“How can I show what I can do if no one gives me a chance?”
This is a question I often hear from young designers struggling to find paid internships or get clients to take a chance on them. It’s frustrating, discouraging, and can leave you feeling stuck. You know you have the passion and potential to succeed, but without experience, it feels like you’re standing at a locked door, waiting for someone to hand you the key.
Don’t worry—there are creative and practical ways to build your skills and portfolio!
In this episode, I’m sharing actionable strategies to help you gain the experience you need to stand out. From offering free design help to friends and family, to job shadowing, creating mock projects, and building vendor relationships, you’ll learn how to showcase your talent and make your mark as a designer.
You don’t need a fancy job to start building your portfolio—you just need the right plan! I also introduce you to my My Design Mentor program, where you can gain hands-on experience through sample projects, so you feel confident applying for jobs or starting your own business.
Whether you’re fresh out of school or transitioning into interior design, this episode is packed with advice to help you get scrappy, increase your knowledge, and build connections that will open doors. Tune in now and take the first step toward your dream design career!
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
- Discover resourceful ways to get hands-on experience and build your portfolio without a traditional job
- Develop the skills and confidence to showcase your talent and attract opportunities
- Get practical, actionable tips to build your network and use vendor relationships to your advantage
Check out these episode highlights
01:23 Challenges Young Designers Face in Gaining Experience
Many students seek internships, but paid ones are limited.
Short internships may not be beneficial for firms.
Some designers may not have the time or interest to mentor beginners.
03:06 Gaining Experience Through Small Projects
Start by offering free services to friends and family.
Help style a space or assist in furniture selection.
Use personal projects (home renovations, refurnishing, or restyling) to build a portfolio.
04:35 Internships and Job Shadowing
Internships can lead to full-time opportunities.
Job shadowing is a great way to observe industry professionals.
Episode 5 of the podcast covers the do’s and don’ts of internships.
07:09 Creating a Portfolio Without Clients
Develop mock projects (e.g., measure and design floor plans, color schemes, and furniture layouts for a family member’s home).
Learn 3D software to create renderings.
Create flat lays and design boards to showcase skills.
08:19 Building Vendor Relationships
Visit tile, paint fabrics, and furniture showrooms to learn about different products and develop relationships with vendors.
Engage with vendors to build professional connections.
09:42 Online Learning & Volunteering
Watch YouTube videos on interior design topics.
Volunteer for community projects, such as redesigning church spaces.
11:56 Networking & Finding Opportunities
Be honest about your experience when networking.
Attend industry events and connect with designers and contractors.
Some professionals may be open to mentoring, while others may not.
Be resourceful in finding opportunities.
Next Steps
- Sign up for My Design Mentor to get an internship or sample project experience
Grab your freebies:
- Furnishings Investment Guide
- Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide
- Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
- 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Take a Quiz!
- Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style
- Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!
Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.
Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics
DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question
Leave me a rating and review! Click here.
Thanks for listening. I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week…