contributed by Antonio Holguin [Art Institute student / future interior designer / optimis]
Nine interior designers, three microphones, and one photographer. Recipe for disaster, or the next big thing to come out of Dallas since America’s Next Top Model hopeful Ren Vokes” Unfortunately, Tyra Banks did not make a guest appearance, but – even better – these nine professionals took part in the “Expert Discussion Panel” held for interior design students at The Art Institute of Dallas. From pet peeves and ground-breaking interview advice to how to successfully prepare for the NCIDQ Exam and the dos and don’ts of the industry, the nine panelists answered questions that all students need to know to be successful as interior designers.
The discussion was put together by the Art Institute of Dallas’ Career Services Department, whose staff always ensures that their students stay a step ahead of the competition. With their careful planning, each panelist brought with them great wisdom and presented a different point of view to the students in attendance. So, what were these life-changing tips”
Not A Quick STUDY
The first moment of enlightenment was the secret to passing the NCIDQ Exam. Although not guaranteeing you’ll pass and think it was the easiest test in your life the first time, one way the experts said to properly prepare for your exam is simple: STUDY. Now we’ve all heard that one before, but how many of us students actually commit the time properly do it” Don’t expect to pass just because you sit down one Saturday afternoon and decide to read Interior Design for Dummies. All nine experts panelists agreed that it’s going to take a lot more work than that.
The strongest suggestion made for students facing the exam is to practice. A good place to start is taking a 3-day tried and true STEP Program course, but don’t stop there. Every week leading up to the big event, get a practice exam, set a timer, sharpen a No. 2 pencil and go to town. The more practice tests you take, the better you will understand the pieces of paper swimming with text sitting in front of you. The more timed practice tests you take, the better understanding you will have of time management when it comes to the pressure of the actual exam. Prioritize and read every word of instructions set for you on the test. Don’t assume, because we all know what happens when assumption takes place.
NetWORK It
And, when the panelists weren’t warning of the donkeys made by glossing over the instructions, they continued to share their wisdom and experiences. Next came the helpful hints on how to ensure success after graduation. One vital word came to mind from all nine panelists: NETWORKING.
The idea of networking can be dreadful for students who feel small in a big kids’ world. Yes, we will all run into the occasional Miranda Priestly, but networking can be easier when you are a student. After all, once you introduce yourself as a student, the experts all agree that the walls come down and conversations are much less inhibited. Besides, in a world of Twitter and Facebook, who doesn’t understand the basics of networking” After all, social networks allow us to call strangers we really don’t know as “friends”.
So here’s another tip from the nine panelists: Become a member of your school’s interior design student groups. ASID, IIDA, and NEWH just to name a few. Networks like these give students early exposure to the design field and those currently in it. After all, a recognizable face is more likely to get hired than that of an unknown one.
Individual InterVIEWS
But the best is always saved until the end, isn’t it” The most beneficial information given to the students at the Art Institute was how to properly prepare for an INTERVIEW. And because all these intellectual minds had great information to share, I’ll give the credit to each individual.
1 | Architecture Manager from Herman Miller, Beth Anderson, stated that a great potential employee is one who shows up to the interview and to work on time. Simple, but very important. Each panelist agreed that not possessing this trait could definitely become a deal breaker. So, once you get passed the interview Ms. Anderson says to, “Expect to experience at least five different positions before finding your ‘dream job’.” Which may be discouraging to newly graduated students. But patience pays, and your time will come.
2 | Sales Representative for Bernhardt Design & Bernhardt Textiles, Heather Bethea, stated that success will come in an interview if you the interviewee possess confidence. Confidence is appealing to potential employers whether or not it is a façade. “Even if you’re not confident, fake it! Ask a million questions,” says Bethea. What better advice could a student ask for”
3 | But the advice didn’t stop there. Director of Purchasing at DESIGN Duncan Miller Ullmann, Wendy Lee Mancha, emphasized the fact that as a graduate it is vital to be prepared. Mancha advised that as an aspiring interior designer, you should know your way around town in which you are interviewing and understand where most vendors, showrooms, or other firms are located. “Don’t assume anything,” advises Mancha, again emphasizing the importance of a bit of research.
4 | Vice President at INTERPRISE, Kaye McCallum, hit the nail on the head when she advised that all designers – whether newly graduated or at the top of their games – should “act like a sponge [and] absorb everything”. Life is a big learning experience, and McCallum expressed that everyday she and her colleagues learn something new; therefore, no one should act like they know it all because there is no way that they can.
5 | Owner and Founder of PLiNTH & CHiNTZ, Laura McDonald Stewart, emphasized the importance of humility. “Be patient, be flexible, and seize the opportunity to absorb every drop of information…no matter what you are assigned to do,” stated Stewart as she explained the importance of being humble. Stewart encouraged students always to be respectful when interviewing and on the job. In the tight knit interior design community, news of rude behavior or unfriendly remarks travels fast, and it is best to avoid being labeled as disrespectful.
6 | President at Leslie Taylor showroom and Vice President of Dallas Design Group Interiors, Tracy Rasor, focused her advice on the act of staying ahead of the game. “Be proactive,” advises Rasor. She suggested to always do your research about the company ahead of time and to do your part to be prepared for the kind of work that they do. Once in the workforce, she also advised that a great employee is one that always has a notepad in hand. When asking for instructions nothing is as helpful as a notepad, and if you are not writing every detail down, you are certain to miss something.
7 | Owner and President of Jena Tiedeman Designs, Jena Tiedeman, expressed the importance of maintaining good ethics. Word travels fast of those who are unreliable, and those who bad mouth find their statement heard by everyone in the local interior design world. So, students – think about what you say before you say it. Tiedeman also expressed the importance of being proactive and gaining exposure to the design world as early in your college career as possible. “’I don’t have the time!’ is not an excuse,” she stated, and all the experts agreed.
8 | Vice-President of RDH & Associates, Stacy Vestal-Elliston, advised all students that they should know the firm they are interviewing with before hand. So, it seems that being prepared is a recurring theme. Makes you wonder how many people go to interviews unprepared” Well, with Vestal-Elliston’s advice, no job seeker or student reading this has an excuse.
9 | Senior Associate at Gensler, Cherrie Wysong, agrees. Wysong expressed that no one in his or her right mind should ever show up to an interview with nothing in hand. Wysong’s advice may seem like common sense to many, but apparently a great deal of interviewees don’t follow it. A 3-D portfolio will get you by, but also take a 2-D portfolio, as well as something you can leave behind, and you’ll be much safer. Just be prepared and take the wisdom of Wysong to heart.
Different, But Similar
As you can see, even though each panelist comes from a different area of the design world and, consequently, has her different points of views, their advice was amazingly similar. That says a lot about understanding and acting on the basics.
I know I would personally like to thank each expert for her advice. So, as my appreciation, I pass the wisdom on to my fellow students and on to all future designers like myself. Take note and remember…
“Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.”
– Albert Einstein
