As a Housing major with a minor in Design Studies, I initially felt intimidated by the job market. I assumed Interior Design majors would have more direct qualifications and a clearer path into design roles. However, I was determined to find a position that would allow me to work in the design field and to make the most of my academic background and interests.
My job search began in November, and I quickly realized I wanted any role that involved design. Unsure how to approach the search, I reached out to Grace Bonney, founder of the interior design blog Design*Sponge. Her encouraging response pushed me to apply broadly to roles that connected to design in any meaningful way.
As part of my degree requirements, I needed to complete a 20-hour-per-week internship during the spring semester. Taking Grace’s advice to heart, I applied for an internship at Charles & Hudson. In my cover letter I explained that while my major was Housing and my minor was Design Studies, I also highlighted personal hobbies and interests that matched the site’s content and audience. Timothy Dahl offered me the internship, and it turned out to be an extremely valuable experience that reinforced my desire to pursue design-oriented work.
When my search resumed in March, I broadened my applications to include home publications, furniture design and sales, and design assistant positions I found online. Before applying, I carefully reviewed each job listing. If a posting required specific software or a skill I didn’t yet have, I downloaded trial versions, practiced until I reached a basic level of proficiency, and then mentioned that foundational competency in my cover letter. This approach demonstrated initiative and a willingness to learn—qualities that employers appreciate.
I sent tailored resumes and cover letters to every company that seemed relevant. Though this process was time-consuming, I was determined to leave no opportunity unexplored. I didn’t hear back from many places, but I secured interviews with roles that fit my academic strengths and personal interests. In one interview with an interior designer, the hiring manager specifically praised my proactive effort to learn required software before applying. That positive impression led to an offer to work as her assistant, which I gladly accepted.
Several of my Housing courses provided practical knowledge that helped me succeed as a design assistant. Topics such as universal design, housing environments, and housing types gave me a broad understanding of how people interact with living spaces. My Design Studies classes—drawing, model making, human factors in interior design, and textile design—equipped me with hands-on skills directly applicable to the role. Combined with my internship experience, this academic foundation allowed me to step into the position with confidence.
Ultimately, a college degree played an important role in opening doors, especially within the design field. That said, a degree doesn’t always have to match a specific job title exactly. By developing practical skills, demonstrating initiative, and applying to a wide range of opportunities, it’s possible to break into the field even from a related major. Internships—like the one I completed with Charles & Hudson—can be particularly helpful for gaining experience, building a portfolio, and making professional connections that lead to paid positions.