Prospecting for Online Design School Gold

Online study makes interior design school available to full time working women and men who couldn't otherwise transition into this creative, challenging career. However, all online programs aren't created equal, and unfortunately, all online programs aren't stepping stones to interior design jobs. Here's how to study interior design online without getting taken.

Online study makes interior design school available to full time working women and men who couldn’t otherwise transition into this creative, challenging career. However, all online programs aren’t created equal, and unfortunately, all online programs aren’t stepping stones to interior design jobs. Here’s how to study interior design online without getting taken.

Interior Design: Accept No Substitutes

Read an online design school’s program description with an eye to the distinction between interior design and interior decoration. While online credentials typically qualify you to practice interior decoration, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) suggests that you pursue online study as an introduction to the field of design rather than a qualification to practice it. Why? An online program may not give you the credentials necessary to take the National Council of Interior Design Qualification exam—and you must pass this exam to become a licensed interior designer in most states.

Online and On Campus Curricula

To get an idea of what interior design education involves, go to FIDER’s list of Accredited Interior Design Schools and browse the websites of the on campus schools in your state. A good online interior design school will offer the same curriculum as top campus-based schools. The curriculum should include an internship (don’t confuse a portfolio class with an internship). Both prepare you for the transition from interior design school to interior design jobs, but only the internship gives you the opportunity actually to practice the profession.

Read the Fine Print About Placement

If your online interior design school gives no placement statistics, ask for them. Find out how many of their graduates have gone on to careers in interior design. If graduates work in “design-related fields,” be aware that they’re probably not working as designers. To get a good idea of your eventual prospects with your online credential, ask who typically hires the school’s graduates. If the school won’t give you this information, don’t give the school your money.

Sources:

• American Society of Interior Designers
• FIDER Accredited Programs

Posted on August 7, 2006 at 10:20 AM

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