Collaborative Success

Graduates and junior interior designers are a key asset to any design agency; I have found directors are always keen to nurture new talent entering into the industry, as they bring fresh ideas and approaches to projects.

As a recruiter, we tend to find companies are more successful when they recruit for graduates themselves as their junior interior designers skills sets can vary hugely; some may be stronger at visualizing, technical drawings or have excellent hand sketching skills and it is easier to spot a design style or talent that aligns with your business rather than using a recruitment agency. You also save yourself money in fees.

However, having had exposure on both sides of the fence, speaking to interior design students and listening to the requirements from design studios there is a void that is growing between the two.

Last week I delivered a talk to 50 interior design students, a mixture of third year and MA Students. At the beginning of the talk I asked them two questions: “Who is worried about finding work after they graduate?” and “Do you

feel you know enough about the industry to find job opportunities?”. Overwhelmingly, nearly all the students felt concerned about finding work and didn’t know where to start looking for opportunities.

Now, does the responsibility lie with the students

in their research to find companies? Is it the course leaders to engage more with industry and develop their contacts? Or does the industry not work closely enough with the universities to align the skill sets they need in future employees?

Sitting in the middle of this dilemma, I would say all parties need to start doing more and increase their collaboration in engagement to ensure everyone’s demands are met. Here are some suggestions I would personally make:

INDUSTRY

It is time consuming for directors to be taking time out to speak to university students, so why not set

up a scheme with a university where your senior or mid level interior design employees can go in to do workshops or portfolio reviews? This would be highly beneficial to both parties.

STUDENTS

Being proactive is paramount to finding a new job. Ensure you not only have an online presence but be seen in person – attend design industry events like Clerkenwell Design Week where you can meet future employers and build relationships with suppliers.

UNIVERSITIES

With a long syllabus to cover, adding “building

industry contacts” to your to-do list is probably not

at the top, so why not ask industry experts to come

to you? Give them the opportunity to showcase their work, face to face or virtually, and put time aside

once a year to consult with companies and studios to find out if your course aligns with the industry’s ever changing skill sets.

Time is always precious for everyone, but seeing the success rate in job placements of university students when time is spent collaborating between industry and universities is very worthwhile and rewarding for all parties!

In 2024, I will be launching a jobs fair where companies will have the opportunity to present their portfolio of work and promote internships and job opportunities within their business. This will allow students to bring along their CV and portfolio and meet with companies. If you are a design company or university who would be interested in receiving more details do let me know.