How an Interior Design Major Prepares You for the Job Market
An interior design degree provides students with a comprehensive education in design, aesthetics and overall interior environments. Students learn about the fundamentals of design, with a specific emphasis on interiors, decorations and the functionality of space. They will study architecture, floor planning and interior design styles that are commonly used in the industry. Interior design majors will take perspective drawing and architectural design courses to practice drafting and mathematical design applications. Then, students will advance their work using computer-aided drafting (CAD) systems to design real or virtual objects and spaces. Interior design students will complete various design projects that encompass environmental psychology, drafting floor plans, collecting fabric swatches and using decorations to complete a space for homes, businesses, schools and other buildings.

Best Career Paths for Interior Design Majors
Interior design majors have the necessary skills and training to enter several design and art-related fields. The best career paths for interior design majors are:

• Interior Designer. Interior designers plan, draft and decorate spaces within a building to fit the needs and desires of those using the area. Interior designers use their creativity and design sense to make a space functional, structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. They begin their design process by talking with the client to find out their style and decoration preferences. Interior designers will then draft floor plans and layouts that will aid in their design processes. They also do research and gather information about furniture, fabrics and other decorations that will accent the space. Interior designers may come up with a few ideas and options to show the client and let them decide on a look that best suits them. They may work individually or as a group to decorate and renovate spaces. Interior designers can work in residential or commercial interior design, specializing in houses, hospitals, schools, malls, restaurants, theaters and other buildings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, interior designers made an average salary of $44,950 in 2008.
• Graphic Designer. Graphic designers plan and create visual designs that convey messages to be used in print and electronic media. Graphic designers use their creativity and technical design skills to develop layouts and design elements of magazines, newspapers, reports, as well as advertisements. They also do graphic art for promotional items, signs for businesses, packaging for products and company logos. Many graphic designers have begun doing online visual communications for Web sites, software programs and multimedia outlets. They have to keep up with the cultural and social facets that target their audience and possible clients. In addition, graphic designers use their knowledge of CAD systems and other design software programs to help them create layouts, floor plans and other design elements for industry use. All of their work helps individuals and businesses develop better communication strategies and convey their messages through visual art. Graphic designers made an average salary of $42,400 in 2008, according to the Bureau.

How to Market Your Interior Design Degree
Interior design majors can market their degree and specialized training within various fields that need both an artist and a technical professional. Interior design students have the technical and creative skills to turn any room or space into a practical, usable place. After years of design education and practice, you have established your own personal style, using fabrics, furniture and other decorations to accent rooms. You also have a deep understanding of the psychological effects of space and interiors, and how to establish a well-balanced, aesthetically pleasing space for people to enjoy. These design skills, combined with your comprehensive education, make you an ideal candidate for many design and art-related jobs.