10 answers
Ariel
Student
West Richland, Washington
1
Question
Updated
799 views
What are good part-time jobs to have to build on my resume if I want to be an interior designer?
I'm seventeen years old as a senior, and after I graduate I'm going to college to take interior design courses, but I want jobs related to the career I'm going to pursue. Are there any part-time jobs for a seventeen-year-old relating to interior design?
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9 answers
Julie Ann Shahin
Interior Designer/Business Owner
6
Answers
Irondequoit, NY
Updated
Julie Ann’s Answer
Hi Ariel!
You’re already thinking in the right direction by wanting to get a head start on building your experience, and that's fantastic! When I was a design student, I worked in several retail outlets that related to interior design, like wallpaper, carpet, and home decor stores (though wallpaper stores may be less common now). Working in retail is great because it helps you understand different materials, design elements, and sales techniques. These skills will be incredibly valuable when you're pitching design ideas to clients in the future.
Even if you're not directly selling in a store, there are always opportunities to learn. For instance, at a carpet store where I worked, I wasn’t a salesperson but still got to answer phones, assist with customer inquiries, and learn about product details.
Another option is to reach out to local interior design firms. You can offer to help organize their sample library of fabrics, materials, and catalogs. Some firms may not pay for this type of work, but it’s still a fantastic way to build connections and learn about the latest design trends. When I was a student, I contacted firms and asked if they needed help with holiday decorating. Even though one firm had already completed their decorating for the season, they let me come in and observe their work during my winter break. It was a great opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the industry.
Good luck, and keep exploring ways to build your skills and experience—you're already on a great path!
Research local home decor, furniture, or paint stores in your area and apply for part-time positions. These environments will give you exposure to design elements and customer interactions.
Reach out to a few interior design firms or freelancers in your community and offer to help organize their sample library or assist with seasonal projects. Even unpaid opportunities can be great for learning and networking.
Start a personal design portfolio by experimenting with your own room or helping friends and family redecorate. Document before-and-after photos to showcase your style and creativity.
Join online design communities or forums to stay updated on industry trends and connect with professionals. This will help you get insights and advice as you work toward your career goals.
Consider taking online design courses or watching tutorials on platforms like YouTube or Skillshare to build your technical skills. Learning design software like SketchUp or AutoCAD will be helpful when you start your formal interior design courses in college.
You’re already thinking in the right direction by wanting to get a head start on building your experience, and that's fantastic! When I was a design student, I worked in several retail outlets that related to interior design, like wallpaper, carpet, and home decor stores (though wallpaper stores may be less common now). Working in retail is great because it helps you understand different materials, design elements, and sales techniques. These skills will be incredibly valuable when you're pitching design ideas to clients in the future.
Even if you're not directly selling in a store, there are always opportunities to learn. For instance, at a carpet store where I worked, I wasn’t a salesperson but still got to answer phones, assist with customer inquiries, and learn about product details.
Another option is to reach out to local interior design firms. You can offer to help organize their sample library of fabrics, materials, and catalogs. Some firms may not pay for this type of work, but it’s still a fantastic way to build connections and learn about the latest design trends. When I was a student, I contacted firms and asked if they needed help with holiday decorating. Even though one firm had already completed their decorating for the season, they let me come in and observe their work during my winter break. It was a great opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the industry.
Good luck, and keep exploring ways to build your skills and experience—you're already on a great path!
Julie Ann recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, Julie! I appreciate you taking time out of your day to help me. I will definitely apply and try for these types of jobs.
Ariel
You are very welcome Ariel. Best of luck!
Julie Ann Shahin
Garima Lajras
Illustrator, 2D animator, Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer
70
Answers
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Updated
Garima’s Answer
Hello Ariel,
I love that you're already thinking about how to build your future in interior design it shows your dedication! There are plenty of part-time roles that can help you develop skills and insights for your dream career. Here are some options to consider:
1. Home Decor or Furniture Store Jobs:
Working in these stores exposes you to design trends and teaches you about customer preferences. It’s a great way to learn what styles resonate with people.
2. Assistant to Local Designers:
Some interior designers may need part-time help with organizing materials, running errands, or setting up design spaces. This gives you valuable behind-the-scenes experience in the field.
3. Freelance Decorating:
If you love DIY projects, offer your skills to friends and family to redecorate spaces. Documenting your work will build an impressive portfolio for later.
4. Real Estate Staging:
Staging homes for sale offers great insight into how to make spaces appealing. Even assisting with basic tasks can give you hands-on design experience.
5. Clerical Work at Design Firms:
Many firms need help with administrative tasks. While it may seem unrelated, it could give you a foot in the door and allow you to learn about the design process from the inside.
Every experience you gain now will help you build skills and grow confidence in your abilities.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck!
I love that you're already thinking about how to build your future in interior design it shows your dedication! There are plenty of part-time roles that can help you develop skills and insights for your dream career. Here are some options to consider:
1. Home Decor or Furniture Store Jobs:
Working in these stores exposes you to design trends and teaches you about customer preferences. It’s a great way to learn what styles resonate with people.
2. Assistant to Local Designers:
Some interior designers may need part-time help with organizing materials, running errands, or setting up design spaces. This gives you valuable behind-the-scenes experience in the field.
3. Freelance Decorating:
If you love DIY projects, offer your skills to friends and family to redecorate spaces. Documenting your work will build an impressive portfolio for later.
4. Real Estate Staging:
Staging homes for sale offers great insight into how to make spaces appealing. Even assisting with basic tasks can give you hands-on design experience.
5. Clerical Work at Design Firms:
Many firms need help with administrative tasks. While it may seem unrelated, it could give you a foot in the door and allow you to learn about the design process from the inside.
Every experience you gain now will help you build skills and grow confidence in your abilities.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck!
Hi Ariel! Garima stated exactly what I would have recommended above. Excellent options. Best of luck, Tara Kelly, Tara K Designs, NY & CT
Tara Kelly
Anastasiia Melnikova
Graphic Designer
5
Answers
Spring City, Pennsylvania
Updated
Anastasiia’s Answer
A great way to get started is to design your room! This will help you practice what you've learned and see what it looks like in real life.
You could also try getting a job at a company that helps people renovate their homes (called "flipping"). This is a good way to learn more about design and how it works in a real job.
You could also try getting a job at a company that helps people renovate their homes (called "flipping"). This is a good way to learn more about design and how it works in a real job.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Ariel
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6308
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Ariel!
Part-Time Jobs to Build Your Resume for Interior Design
1. Retail Positions in Home Goods Stores Working in a retail environment, particularly in stores that sell furniture, home decor, or design materials, can provide valuable experience. You will gain insight into customer preferences, product knowledge, and visual merchandising. This experience is directly relevant to interior design as it helps you understand how different products can be combined to create appealing spaces.
2. Internships with Interior Designers or Firms Many interior designers look for interns or assistants who can help with various tasks such as drafting designs, organizing materials, and even client interactions. While some internships may be unpaid, they offer invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities within the industry. You can search for local firms or designers who might be willing to take on an intern.
3. Freelance Design Projects If you have a knack for design, consider taking on small freelance projects for friends or family. This could involve helping them rearrange their living spaces, selecting color palettes, or sourcing furniture and decor items. Documenting these projects can also enhance your portfolio.
4. Volunteer Work with Nonprofits Look for nonprofit organizations that focus on community improvement or housing assistance. Volunteering your design skills to help improve spaces for those in need not only builds your resume but also demonstrates your commitment to using design for positive social impact.
5. Administrative Roles in Related Fields Consider part-time administrative roles at architecture firms or real estate agencies. These positions often require organizational skills and provide exposure to the business side of design and real estate transactions.
6. Event Planning Assistance Working as an assistant in event planning can also be beneficial since it involves space planning and aesthetics—both crucial elements of interior design. Assisting with the setup of events will give you practical experience in creating visually appealing environments.
7. Social Media Management for Design Brands If you have skills in social media marketing, consider managing social media accounts for local interior design firms or home decor brands. This role allows you to engage with current trends while promoting products and services relevant to interior design.
By pursuing these part-time jobs while studying interior design, you’ll not only build a strong resume but also develop essential skills that will serve you well throughout your career.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
The ASID provides resources and information about careers in interior design including educational pathways and job opportunities within the field.
2. National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)
The NCIDQ offers guidelines on professional standards and qualifications necessary for a successful career in interior design, including insights into internships and entry-level positions.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data on job outlooks, salary expectations, and employment trends within various fields including interior design which helps inform potential career paths related to the profession.
God Bless!
JC.
Part-Time Jobs to Build Your Resume for Interior Design
1. Retail Positions in Home Goods Stores Working in a retail environment, particularly in stores that sell furniture, home decor, or design materials, can provide valuable experience. You will gain insight into customer preferences, product knowledge, and visual merchandising. This experience is directly relevant to interior design as it helps you understand how different products can be combined to create appealing spaces.
2. Internships with Interior Designers or Firms Many interior designers look for interns or assistants who can help with various tasks such as drafting designs, organizing materials, and even client interactions. While some internships may be unpaid, they offer invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities within the industry. You can search for local firms or designers who might be willing to take on an intern.
3. Freelance Design Projects If you have a knack for design, consider taking on small freelance projects for friends or family. This could involve helping them rearrange their living spaces, selecting color palettes, or sourcing furniture and decor items. Documenting these projects can also enhance your portfolio.
4. Volunteer Work with Nonprofits Look for nonprofit organizations that focus on community improvement or housing assistance. Volunteering your design skills to help improve spaces for those in need not only builds your resume but also demonstrates your commitment to using design for positive social impact.
5. Administrative Roles in Related Fields Consider part-time administrative roles at architecture firms or real estate agencies. These positions often require organizational skills and provide exposure to the business side of design and real estate transactions.
6. Event Planning Assistance Working as an assistant in event planning can also be beneficial since it involves space planning and aesthetics—both crucial elements of interior design. Assisting with the setup of events will give you practical experience in creating visually appealing environments.
7. Social Media Management for Design Brands If you have skills in social media marketing, consider managing social media accounts for local interior design firms or home decor brands. This role allows you to engage with current trends while promoting products and services relevant to interior design.
By pursuing these part-time jobs while studying interior design, you’ll not only build a strong resume but also develop essential skills that will serve you well throughout your career.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
The ASID provides resources and information about careers in interior design including educational pathways and job opportunities within the field.
2. National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)
The NCIDQ offers guidelines on professional standards and qualifications necessary for a successful career in interior design, including insights into internships and entry-level positions.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data on job outlooks, salary expectations, and employment trends within various fields including interior design which helps inform potential career paths related to the profession.
God Bless!
JC.
Robin Daurelle
Commercial Interior Design also taught college classes
6
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Robin’s Answer
A lot of times kid get stuck in the can't get a job w/o experiance that you can't get w/o a job spiral. If you run into that consider volunteering at Habitat for Humanity.
Gabrielle Nichols
8
Answers
Updated
Gabrielle’s Answer
Here are some good part-time jobs for building a resume for a career in interior design:
Home Decor Retail Assistant – Learn about furniture styles, textiles, and trends.
Furniture Store Sales Associate – Gain experience in room layouts and furniture arrangement.
Interior Design Firm Assistant – Observe the design process and client interactions.
Freelance Home Organizer – Develop skills in space optimization and organization.
Real Estate Assistant/Stager – Learn to stage homes and work within client budgets.
Visual Merchandiser – Practice color coordination and creating displays.
Art Gallery Assistant – Deepen your understanding of art and its use in design.
Photography Assistant – Learn how to capture spaces effectively.
Event Setup Crew/Planner – Build skills in space layout and design themes.
Freelance Services Online – Create mood boards or basic design concepts to build a portfolio.
Home Decor Retail Assistant – Learn about furniture styles, textiles, and trends.
Furniture Store Sales Associate – Gain experience in room layouts and furniture arrangement.
Interior Design Firm Assistant – Observe the design process and client interactions.
Freelance Home Organizer – Develop skills in space optimization and organization.
Real Estate Assistant/Stager – Learn to stage homes and work within client budgets.
Visual Merchandiser – Practice color coordination and creating displays.
Art Gallery Assistant – Deepen your understanding of art and its use in design.
Photography Assistant – Learn how to capture spaces effectively.
Event Setup Crew/Planner – Build skills in space layout and design themes.
Freelance Services Online – Create mood boards or basic design concepts to build a portfolio.
Grace “Karman” Graham
Costume Designer, Set Decorator
1
Answer
Charleston, South Carolina
Updated
Grace “Karman”’s Answer
Hello Ariel!
Kudos to you for being proactive about securing part-time jobs while still in school! You're definitely on the right track.
Consider exploring opportunities at furniture stores such as Ethan Allen, or perhaps assisting an established Interior Designer at their firm or even their private practice. A fantastic company to consider is California Closets; they design closets for clients nationwide and are always on the lookout for designers. You could potentially assist one of their designers. Try searching for design-focused companies in your local area and see if they have any part-time positions available.
As an added bonus, you could spruce up a corner of your room or any part of your home, capture it in photographs, and include them in your portfolio. Employers always appreciate a tangible demonstration of your passion!
Wishing you the best of luck and all the success in the world! Karman Graham
Kudos to you for being proactive about securing part-time jobs while still in school! You're definitely on the right track.
Consider exploring opportunities at furniture stores such as Ethan Allen, or perhaps assisting an established Interior Designer at their firm or even their private practice. A fantastic company to consider is California Closets; they design closets for clients nationwide and are always on the lookout for designers. You could potentially assist one of their designers. Try searching for design-focused companies in your local area and see if they have any part-time positions available.
As an added bonus, you could spruce up a corner of your room or any part of your home, capture it in photographs, and include them in your portfolio. Employers always appreciate a tangible demonstration of your passion!
Wishing you the best of luck and all the success in the world! Karman Graham
Adrienne Brumfield
Interior Designer
4
Answers
Rockwall, Texas
Updated
Adrienne’s Answer
Subject: Building Experience in Interior Design - Suggestions for Part-Time Jobs
Hi Ariel,
Thank you for reaching out with your question about building relevant experience for a career in interior design! It’s fantastic that you’re already planning how to lay a strong foundation for your future career.
A great way to gain applicable skills is through part-time retail positions, particularly in home décor, furniture, or interior materials (like tile, lighting, or fabric stores). These roles not only help you become familiar with products but also allow you to develop critical face-to-face communication skills that will be invaluable when working with design clients. Building communication, confidence, trust, and comfort are key in client relations, and retail provides a direct way to practice these. I have found that these client-oriented elements are essential, integrated steps in effective design, each helping to form an emotional connection that reflects the client’s personality and vision. This approach aligns design with the client’s core, making the outcome meaningful and personalized. Remember, impactful design always starts with understanding people—the true source of inspiration.
I admire your dedication to starting on this path early, and I'm sure any experience you gain will greatly benefit your journey. Keep pushing your curiosity and creativity!
Best,
Hi Ariel,
Thank you for reaching out with your question about building relevant experience for a career in interior design! It’s fantastic that you’re already planning how to lay a strong foundation for your future career.
A great way to gain applicable skills is through part-time retail positions, particularly in home décor, furniture, or interior materials (like tile, lighting, or fabric stores). These roles not only help you become familiar with products but also allow you to develop critical face-to-face communication skills that will be invaluable when working with design clients. Building communication, confidence, trust, and comfort are key in client relations, and retail provides a direct way to practice these. I have found that these client-oriented elements are essential, integrated steps in effective design, each helping to form an emotional connection that reflects the client’s personality and vision. This approach aligns design with the client’s core, making the outcome meaningful and personalized. Remember, impactful design always starts with understanding people—the true source of inspiration.
I admire your dedication to starting on this path early, and I'm sure any experience you gain will greatly benefit your journey. Keep pushing your curiosity and creativity!
Best,
Angela Y. Smithers
User Interface Design
9
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Angela Y.’s Answer
I was an interior design student once! Good times, good times.
I actually worked/interned for a design showroom. I loved exploring the samples and becoming familiar with them. Since others have provided front-door suggestions for getting into the interior design industry, I will throw in some side door suggestions.
Real Estate Photography 📸: Develop your skills in interior photography to create a standout portfolio. Lighting can be especially tricky. Becoming a freelance expert can make you a sought-after professional, especially in showcasing interior spaces.
Drone Photography Assistant 🚁: This role is less common but increasingly in demand. It can provide access to commercial interior design projects, allowing you to network with industry professionals while capturing stunning aerial shots. You become more familiar with which design companies you see on site most often.
Work Near Design-Related Businesses 🏢: Consider part-time positions at companies that are physically next door to a design or architecture firm. This can help you "bump into" professionals and learn about the industry through casual conversation as you say hello in passing.
Tile or Hardware Store 🛠️: Working in these environments can give you insights into materials and their durability. Pay attention to customer feedback to understand what items are returned most often and why; enhancing your knowledge of product selection when it becomes your turn to make purchase decisions as a designer.
Part-Time CAD Position 💻: If you’re 16 or older, look for opportunities to intern with CAD (Computer-Aided Design) -- some high schools have a co-op program that will let you work during business hours. Gaining experience in CAD or other design software is a require skilled interior designers now.
These roles will not only build your skills but also expand your network in the interior design field! 🌟
I actually worked/interned for a design showroom. I loved exploring the samples and becoming familiar with them. Since others have provided front-door suggestions for getting into the interior design industry, I will throw in some side door suggestions.
Real Estate Photography 📸: Develop your skills in interior photography to create a standout portfolio. Lighting can be especially tricky. Becoming a freelance expert can make you a sought-after professional, especially in showcasing interior spaces.
Drone Photography Assistant 🚁: This role is less common but increasingly in demand. It can provide access to commercial interior design projects, allowing you to network with industry professionals while capturing stunning aerial shots. You become more familiar with which design companies you see on site most often.
Work Near Design-Related Businesses 🏢: Consider part-time positions at companies that are physically next door to a design or architecture firm. This can help you "bump into" professionals and learn about the industry through casual conversation as you say hello in passing.
Tile or Hardware Store 🛠️: Working in these environments can give you insights into materials and their durability. Pay attention to customer feedback to understand what items are returned most often and why; enhancing your knowledge of product selection when it becomes your turn to make purchase decisions as a designer.
Part-Time CAD Position 💻: If you’re 16 or older, look for opportunities to intern with CAD (Computer-Aided Design) -- some high schools have a co-op program that will let you work during business hours. Gaining experience in CAD or other design software is a require skilled interior designers now.
These roles will not only build your skills but also expand your network in the interior design field! 🌟