contributed by Angela Voelker [interior architecture student @ University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point / all-purpose planner / control freak]
Enrollment in interior design programs is at an all-time high, so how can you set yourself apart when it’s time to land that invaluable internship or that ever critical entry-level position” 
One great way is to enter student design competitions. No different than practicing designers, students rarely take advantage of these incredible opportunities that will add that little something extra to their résumés while jump-starting their personal career marketing plans. Let me share with you the how, what and why of what could potentially be fertilizer for your sprouting interior design career.
Why Should I Enter”
Two reasons that students may find most appealing about entering design competitions are the potential for published recognition and, of course, cash or other prizes. And what college student couldn’t use some extra cash”!
It goes without saying that cash and prizes are great incentives, but winning a design competition comes along with more than just a prize. Recognition and/or publication of your entry could give you the exposure needed to get chosen for a great internship or make connections with future employers.
As a student studying interior design myself, I have carved out the time to enter at least one design competition a year. I’ve found that they are a great change of pace to assignments received in school, and they give me a chance to interpret a design challenge in a new way.
Participating in design competitions has provided me with valuable experience and has challenged me to diversify the way I approach a design challenge.
You are probably thinking: “As a student, when could I possibly find time to enter a Design Competition”!” This may sound absurd to any student, but school breaks are a great time to dedicate to preparing a submission. I’ve found that winter break provides enough time to do the preparation and then go back to focusing on my regular schoolwork, and preparing a submission over summer might give you enough design-related creative output needed to stay focused over those classroom-free months.
If you don’t have a whole lot of time, you could enter small competitions like ASID’s Design Challenge, which are published seasonally in the ACCESS Newsletter sent out to ASID student members.
What If I Don’t Win”
So what if you don’t win” Winning isn’t everything. There are multiple benefits to entering a design competition. You took a chance and showed your dedication to your future career by participating in something above and beyond the requirements of school. You put your name out there in front of some sort of jury that looked at your work. That in itself is notable and sets you apart from most.
Entering design competitions is a great way to build up your portfolio. By doing additional design related work you are diversifying the work in your portfolio which may help you to stand out when you start seeking out that internship or first full-fledged design job.
In the process of preparing your entry you are expanding your creativity and ability to think outside the box. It also gives you the ability to diversify your scope of direction from outside sources. Let’s face it, the interior design profession offers so many facets, it is easy to get lost or not know exactly what you want to do upon graduation. Taking the time to dedicate to a design competition in an area that you find particularly interesting could help clarify what direction you want to take.
How Can I Enter”
There are various competitions every year, and many of them are sponsored by professional organizations such as ASID or IIDA, while others may be sponsored by manufacturers.
Competitions can vary from international to local so keep your eyes open for opportunities. If you find a competition that you are interested in entering but are not sure if you qualify to enter, contact the competition administrator.
Some competitions have entry fees and that may be discouraging to students, but you must remember that it takes a lot of time and preparation to put together a competition.
Some competitions that you may want to check out:
Flip A Strip
Interieur Design Competition
IIDA’s Sustainable Design Student Competition [PDF]
Design Taxi’s Design Competitions Calendar
ASID’s Annual Student Design Competition
Make sure to read the requirements very carefully before committing time to the design. Also, the requested format of submission should always be followed to a “T”. Submissions not following required formats will most likely be disqualified.
So, The Big Question Is, Why Not Enter”
There is nothing to lose by taking the time to put together a submission to a design competition. Talk to your advisor to see if they know of any current competitions you might be interested in. Encourage fellow students to submit with you as this will give you some support. Better yet – check the guidelines because some competitions allow for group entries.
These are great opportunities, and it is really amazing how few students take the time to enter. So the really great news is that, if you actually enter, you have a good chance of winning! Now get out there and make use of the great opportunities that are being provided for you!
