2018 CIWEA Employer of the Year Awardee
Award Description:
Each year the California Internship & Work Experience Association (CIWEA) recognizes employers and colleges/universities which provide exemplary internship or work experience programs. CIWEA does this to highlight best practices and to encourage organizations to continue offering resources and opportunities for student success.
Award Criteria:
- Has the employer made a long-term commitment to internships?
- Does the employer make a deliberate effort to invest time and resources to support the internship?
- Does the employer support students by providing pay, flexible schedules, or a high level of hiring?
- Is the intern given a progression of responsibilities in the learning experience?
- Does the employer sit on advisory committees or otherwise provide quality improvement to other feedback to the school?
Arcel Punsalang, Principal – Lead Designer, ArcelDesgin, Inc.
ArcelDesign, Inc. offers a complete range of interior design services. As a Certified Interior Designer working in both commercial and residential design, founder Arcel Punsalang provides students with exposure to a vast array of projects.
Under Arcel's direction, students have worked on private residences, historic properties, medical offices, and even a bakery. They have applied classroom learning to perfect their skills in CAD, Revit, Photoshop and Illustrator, learned how to apply civil codes, and communicate persuasively with clients.
As a Mt. SAC alumnus, Arcel personifies what it means to give back. Never hesitant to answer the call, Arcel has contributed his student work to our marketing brochure, served as a Studio Project Design Mentor, and has served on our Interior Design Advisory Board for the past six years helping to guide program curriculum and expenditures to ensure that students are provided with state of the art instruction. In addition to participating in our Work Experience program, Arcel has provided many students with their first professional position upon completing their degree or certificate. As an International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Liaison, Arcel has provided students with opportunities to connect with industry leaders and participate in design competitions. Arcel has also lent his talents to redesign Mt. SAC's historic Founder's Hall which houses the President's Office and serves as a central meeting place for the entire campus community.
