Getting Involved >> Giving Back / Volunteering

One of the best things you can do for your career as an interior designer is to become involved in your future profession. This involvement begins the day you enroll in a college or university program. In Canada and the United States professional associations have specific membership categories for students. To find out how to join and how to volunteer — both important components of your career development — visit the student sections of the Web sites below.

www.asid.org

www.iida.org

www.interiordesigncanada.org

Associations are very interested in the career development of future interior designers from the moment students begin their programs. Associations host a variety of networking and learning opportunities for students, as well as a number of awards programs and competitions in which students can test their design skills early on and earn recognition as young interior designers.

Having a professional affiliation and perhaps an award or two on your resume when you enter the workforce will get you noticed by potential employers.