TeNnASIDy - (n) The Courage to Design TN.

There is a time in every interior design students life when you start to get all jittery and nervous.  Graduation is coming very soon for our spring seniors, and it is important to start the job search now.

If you are an interior design student getting ready to make the big trek out into the world, you need to be ready and equipped to handle the realities of practicing in this field.  It isn't always pretty and it isn't always easy.  In fact? It is hard work.

But the job search doesn't have to be a difficult one.  If you are a member of one of the seven Tennessee student chapters, you have the world at your feet.  Below are a few tips to help you make the transition and be ready to land your first job!

1. Ready your portfolio :: While it is important to be able to showcase your talents and design abilities on paper, it is equally important to showcase your knowledge of other skills such as the internet.  As most firms feel as though they can do the interior design workload on their own without hiring new employees, having a grasp on blogging, photoshop, InDesign, and AutoCAD will lend new skills to the firm you are interviewing with.  If you do not have a blog, start one.  It's free, easy and show off your research skills and ability to communicate with the outside world.  Be sure to include postings, any graphic work and CAD drawings in your portfolio.

2.  Ready your warbdrobe :: While Ugg boots may be a staple for you in college, it isn't going to go over very well in the professional environment.  Most employers look for a well coordinated overall style while in the interview process.  You will be working with clients of all economic backgrounds, but you will need to be prepared to look your best. Just like the spaces you are creating.

3.  Ready your goals :: Be prepared to have a direction you wish to go with a firm.  Do your research on the firm.  A lot of interior design firms have an online presence, but the overwhelming majority of them do not.  But, utilize your mentors in ASID who are practicing to get feedback and information on any firms you may be interviewing with.

4.  Talk with Industry Partners :: While they are a huge part of ASID, they are also the most knowledgable about how individual interior design firms work and function.  Why? Because they are providing the wholesale goods and services to them.  You have hopefully developed relationships with IP members during your time in the student chapters. If not, your professors will be able to help direct you into the right direction.

5.  Start attending the district meetings :: This is imperative to landing the right job because you can interact and get to know everyone before you send out the first resume. Don't be afraid to stirke up a conversation with the members.  They have all been in your shoes before.

Good luck on the job search and congratulations on taking the amazing journey through interior design education.  The skills you have learned in school will give you the knowledge to succeed, and your ASID membership will only give you credentials as you work to build your business and rapport as a professional interior designer.

Congratulations!

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