Getting Interior Design Job Experience

As with most other professions, new interior designers have to work their way up the proverbial food chain. Since qualifying for NCIDQ certification requires supervised experience in the field, your first interior design job will likely involve assisting more experienced designers with tasks related to their projects.

While you may be itching to get your hands on more challenging interior design tasks, an internship or apprenticeship will help you transition smoothly from school to the workplace. The Interior Design Experience Program (IDEP) is a program designed specifically to help you get your first interior design job experience.

IDEP is an NCIDQ-run program that helps you structure and document your work experience. While IDEP will not find an interior design job for you, they will help ensure that your work experience is balanced and prepares you for your future in an interior design career. During your participation in the program, you will form networking relationships with a supervisor and a mentor, both of whom are NCIDQ certified.

A few jurisdictions require participation in IDEP. Check with your state board or provincial association to find out if this will apply to you. Some employers may also ask that you enroll in IDEP.

Your portfolio should showcase your creativity, interior design ability and diversity in the work that you've done. When you're looking for an interior design job, prospective employers may also be looking for examples of your problem solving and organizational skills. While your school work should help you fill out your portfolio to start, internships can also provide great opportunities to diversify your interior design portfolio and keep it updated.

So how do you find interior design jobs and internships? Learning how to network is essential. You have to know the right people—or know someone who knows the right people. If you're a student or recent graduate, find out if your school has a career services/placement program and take advantage of it.

Joining associations such as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) can also help you make the right connections you'll need to find an interior design job. They have student chapters in addition to chapters for practicing interior designers.

Contact design firms in your area to see if they are willing to sponsor an internship. You can also attend industry events, where you can meet others in the interior design career field. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door.

Next Step: Getting Your NCIDQ Certification