The Human Side of Career Growth: Lou Ecken Kidd on Connection, Change, and Self-Management

Interviewee: Lou Ecken Kidd

Interviewer: Arpit Malhotra

This conversation explores how career development in architecture and design has evolved at the University of Michigan, through a decade of guiding students and alumni.

We’ll discuss changing employment patterns, the unique challenges of creative disciplines, and the role of empathy and balance in supporting student futures.

Youtube Shorts

Interview conducted and recorded in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on November 6th, 2025.

About the Guest

Lou Ecken Kidd is the Director of Career and Professional Development at Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan. In this role, she leads strategic initiatives to support students and alumni in navigating their career trajectories, working closely with employers, organizing career fairs and networking events, and shepherding curriculum-embedded career competencies.

She holds a Bachelor of Science from Alma College and dual master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Health from the University of Michigan. Before her current role, she served as Career Services Coordinator and Director of Alumni Engagement at Alma College.

Lou emphasizes intentional career development grounded in self-awareness, skill-building, and meaningful connections. She encourages students to reflect on what they value, consider how they want to live, and make decisions aligned with both who they are and where they want to go.