Organizations

IIDA | International Interior Design Association

IIDA Student membership caters to interior design or architecture students keen on enhancing their professional growth and broadening their industry connections. Members gain entry to outstanding educational resources and avenues for professional development. They can engage in design competitions, avail scholarship opportunities, take on leadership roles on campus and within the local chapter, and receive recognition through awards. Additionally, members enjoy access to publications and research that provide industry insights, innovative designs, and updates on news and events. https://iida.org

 

ASID | American Society of Interior Designers

ASID is offered to Interior design student members who are able to enjoy various benefits, including access to educational resources, networking opportunities, participation in design competitions, and internship/job listings. Professional development is fostered through workshops, conferences, and events, and scholarship programs provide financial support. Members also engage in industry advocacy and enjoy exclusive discounts. ASID Student Members

NEWH | The Hospitality Industry network

NEWH, the Network of Executive Women in Hospitality, offers various benefits to its student members as well. While specific offerings may vary, typical benefits for NEWH student members include access to networking events, mentorship opportunities, educational resources, and industry-specific scholarships. Students can connect with professionals in the hospitality industry, gain insights into career paths, and access valuable resources to support their academic and professional growth. NEWH often provides a platform for students to engage with industry leaders, fostering a community that encourages learning and career development. It’s advisable to check with the NEWH chapter or the organization directly for the most up-to-date and specific information regarding benefits for student members.https://newh.org

 

 

Graphic Design Society of Creative Excellence

This is a group of outstanding graphic design and design studies students, including scholarship winners, who are invited to join by faculty. Applicants submit current work in a competitive portfolio examination, usually held in mid-February. Membership in this group represents the best students from all levels of Graphic Design.

Design Focus

Design Focus is open to any students interested in graphic design. The organization promotes excellence in design education through on-campus speakers from the professional design community, special events and service projects. Design Focus subsidizes student fees for design conferences and competitions.

Other Graphic Design Professional Associations

Graphic Design holds close associations with local, regional and national professional organizations. These include the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the Dallas Society of Visual Communication (DSVC) — the largest art directors’ club in the nation, the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), the Fort Worth Creative Co-op, the Creative Circles Conference, the Texas State Creative Summit and other groups.

DSVC offers a discounted student membership, covering free admission to monthly meetings, informational mailings and collateral material, access to internship and job placement services and more. DSVC also sponsors a national student design conference each spring. This event includes a student competition, prominent speakers from all over the world and valuable portfolio workshops. While participants come from all over, the conference is a mere 30 miles from TCU, making it accessible and affordable.

The AAF offers an annual student competition with opportunities from local, regional and national levels.

The Creative Summit is a major regional student design conference and competition held at Texas State University.

Students regularly participate in DSVC monthly meetings and annual competitions such as the AAF Fort Worth Annual Student Design Competition, Graphis New Talent Annual International Competition and other professionally-relevant events.