#yes2016

Introduction

Last summer I was selected to be a part of the Infrastructure Interior Design team. While I was eager to apply my newfound 3D modeling skills, I quickly learned that being an intern requires a much larger spectrum of skills. Here are my top five attributes and skills that every interior design intern should have.

1. Curiosity

It’s time to push your ego aside and start asking those ‘stupid questions’. From the moment you enter the office for your interview, you should be formulating intelligent questions to ask. This is just as much about you interviewing them as it is about them interviewing you. According to Forbes, the best way to turn your internship into a full-time job is to choose the right one (Forbes, 2015). This means asking the right questions during the interview phase.

Some examples of questions would be: What has been the most challenging project your team has worked on? Or What are some of the challenges you face as sustainable design becomes more important to clients? Posing these questions demonstrates your willingness to listen and learn from your employer. According to Jason Lucash, founder of OrigAudio, ambition and curiosity are more important than knowledge in an entry-level position (Lucash, 2015).

Being curious includes asking for advice from intermediate and senior designers. This is where I learned a lot of useful skills in AutoCAD which I never would have known about. A task that used to take me five minutes now only takes me about 30 seconds.

2. Confidence

Separating ego from confidence can be difficult. Ego breeds insecurity; it doesn’t wish to be told it’s done something wrong. A confident designer can channel that insecurity into a drive to learn from uncomfortable situations. This may take some work. Be comfortable with the skillset you have developed at school, and take each new opportunity as a learning experience. Keep in mind; you don’t know everything. You want to maintain an eagerness to learn.

3. Teamwork

In a design firm, you’re all working towards a common goal: benefiting the firm and creating beautiful projects for your clients. If the firm is successful, you will be too. Individual successes often go unrecognized depending on the size of your firm. Regardless of the size or timing of a success, it is important to celebrate it. This can then boost your confidence as well as the confidence of your coworkers.

4. Clear Communication

Written and oral communication are crucial; this aspect is true for any internship, really. Written communication will assist in you actually getting the interview. Making a solid first impression starts with your resume, portfolio and cover letter. These elements can be strengthened by first getting feedback from a friend or mentor.

Written communication extends into your internship. Writing concise emails, specifications and correspondences are important to keep projects on schedule. According to Leave Your Mark, the second you use ‘text talk’ or other informal abbreviations, it’s considered unprofessional and lazy, and you won’t be taken seriously. Even when emailing within the firm, it’s important to use a formal tone, unless a coworker has initiated smilie icons and ‘lols’.

Oral communication is equally important. In Leave Your Mark, Aliza outlines how to read your boss and coworkers. According to her, it’s important not to be comfortable too quickly, and to let them open up to you. It’s unsettling when someone tries to be too relaxed too soon. Don’t rush it, let the relationship strengthen naturally.

5. Resilience

Accept that you will make mistakes; accept that you will be judged. It is key to remember not to let your mistakes define or shake you. As someone who has suffered from anxiety as long as she can remember, I can tell you that it’s not always easy taking criticism lightly. During my time at Infrastructure Interior Design, I learned that accepting criticism can help to shape you into a more resilient designer. When I began at Infrastructure, the second someone would point out something I did wrong, I would calmly walk to the restroom and have a little cry.

Throughout my internship, I learned the importance of resiliency and adaptability. Now I take each opportunity to better myself professionally. A study conducted by Workopolis showed that majority (30%) of Canadian employers found personality traits are the most important factor when hiring (Harris, 2015). Showing your positive work ethic is crucial, this is regarded higher than your grades or where you went to school.

Conclusion

Through my internship I’ve gained insight into not only how the design industry works, but how to navigate the office culture. In order to succeed as an intern interior designer, you must be curious, confident, work well in a team, communicate clearly and be resilient.

Bibliography

Harris, P. (2013, May 25). Study reveals what qualities employers really want in entry-level candidates - Workopolis. Retrieved October 5, 2015, from http://careers.workopolis.com/advice/study-reveals-what-qualities-employers-really-want-in-entry-level-candidates/

How to Turn Your Internship Into a Full-Time Job. (2015). Retrieved October 5, 2015, from http://www.forbes.com/pictures/efkk45ejeif/choose-the-right-internship-2/

Licht, A. (2015). Leave Your Mark: Land Your Dream Job. Kill it in Your Career. Rock Social Media. New York, NY: Grand Central Publishing.

There is only two short weeks left before the Year End Show Opening Night! The Dialogue IN[SID] Committee and the students of Ryerson School of Interior Design are getting excited for all that is to come, especially our graduating class of 2016! 

The hype is spreading past the boundaries of Ryerson too! We’ve been featured online with some amazing publications and organizations. 

Spacing Magazine 

Spacing Magazine has generously put up some advertising space for us on the home page of their website. Check it out here: http://spacing.ca/ (But remember to turn off Ad Block!)

IDC: Interior Designers of Canada

IDC has us featured in their events calendar on their website.Take a look: http://www.idcanada.org/?lid=KXFUD-AYDL5-W3P5B&comaction=item&enumCriteria=any&year=2016&month=04&item=TG7CU-JKKJU-36PJW#down2event

We are very thankful to the exposure and generosity of all our sponsors and supporters so far. 

Please stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts that will feature student work, our interview series, and progress updates for Opening Night set up!