Researching careers, part two, Interior Designer

What training is involved on job?

• interior designers will enter a 1-year to 3-year apprenticeship to gain experience before taking a licensing exam How does a person in this career spend their hours?

• Interior designers draw upon many disciplines to enhance the function, safety, and aesthetics of interior spaces. Their main concerns are with how different colors, textures, furniture, lighting, and space work together to meet the needs of a building’s occupants.

What does it pay? on commission or steady?

• Median annual earnings for wage and salary interior designers were $42,260 in May 2006.
• Interior designers working in retail stores usually earn a commission, which can be irregular.
• The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,270

Do a lot of people have this career?

• yes. Many businesses use designers.
  

Would I have to live somewhere specific to do this career?

• Nope, thanks to the internet and phone. Also can drive to work.
  

How much time would be be devoted to this career?

• About 26 percent are self-employed.

What skills are desired to be successful?

• Interior designers must be able to read blueprints, understand building and fire codes, and know how to make space accessible to people who are disabled.

What education do I need?

• Postsecondary education—especially a bachelor’s degree—is recommended for entry-level positions; some States license interior designers.
• Graduates of 2-year or 3-year programs are awarded certificates or associate degrees in interior design and normally qualify as assistants to interior designers upon graduation. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree usually qualify for a formal design apprenticeship program.
• Twenty-three States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico register or license interior designers. The National Council administers the licensing exam for Interior Design Qualification. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least 6 years of combined education and experience in interior design, of which at least 2 years must be postsecondary education in design.

  Once candidates have passed the qualifying exam, they are granted the title of Certified, Registered, or Licensed Interior Designer, depending on the State. Continuing education is required to maintain licensure.

What are some schools with good programs for achieving this career?

• Training programs are available from professional design schools or from colleges and universities and usually take 2 to 4 years to complete. Graduates of 2-year or 3-year programs are awarded certificates or associate degrees in interior design and normally qualify as assistants to interior designers upon graduation. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree usually qualify for a formal design apprenticeship program.

How would I find job openings in this area?

• newspaper, internet
  

What kind of insurance is available?

• Depends on the employer

How much traveling might be involved?

• Depends on the employer
  

What would be the potential dress code?

• professional
  

What if I get sick or injured and can't work for awhile? Will my job still be there then?

• Depends on your employer's policies.
  

What kind of job security is there overall?

• Keen competition is expected for jobs because many talented individuals are attracted to this occupation.