Designing futures

Day two of the Internship & Placement week 2008 was a flurry of activity as students geared up to impress as many as five different interviewers from top design firms from the region. The interviewers included Mr. Rami Yousouf, M/s Architeriors, Mr. Vijay Anand, SMD Interiors, Mr. Sen, ECD Design, Ms. Colleen Cocotos, Sr. Executive Planning & Marketing, ERCO Lighting Pte. Ltd. and Mr. Zafar Ali, Scientechnic, Agents for Siemens AG.

Mr. Rami Yousouf of M/s Architeriors scrutinizes a student's work. Photo: Karen Ann Monsy

Mr. Rami Yousouf, it must be noted, has been facilitated by the Department for his contribution to the interior design of the Manipal University, Dubai Campus. He was quoted as saying the association made one feel "just like family now." He admitted he was quite pleased with the turnout in the students work and that the possibility of taking in students would be high over the next couple of months. Although they showed much potential, there was also a lot of room for improvement.

Mr. Vijay Anand, SMD Interiors shares his ideas. Photo: Karen Ann Monsy

After viewing some of the students' work, he has also been able to gauge the level of expertise he's looking at. "The students have only a very basic level of 3D and their work in Photoshop is also fine." As far as shortlisting students for positions in his firm is concerned however, Mr. Vijay Anand is clear on what he wants. "First and foremost, the students need to be energetic. Secondly, they should possess knowledge of design language. There are things that a student must know as he enters the field: they ought to know materials, lighting, how to present to a client and also the process of design in offices (at least in theory). Attitude is extremely important."

Mr. Sen of ECD Design interviews a prospective candidate along with his assistant. Photo: Karen Ann Monsy

Colleen Cocatoos and Zafar Ali from ERCO Lighting listens intently as a student draws attention to detail. Photo: Karen Ann Monsy

The common observation this day was of the strong level of confidence exuded by the students as they calmly attended one interview after the other. With two more days left for this placement initiative, the students can expect to prepare even more as more organizations consent to the campus interviews.