ECU students map out futures at Design Dive

Dozens of design students hoping to sketch out their futures connected with industry professionals during Design Dive at the Main Campus Student Center.

The Architectural Technology Club (ATC), a student organization in the College of Engineering and Technology, put on the event for the first time with a goal of bringing the next generation of creative thinkers, makers and visionaries together with industry representatives.

Students Kristy Lessard, right, and Bryn O’Grince look through marketing materials at a display table during Design Dive.

“We created Design Dive to bridge the gap between students and professionals, to showcase collaboration across engineering and technology clubs, and to create a networking event and learning opportunities,” said Otisia Bryan, president of ECU’s ATC chapter.

The event included students from engineering and construction management as well as design majors in architecture design and mechanical design concentrations. Other technology and urban planning students as well as those in interior design also attended.

“What we hope to achieve is that Design Dive is more than just an event. It’s a platform to connect ideas, inspire cooperation and spark opportunities that extend beyond this room,” Bryan said. “We want to collaborate. We want to create a space where students, faculty and industry professionals can connect, share and learn from each other. We want to give students the opportunity to network directly with companies and showcase their creative skills and potential. We want them to grow, with trained professionals, by building confidence, communication and teamwork through real-world engagement.”

The East Group, Ark Consulting Group, Barnhill Contracting Company, Bobbitt Construction and Progressive Companies were among the civil engineering, survey, construction, design and architecture companies that attended the event. Representatives met with students to discuss career opportunities as well as paths into design fields.

Beyond ATC, student clubs participating in the event included Women in Construction and Trade, the Interior Design Student Organization and the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering.

Tables at the event included question cards that prompted students to discuss a variety of topics among each other and with industry professionals.

Evan Burns, left, a senior design student from Camden County, talks to other students and alumni during Design Dive.

“We talked about our experience at ECU and how we started out here and where we ended up,” said Evan Burns, a senior architectural design student from Camden County. “One of the bigger questions I asked the gentleman who was sitting with us was, as someone who is graduating soon, I wanted to know what he looks for in his employees. That’s really important to me as someone who is just starting out and looking for a job.”

Burns said he hoped to work for a design firm or at least get a summer internship with one. He’s also considering graduate school next fall.

“Preferably, I would want to do residential home design, custom and luxury,” he said. “That’s just a market that really appeals to me. I wouldn’t mind doing commercial design and starting out there, but definitely I would want to do residential design.”

Burns said he appreciated Design Dive and the opportunities it presented to students.

“I think this is amazing,” he said. “I know when I came here, we didn’t have anything like this, so the fact that they’re setting this up for incoming students, it’s amazing because it is important that they get their foot in, that they get to talk to companies and professionals. I definitely think that this is a great start for them, and I really hope that it continues and carries on in the years to come because this is a great opportunity for everyone involved, whether you’re a freshman or a senior.”

Bryan hopes to build on the event’s first year.

“We want this to be an annual tradition that creates partnerships and expands opportunities within the design community,” she said.