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First, some facts. Of the Interior Design graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 953 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 78%, Interior Design graduates have a much higher likelihood (+11%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 11% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Interior Design graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Interior Design in Interior Design. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONPrincipal Designer [NAME REMOVED] Ferrari Design Jan 2020 - Present ABOUTMy mission is to create environments that broaden the idea that interior design is more than just making beautiful spaces. I believe in the idea that a space and the elements within it can positively impact its users. When all is said and done, I want the spaces I create to foster passion and conversation that results in the improvement of individuals.I believe that balanced substance is the basis for all great ideas. If a person strives to work hard and stays humble, they will be immeasurably blessed. In return this will seep into their work, the people, and the places surrounding them and foster genuine connections. This is what I strive for in all the worlds noise. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After sifting through a huge list of job positions held by individuals with degrees in Interior Design, we can get some interesting insights about where these graduates tend to find work after college. Not surprisingly, a significant number of them land roles that are closely tied to interior design, like interior designers, project managers, and design consultants. These positions typically require the specific skills and knowledge acquired during their studies. However, there’s also a notable portion of graduates who venture into roles that aren’t directly related to interior design, ranging from project management in various design sectors to even sales and administrative positions. In fact, many seem to end up in sales or consulting roles related to design materials, like kitchen and bath designers, which still touch on their design backgrounds but may not fully engage their interior design skills daily.
In terms of relevance, jobs that incorporate design principles, such as interior designer, kitchen and bath designer, and project manager positions within design firms, are clearly in line with their education. This shows a strong linkage between their degree and their job roles. However, there are also various positions where individuals are not applying their design skills at all, like roles in customer service, sales, and management. Many of these positions tend to focus on the business side or operational aspects rather than the creative, hands-on design work that you might expect someone with a degree in this field to be doing. It goes to show that while many design grads do pursue careers in design, others find themselves in roles where their interior design education is, at best, a supplementary asset rather than a primary focus of their work.
Overall, the data suggests that there is a clear division in the career paths of Interior Design graduates. Those who stay true to their design roots are often fulfilling and relevant roles in the field, while others branch out into areas where their design skills aren’t the main focus. This might indicate a mismatch between the skills taught in academic settings and what is sought after in the job market, or perhaps a reflection of the graduates’ personal career preferences and the job landscape they find themselves navigating. Either way, it showcases both the versatility of the degree and the realities of the job market for creative professionals.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Interior Design graduates:
After looking at the career trajectories of individuals with degrees in Interior Design from various colleges, it's clear that there's a mixed bag regarding their career paths post-graduation. Many of these graduates go straight into interior design-related roles, starting as Junior Designers or Design Assistants. This is a pretty common first step for those entering the field, and it sets the stage for upward mobility. For instance, graduates from places like the Savannah College of Art and Design and the New York Institute of Technology show a direct correlation between their studies and early career roles in the design industry. Over the first few years, they tend to progressively assume more responsibility, often moving into roles like Associate Designer, Project Manager, or even Senior Designer by the five-year mark. It’s satisfying to see that many have clearly established themselves within the design world, earning promotions as they gain experience and demonstrate their skills.
However, there’s also a significant number of graduates who veer off the traditional path. Some found themselves taking on roles that don't directly align with their interior design background, such as sales positions, project management in unrelated fields, or even ventures into business consultancy. For example, a University of Kentucky graduate transitioned from a liaison role in higher education to an Associate Director position at a different university, showcasing a significant career shift away from design. This raises a concern about the industry's saturation, as not all graduates find stable, relevant jobs in interior design. Furthermore, some profiles indicate substantial gaps or transitions into sales or completely different sectors, which could suggest that finding a long-term position in interior design isn't easy for everyone.
Looking ten years down the line, many graduates are indeed thriving, now holding senior roles or running their own businesses. It appears that those who stuck closely to the design path are more likely to be found leading teams or managing projects, while those who diverted may have found stability elsewhere but not in their original field of study. It’s also worth noting that professional growth doesn’t always correlate with sticking strictly to interior design jobs; some have successfully branched into business ownership or consultancy roles in related sectors, which can be a smart move given the evolving industry. In a nutshell, while some graduates enjoy a straightforward climb in the design field, others face a winding road, leading them to unexpected but sometimes rewarding careers outside of traditional interior design. This mix highlights both the opportunities available and the challenges faced in securing and maintaining careers related to interior design.
A Bachelor degree in Interior Design can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. On one hand, it definitely isn't a walk in the park—it involves a good amount of creativity, technical skills, and understanding design principles, plus you'll probably have to get comfy with software like AutoCAD and SketchUp. You'll also have to juggle projects, critiques, and deadlines, which can be super demanding. But if you're passionate about design and willing to put in the work, it can also be really rewarding and fun. So, while it might be a notch more challenging than some degrees, it’s totally doable if you’ve got that drive and interest in the subject. Just be ready to roll up your sleeves and get creative!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Interior Design.
So, looking at the career trajectories of these Interior Design grads, it seems like they’re doing pretty well on the financial side. Many have landed roles that are typically associated with decent salaries, especially those working as interior designers in established firms or as owners of their design practices. Graduates from schools like Savannah College of Art and Design, University of Florida, and Virginia Tech seem to have landed themselves in solid positions with companies that have a good reputation in the industry, which bodes well for their earning potential. Those with more experience, like the grads who moved into senior designer roles or project managers, are likely bringing in some pretty good salaries.
However, it’s worth noting that some newer grads or those in less senior positions might be starting out with lower pay, as the interior design field can be competitive and salaries can vary a lot based on location and firm size. Those venturing out as freelance designers, like many from the Art Institutes, could have variable income, especially when just starting. Overall, most seem to be on a solid path that suggests they’ll be able to make a decent living if they continue on their current trajectories. It’s all about leveraging their education and experience wisely!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Interior Design. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Interior Design (ordered by the average relevance score of their Interior Design graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Fashion Institute of Technology
|
93 | 12 |
 University of Nebraska-Lincoln
|
92 | 16 |
 Kent State University
|
90 | 13 |
 Savannah College of Art and Design
|
89 | 21 |
 Design Institute of San Diego
|
89 | 10 |
 Iowa State University
|
86 | 13 |
 Pratt Institute
|
83 | 11 |
 Cazenovia College
|
79 | 15 |
 Purdue University
|
74 | 11 |
 The Art Institutes
|
74 | 20 |
 San Francisco State University
|
73 | 10 |
 East Carolina University
|
70 | 10 |
 Harrington College of Design
|
70 | 14 |
 Texas State University
|
67 | 11 |
 Radford University
|
47 | 10 |