has been created to accommodate the schedules of design professionals who are attending High Point. This grace period stretches the window for RealWorld DesignWeek for a total of three weeks: October 12-31, 2008. Please still consider participating in this fantastic program by providing your guidance and expertise as a shadow day host - our student members nationwide need your support!*