First, some facts. Of the Interior Design graduates from Fashion Institute of Technology 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 12 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Great! Overall, with an average relevance score of 93%, Interior Design graduates from Fashion Institute of Technology have a substantially higher likelihood (+26%) 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 8% 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:
Relevance score: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from Fashion Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONJunior Experiential DesignerSub Rosa 2011 - 2013 Designer Konrad & Paul 2012 - Present Freelance Experiential Designer Self-employed 2013 - Present ABOUTExperienced designer and 3D renderer with a demonstrated history of working in the Experiential Marketing industry. Skilled in Cinema4D, SketchUp, Adobe Suite. Strong arts and design professional with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) focused in Interior Design from Fashion Institute of Technology. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From analyzing the LinkedIn profiles of graduates from the Fashion Institute of Technology with Interior Design degrees, it's clear that many have landed jobs that align closely with their studies. A significant number of these individuals have taken roles as Interior Designers, Principals in design firms, and lighting designers. These positions typically require direct application of design knowledge and creativity, showcasing a strong connection to the skills taught in their degree programs. For instance, roles like Interior Designer at various firms and positions such as Principal at different studios highlight the importance of interior design principles, project management, and client engagement, which are core components of the curriculum.
However, not all job roles have been as relevant. Some graduates started in entry-level or supportive positions, like Junior Design Associate or internships, which don't fully harness the interior design expertise they acquired. Interestingly, roles such as Textile Designer, while creative, didn't directly relate to spatial design or interior environments. Overall, graduates who moved into direct interior design roles, like Interior Designers and Lighting Designers, have generally found themselves in positions that are very relevant, while those in more peripheral roles may not be fully utilizing their education. This suggests that while there are ample opportunities in interior design, some paths can lead to positions that feel less connected to the field than others.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Interior Design graduates (this is across all Interior Design graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Fashion Institute of Technology):
Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from the Fashion Institute of Technology's Interior Design program, it's pretty clear that many students land relevant jobs in the field shortly after graduation. A good number start as junior designers or in similar entry-level roles, often securing positions at established design firms or studios. It’s not uncommon for these first jobs to be more focused on assisting and learning the ropes, which is a solid foundation for their careers. For example, recent graduates have started as assistants or interns, working their way up in a clear design-related direction. This suggests an encouraging trend where students are stepping into roles that align with their studies right out of college.
Fast forward about five to ten years, and we see a promising pattern where many graduates take significant leaps in their careers. Some have moved up to principal or senior designer roles, while others have started their own studios or become specialized in niches like experiential design or lighting. Not only do they continue to work in interior design, but many are also advancing into positions that reflect their growing expertise and leadership skills. While there are certainly some who might struggle to find their footing in the field or transition into unrelated careers, the overall trend shows a strong influence of relevant career paths and professional growth among these grads. This indicates that a degree from FIT can set you up for a successful career in interior design, with many finding their niche and excelling in the industry within just a few years of graduation.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, like the one at the Fashion Institute of Technology, can be pretty challenging but also really rewarding. The program dives into a mix of creativity, technical skills, and design principles, which means you’ll be juggling hands-on projects, computer-aided design, and a bunch of theory about space and aesthetics. While some might find it easier than, say, an engineering degree, it definitely requires a good amount of dedication, attention to detail, and a passion for design. If you’re someone who loves being creative and doesn’t mind putting in the effort, you might find it manageable, but just be ready for those late nights of sketching and critiques!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Interior Design.
Looking at the career paths of these Interior Design graduates from the Fashion Institute of Technology, it seems like they’ve been doing pretty well! Many have progressed from entry-level roles to more senior positions, like principals and directors, which usually means they’re making decent money. The earlier graduates, especially those who climbed the ladder to leadership positions, likely earn a good salary now—especially with several years of experience under their belts. Even the newer grads seem to be landing solid positions that can lead to better pay over time, though they might still be on the lower end as they start out. Overall, it looks like a smart move for those pursuing a career in design!
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 is across all Interior Design graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Fashion Institute of Technology). 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 |