Interior Decorating Internships: Requirements and How to Find Them

Landing an interior decorating internship is a crucial step for aspiring designers. It bridges the gap between academic knowledge and the practical demands of the profession. Internships offer invaluable real-world experience, mentorship from seasoned professionals, and a potential pathway to full-time employment after graduation.

The Purpose of Interior Design Internships

The primary goal of an interior design internship is to provide an opportunity to work in a professional setting under the guidance of experienced design professionals. These internships are designed to help students gain real-world experience and can be either paid or unpaid.

Types of Interior Design Internships

Internships in interior design are available through a variety of companies, with the most common types being:

Design houses
Design firms
Specialty design centers
Textile and furniture designers

Finding an Internship

Securing an internship requires a proactive approach. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Consult Your Faculty Advisor: Meet with your faculty advisor to discuss potential internship locations that align with your professional goals. Faculty advisors can provide valuable insights and guidance based on your specific interests and career aspirations. Note that faculty advisors may not be available during the summer.
Career Services: Schedule a meeting with a career counselor in Career and Internship Services. They can offer resources and support in your internship search.
Review Resources: Carefully review both the Internship Checklist and the Internship Contract & Course Access Instructions.
Complete the Internship Contract: After meeting with your faculty advisor and internship site supervisor to finalize the arrangements, complete the internship contract (or "internship experience agreement") and the enrollment portion of your internship.
Deadlines:
- Fall and Spring Internships: Contact your faculty advisor no later than the second week of the semester for approval.
- Summer Internships: Contact your faculty advisor no later than May 1 for proposal approval. The interior design program director can approve proposals submitted over the summer.
Internship Experience Agreement: Complete the Internship Experience Agreement via your Handshake account. The agreement must be fully completed, including signatures from your faculty advisor and site supervisor, before you begin your internship hours.
Enrollment: Enroll in IDes 4196, ensuring that you select the section assigned to your faculty advisor.

Internship Requirements

Successful completion of an interior design internship typically involves the following components:

Activity Log: Maintain a detailed record of your activities and tasks. You can use the provided IDes 4196: Internship Weekly Activity/Task Log or one provided by your firm.
Performance Evaluation: Utilize the Performance Evaluation By Site Supervisor as a guide for discussions with your supervisor.

Balancing Internship with School

Some students can balance internships with classes during the school year, while others prefer to focus on internships during the summer months. If your internship program offers credit hours, it may be more manageable to pursue during the school year.

Making the Most of Your Internship

To maximize the benefits of your interior design internship:

Treat it like a real job: Take the experience seriously, honor your commitments, and be reliable.
Be a problem solver: Apply your knowledge and skills to find solutions and contribute to the team.
Research your desired career path: Familiarize yourself with the requirements for the type of job you want after graduation.
Maintain a positive attitude: Approach your internship with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Resume Preparation

A well-crafted resume is essential for securing an interior design internship. Here's how to create an attention-grabbing resume:

Understand the Position: Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and expectations of the internship.
Highlight Relevant Experiences: Use your experiences to demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks the firm needs you to complete. Include school projects, volunteer work, or other experiences that showcase your skills.
Use Power Words: Describe your experiences and accomplishments with active and descriptive language.
Proofread Carefully: Ensure your resume is free of errors in grammar and spelling.

Interviewing Tips

Preparing for interviews is crucial for making a positive impression. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Practice Common Questions: Prepare responses to common interview questions to boost your confidence.
Research the Firm: Learn about the firm's work, clients, and values.
Dress Professionally: Choose attire that is appropriate for the firm's culture.
Arrive on Time: Punctuality demonstrates respect for the interviewer's time.
Ask Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the internship and the firm.

Attitude is Key

A positive and proactive attitude is essential for a successful internship experience. Treat your internship as a valuable opportunity to learn and grow, and be willing to take on new challenges.

Read also: Unlocking Your Inner Decorator