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IIDA’s newly-appointed Student Engagement Manager, Melissa Cook has always had a passion for people. From volunteering in her community, to majoring in Communication and Non-Profit Management at Auburn University, and her previous role as the Communications Coordinator at IIDA HQ, she has always been drawn to finding new ways to connect with others on and offline. In this new chapter, she’s eager to get to know the IIDA Student members, really listen to their wants and needs, and create a space where they feel empowered to ask questions, learn, and grow—ultimately becoming the best designers and leaders they can be.
Tell us a bit about where you come from. In what ways has your background prepared you and how will it inform your new role at IIDA?
I graduated college with an array of majors listed on my diploma, but I found myself drawn to communications, marketing, and social media in my post-grad career. Social media is all about creating community and connecting people, in-person and digitally. I truly don’t think there is anything more important than connecting and finding your people, and that’s what I plan to focus on in this new role—bringing students together with their peers, connecting them with educators, mentors, and potential hiring managers across the globe. Creating a space where they feel empowered to ask questions, learn, grow, and become the best designers and leaders they can be.
Can you talk about the benefits of IIDA Student membership and what makes it an important experience during one’s academic career?
Being able to join a community of designers and architects from across the globe, with a variety of backgrounds, specialties, and interests, and having the opportunity to connect, work with and learn from them—all while still being in school—is invaluable. IIDA Student members gain insight on what it truly means to have a career as a designer. It is through programs like the IIDA Student Mentoring Program, student-focused events, and conferences that student members have the opportunity to meet with professional and industry members, get their foot in the door at networking events, and graduate with usable knowledge, hands-on experience, and connections in the industry.
