Every career starts with basic education such as attending High School. An educational foundation for the student to build upon. Although, unlike other careers, Interior Design is not frequently offered at the high school level. Thus, the foundation for it starts at the college level, or from prior exposure to it. For Interior Design, it is required to have a Bachelor’s Degree, and certification in the field, which is more advance than being a interior decorator. The higher the degree they have in Interior Designing the higher the pay. Once they find what field they want to specialize in such as Contract Interior Design, Residential Interior Design, Healthcare Interior Design, and etc, they can mold themselves in that area. Each field has their own special set of skills. Interior Designers usually work at a firm or start their own business. To get the highest paying job is by working at the Federal Government, Specialized Design Firms, or Elite Interior Designers.
Career Opportunities & Development Training
Development Planning
As a freshmen, I developed a interest and passion in the Interior Design field. As a sophomore, I strategized and came up with plan by taking as many art classes and compete in art competitions. I also took business classes because Interior designers need learn the business aspect in their field. As a junior, I applied for internships over the summer and worked as an intern for two firms. As a senior, I am currently applying for Interior Design colleges and programs. After college, I would like to work small firm so I can get exposed to different areas. This will help me understand and know which field of interior design I want to specialize in. Few years later, after understanding how the interior design business works and having work experience, I would like to start and open up my business.
Job Shadowing, Internships, & Community Service Project
As a high school, I have done some internships at:
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Three Little Dogs
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Outrageous Interiors
I did my job shadowing at Home Depot. The interior designer, Jennifer Matthews, help understand how to help out customers with choices of paint, understanding the difference between wood, and etc.
Community Service Project I did was working in Habitat for Humanity. Working on building houses helped me understand inside structures of the house. I started of volunteering then I started a fundraiser to help out habitat for humanity.
To extend my knowledge, I would like to intern or work at these following firms that interest me:
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Gensler: Commercial Interior Designer
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Perkins + Will: Commercial & Corporate Interior Designer
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Callison: Landscape Student Intern
