What to Expect in an Interior Design Internship in India
Among the many undergraduate programmes, one field that is constantly evolving is interior design. Students are choosing the top interior design colleges in India to secure their education. Just like any other program, in an interior design course as well students are expected to do an internship midway. However, do internships increase employability? The answer is YES. Having industry experience listed on your resume is definitely an added advantage. It not just enhances your chances of being selected but also helps you demonstrate your experience effectively.
If you’re a student pursuing an interior design course in Bangalore, here’s what you can expect from doing an internship. We have all the points covered so that you get a fair idea of what you’re getting into.
7 Things an Interior Design Internship Will Teach You
Practical Application of Design Learning
Though classroom learning builds a foundation, nothing beats real-world experience. During the stint of your internship, you will get to put all the design principles into perspective. For instance, based on the firm you’re interning with, you will be involved with space planning, sourcing materials, CAD drawings, creating mood boards and client presentations. Practical applications usually reinforce classroom learning.
Employers may also expect you to have proficiency in design software including Photoshop, AutoCAD, SketchUp and so on. Besides this, you might also have to be present in site visits or during installations. All this encompasses hands-on learning in the real world.
Drafting & Drawing
Most interior design interns are involved with creating mood boards. These are essential especially when it comes to visualising the overall aesthetic of the project. The duty of an intern is usually to collect colours, textures, and materials that convey the design vision to the client. Another important job they have is drawing and drafting. Based on how good you are, your assistance may also be asked for creating floor plans or 3D models.
Administrative Tasks & Project Deadlines
In an internship, you will surely be asked to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. You can further help by organising samples, maintaining sample libraries and updating social media profiles. An interior design course is not always about the most glamorous things. You will only learn to be good at the job by also supporting the team behind the scenes. Whether it’s taking measurements or creating effective furniture packages, there is a lot involved. Assessing project progress and meeting client expectations is also an important part of the job.
Communication Skills
While classroom learning is essential to learn the key concepts, you can only build your confidence and communication skills on the job. Throughout your internship, you will have an array of opportunities to interact with clients and vendors. We recommend you make the most of it. A few interactions can include obtaining quotes for materials, sourcing furniture or any other material, coordinating deliveries or even finding décor that aligns with the client’s vision.
Team Collaboration
Interior design is a collaborative field. Nothing happens without collaboration. Throughout your internship, focus on making professional relations with employers, senior designers, architects, contractors and vendors. Collaboration helps you learn how the design process works in real time. It’s important to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Only when you embrace it, will you be able to learn, develop and grow further.
Put Feedback into Perspective
While an interior design internship is fun, it’s definitely not rosy. Get ready to receive criticism on your design choices, presentation skills or literally anything you do. We don’t mean to intimidate you. However, that’s how it is in the real world and that’s how you will learn. When you receive feedback, take notes. It’s important you learn from it. It’s a good idea to ask questions too. This way, your seniors will also feel like you’re taking an initiative. It’s a great chance to impress industry veterans.
Make the Most of your Internship
Lastly, it’s important to make the most of your internship. Be proactive and ask questions. Only then will you be asked to sit in meetings or contribute ideas. It’s also a good idea to maintain a journal or digital record of your work. This will always come handy later when you’re seeking a permanent job. Think of it as your portfolio.
Conclusion
Internships are a stepping stone into the interior design world. Doing even the smallest tasks can help you gain experience. At Vogue, doing an internship is an important part of the course curriculum. Learn more about the best interior design school in India.
