We love a person who knows how to dream big, and Selange Gitschner’s dreams are of the IMAX variety. Currently at Texas State University pursuing her undergraduate degree in Interior Design, she’s lived in Austria and Aruba and many points in between. If you looked her up in Webster’s, most likely she’d be pictured under optimist. Just read a little more about her, and this college senior will infect you with her refreshing enthusiasm, and maybe just influence your career dreams as well.

Selange is still in shock she’s in the final months of her formal design education. Soon with a major in Interior Design, a minor in Technology and possibly another minor in Psychology, she’ll be ready to plunge headfirst into whatever fantastic opportunity befalls her. Don’t be fooled, though – Selange isn’t relying on luck, waiting around for her big break. She’s actively seeking employment in New York City and will be reporting her experiences in PLiNTH & CHiNTZ in the coming months. So stay tuned.

When asked what made her want to pursue a career related to the interior design industry, Selange credited her artistically inspired family, diverse background and ever open mind. We want to convey her boundless energy and broad interests, so we’ll let her tell you directly:

Ever since I can remember I wanted to “save the world,” help sick children and be a singer. As a child I remember just having all these elaborate dreams. “Why do I only have to focus on one profession”” I remember asking myself. I wanted to be Patch Adams and Sarah Brightman (the original Christine from The Phantom of the Opera).

I come from a very artistic family. My father is a certified Master Chef and has an amazing eye for architecture and design. My mother is a fitness trainer but [also] a very talented artist and painter. My brother is a student and is also and amazing artist.

I have lived all over the world from the temples of Saudi Arabia, the Palaces of Austria (my birth place) to the beautiful beaches of Bermuda. Living all over the world has given me an indescribable appreciation for different cultures, arts and architecture.

I have always had a passion for the arts but was unsure how to peruse a career in the field, so I stuck to the idea of medicine and music until I worked for an interior design and upholstery business in Houston throughout high school. I loved it – working with different clients and fabrics and thinking up new designs, but I still wanted to take it to the next level.

I entered University as a Psychology major and music minor, but after the first year I knew that my heart and passion were definitely in the art and design fields. I love everything about it (well, besides the all-nighters). I can’t wait to get out in the real world and show them what I’ve got.

Of course, with all of this energy, she’s been involved not only with student ASID and IIDA activities, but Selange has also managed to work in some capacity since she was 14-years-old. Her latest job was directly related the field: OBM International, an architectural firm with offices in Bermuda, Florida and throughout the Caribbean.

Just from her own experiences, Selange highly encourages her fellow students to get out there while still in school: “I think it is so important for students to find jobs [or internships] in the field that they are studying. Even if it’s just part-time or once a month, it is great for networking. If I have learned one thing in this industry it is know as many people as you possibly can! Get your foot in the door – it is such a bonus when you graduate.”

So what’s on horizon for Ms. Gitschner after graduation” The more appropriate question would be, what isn’t“: “My dream job would be to work for a very well-respected design firm in a big city like New York or even overseas. I think my focus will be geared more towards commercial: hospitality, health spas, retail, yacht design (my ULTIMATE dream job)… anything and everything different and artistic. Architecture and interior design is art… I want to be known not only as a designer but also as an artist.”

But this dynamo doesn’t stop there. She’s already thinking decades ahead, developing ideas on how to incorporate all of her interests: “I hope to one day have my own magazine that features not only interior design and architecture, but also culinary, fashion, and health [topics] all in one magazine. Oh, and I would love to design textiles and furniture. I have so many things that I get excited over, so any job that catches my attention and allows for me to be as creative as I can be – perfect!”

Selange has got the dreams, and she definitely possesses the drive to make it all happen. Just remember us little people when you make it big, OK”

Lighter topics…

P&C: Where are from” Where did you grow up” Where all have you lived”
SG: I was born in Vienna, Austria . I have lived in Austria, Bermuda, Saudi Arabia, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Bahamas, Aruba, Houston and now live in beautiful San Marcos.

P&C: What is the one location in the world you have always wanted to visit and why”
SG: Well, I have a few: Australia, because it’s always been a dream of mine to swim in the Great Barrier reefs with sharks! Bali, because of the culture and beautiful beaches and furnishings. Egypt, because of the history – AMAZING. I have many more but those are just a few. I hope to land a job that allows me to do lots of traveling. I love it.

P&C: What was the last book you read”
SG: New York Times best-seller “One for the Money” by Janet Evanovich. If you are looking for a good laugh and a very descriptive author, she’s definitely the author for you. I am currently reading Stephen R. Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”. I think it is a great book for anyone because it focuses on personal and professional life lessons.

P&C: Were there any Oscar nominees who you feel should have won and didn’t”
SG: I was lucky I had the 30 minutes to watch the Oscars – it’s go go go when you’re a senior. To tell you the truth I only saw the beginning where they walk down the red carpet. Halle Barry and Natalie Portman looked incredible. I love seeing all the amazing dresses that the world’s top designers come up with. I love fashion and fabrics and of course I was checking out all of the shoes. If some one tells you “You have way too many shoes!!” They lied because you can never have too many.

P&C: What’s your favorite season – winter, spring, summer or fall – and why”
SG: I love the summer if I am on a beautiful island like Bermuda, and I love winters in Austria.

You can contact Selange to pick her brain, offer her a fabulous design job or send her travelers cheques by emailing her at selange@gmail.com.