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Name: Ruth Kucklick
Age: 24
Hometown: Los Gatos, CA
Major: Industrial Design
Grad Year: 2009

Current place of employment: Reebok

Job Title: Footwear Design Intern

Q: How does this experience relate to your education at The Cleveland Institute of Art?

A: The Cleveland Institute of Art has thoroughly prepared me for this design Internship. I have a great foundation of skills that allow me to function well in a design environment. The process is the most important thing, taking an idea from a rough sketch to a refined idea. Here at Reebok they also have a similar process in creating new ideas for footwear and apparel.

Q: What do you hope to get out of this opportunity?

A:I hope to gain skills that will help me become a better designer. I have already learned so much. The one thing I’ve really observed as important is knowing we are a global economy. Although the United States is a great market to design for, you really have to think on a global scale to be an effective company like Reebok. So traveling and exposing your self to other cultures is very important.

Q: How did CIA prepare you for the job?

A: CIA prepared me in that I have a great appreciation for the process of design: thorough research, sketching, more sketching, and refinement. I was prepared before I came here knowing that you need to explore, and let go of preconceived ideas of what the solution should be. Often times what you originally think is the solution may not be the best after you’ve explored.

Q: Would you like to pursue this as a career?

A: Yes I would. Reebok is a great company and the opportunities here are tremendous for any young designer. Reebok is at a place where design is becoming more and more important. They have a true appreciation for innovation and fresh perspectives on design.