There are no standard promotional steps or set career path in interior design, as there are in many other occupational fields. Your first five years after entering the workforce is all about gaining experience, developing a strong portfolio, client base and supplier base. During this time, you will grow into your own unique style of designing, which may give you some idea as to which particular area of interior design best suits your abilities and passions.
In design, you have to make your own career in terms of success. You will need to have initiative, ambition, motivation, dedication, and an individual style. To better your chances of success, you need to continue your professional development; building up your portfolio with a variety of projects, utilising marketing and networking opportunities, and developing a strong reputation for yourself among clients. Overseas interior design is well developed particularly in the UK and Europe. A stint working internationally will do no harm to your resume.
As an interior designer, you can find employment in a range of areas. Popular markets include design studios, departments of large stores or businesses, manufacturing firms, or design firms.
Interior designers may teach in schools, universities or other educational institutions, while some are employed by magazines on home furnishings and interior design. You may decide to branch out and open your own business, or simply opt for self-employment, and work on a freelance or contract basis.
Other employers that can utilise your design experience and skills include shopping centre corporations, building industry suppliers, furniture manufacturers, exhibition design providers, and employers working on film, TV or stage set design. You could find a vocation representing suppliers of products such as fabrics, office partitions or furniture or form a working alliance with real estate agents. The sky’s the limit.
To read more about being an Interior Designer go to www.careernav.com.au/career-finder/profiles/interior-designer