Starting Career in Interior Design
The touch of a professional can make all the difference in designing a home. Regardless of the size, shape, and location of a home, having the help of an interior designer can pull off a cohesive look into the house, representative of the owner, their family, and their lifestyle. What more could a homeowner want?
If you have a love for styling and design, this might be the right career choice for you. Have you always loved rearranging your bedroom? Maybe your pinterest is filled with multiple boards of design inspiration you can’t wait to apply to your own space. Interior design skills are crucial in creating tailored spaces that enhance living and work locations.
A career in interior design begins in college. Though technically a degree isn’t necessary, having the education and experience from school is very helpful. Future employers are also pretty keen on knowing their potential hire has up to date knowledge of the industry and trends. If college isn’t the right fit for you (it isn’t for everyone) there are certification programs available which are accredited by the Certified Interior Decorators and Interior Design Society professional organizations.
Often, college career centers will encourage students to reach out to professionals in their chosen field in order to get a feel for what that career might entail. It’s a fantastic suggestion, especially for this industry because it can rely on networking heavily. A mentor will be able to help you build your skills, clientele, and encourage you to work with your strengths. They can even help you identify what your strengths as a designer or decorator happen to be.
One of the best ways to begin your career is to find entry-level jobs or portfolio building opportunities. Home stores and decor retail shops such as Pottery Barn, Z Gallerie and more are a great place to start. Working for local professionals is another avenue to try out. You’ll create and cultivate relationships with professionals who may just be contacts for your business in the future. You’ll never know what kinds of opportunities networking and connections can help you find.
The occupational outlook suggests that it might be a tough time to become an interior designer or decorator. From 2008 to 2018, the employment rate of interior designers increased about 19 percent. However, in 2016-2026, the projected outlook for employment rates for this profession is a little different, expected to grow only four percent. Fortunately, there are a lot of cities great for interior designers, suggested by professionals themselves and social media users.
Choosing the right location to begin your career is crucial because word of mouth spreads. If you begin creating your network in the right city, you’ll have so many opportunities to build relationships, create a client base, and develop a professional reputation.
Featured Image Source: Pixabay
