SADDLEBACK COLLEGE INTERIOR DESIGN CLUB

Let’s start by defining “Networking”. We can define it by saying that it is the act or process of informally sharing information and support, especially among members of a professional group. According to “The Networking Book” by Jessica Lipnack and Jeffrey Stamps, “Networking is people connecting with people, linking ideas and resources”. In other words, networking is about utilizing your personal and professional contacts to help achieve goals.

As ASID Student members, there are plenty of opportunities available to us that many are not taking advantage of. Let’s make our membership worthwhile.

The organization is constantly working on developing events throughout the entire year. Student career day, The Annual Trade Show and monthly meetings are just a few of the activities held by your local chapters in which they offer a variety of speakers covering interesting topics, a great opportunity to get to know your future peers and mainly a way to stay connected with your chapter and the industry.

I strongly believe that we as students have the need to engage with our industry on an early stage while we are in process to accomplish our school projects and learn how to access the multiple resources that the interior design industry can offer to us.

When trying to connect with people, try to find areas of common interest – issues, ideas or activities that you share. Effective networking is not a “one-shot deal”. You may think by attending one single event, you would quickly find what you are looking for. The truth is that networking requires establishing a long–term relationship with people. I always keep in mind the advise offered by one of my business instructors. He said that a good technique is to identify three to five potential individuals and remember their names, what they do and who they are. Don’t try to connect with twenty people that at the end of an event, you can’t remember who they are.

My personal experience using this technique has been highly gratifying. Remember that those two or three people that you have selected must be documented on your files right after that event. Follow up on what you have discussed; this gives you the opportunity for an email, a thank you note or to have a telephone conversation.

I decided to become very active in the ASID Orange County Chapter almost a year ago by volunteering at several events like our Gala Celebration and the Annual ASID Orange County Trade Show. By attending several conferences like Intersect West in Las Vegas last February, Universal Design in Anaheim, California, Interiors 2007 in San Francisco, NeoCon in Chicago last June, and recently multiple events offered by other organizations.

It has been almost a year since I volunteered at my first event and I can say that every single opportunity has provided valuable information and a rewarded experience. It is because of these activities that I was able to get to know many professionals in the industry and have begun discovering the answers to the multitude of questions I have had about the Interior Design industry. These answers have helped me figure out what I want and where I would like to be as a designer. We all have great instructors and follow our academic programs at our schools, but the truth is that there is much to discover in the space between school and the real world. Perhaps our expectations are not realistic. In order to find out what is happening on the other side of the street, we need to be involved, and we need to establish this early connection with our industry. If you do this, I can assure you that your efforts will be well rewarded. We had chosen a profession that change by the minute, where inspiration along with technology plays an important role in the continuous development of our skills. 

While networking at events you need always to communicate well and be honest.

Do not say you would like to conduct an informal interview if you are actually trying to get a job offer from the meeting. Your honesty will result in people being more willing to assist you.

It is extremely important how we project ourselves to others, how efficient is our communication skills? How is our body language? - Remember, people are formulating ideas about us in the first three minutes they see us, before we even say a word. Perhaps most importantly, we should present ourselves as we truly are; without extra layers or pretending being something we are not. Our actions should reflect exactly what our intentions are.

Take in consideration, that there will always be someone who likes us more than the rest. By that I mean that no matter how professional we are, or how charming we can be, chances are that there will always be someone who enjoys our company, others will tolerate us.

Networking is a two way street. So, if someone has assisted you, make it a priority to help that individual down the road. However, do not expect something from someone just because you helped them in the past. Sometimes that person may not be in the position to help you. However, personally I believe that if you help someone out of the goodness of your heart, it is the “order of the universe” that someone will help you one day. And remember, it has been said, that it is better to give than to receive.

On my own personal experience, I am very thankful to ASID for multiple reasons. It has been almost a year since I decided to “market myself”. Yes, it is exactly like that. I use these words because they define what I have tried to accomplish at ASID for the last twelve months. Volunteering at events, traveling to many conferences and getting

involved with the industry have increased my ability to communicate professionally and have developed my knowledge.

Being active in our chapter demands an amount of commitment and responsibility, but it also creates the opportunity to be part of many projects and activities, and by doing that I have developed my leadership skills, my ability to create teamwork and most importantly the confidence to do the job.

ASID has been so valuable to my personal growth because I have met many friends and have created a relationship with students from all over the United States and overseas as well as many distinguished professionals.

It has been my fortune to get to know several of our leaders at ASID, and each of these people had something positive to share with me. They remember when they were students and recognize that we are so passionate and enthusiastic about our profession. Suzan Globus, National President of ASID has been a mentor to me; she is a person that I deeply enjoy listening to. Her professionalism and dedication to our organization speaks for itself. Suzan is very devoted in her endeavor to develop students toward their future design careers.

David Rance, ASID Orange County Chapter President, who couldn’t be more helpful to work with because of his, continues guidance and positive advice.

Very few of us have gotten where we are in our careers without someone’s assistance. Honestly, we must admit that knowing the right person may help us get the job or client we need to succeed. Remember our career advancement is based not only on our credentials and hard work; but also on our personal contacts.

Finally, I believe in saying “Thank You”. I believe in acknowledging people for their actions, I believe in follow-ups, I believe in keeping an open and active communication lines with your clients, your vendors, your peers, your friends and your organization. But I also believe in giving back to my school, to my community, to my chapter.

I have been attending Saddleback Interior Design program for the last three years. I am expecting to graduate this coming December, and currently am the president of our school chapter. I am actively involved in several projects with other students who share the same vision, the same passion and the same needs of our profession. My commitment and strong devotion to my school chapter are my way of saying “THANK YOU”.