Interior Design Students: Paid Internships, A Possibility?

Interior design internships are a great way for students to gain practical experience and build connections in the industry. While internships can provide valuable opportunities for learning and growth, one of the main concerns for students is whether or not they will be remunerated for their work. The topic of remuneration for interior design internships is important as it can impact a student's ability to pursue such opportunities and can shape their early career paths.

Average salary for interior design interns

Interior design internships can be paid or unpaid. While some people argue that interns should be paid for their work, others believe that even an unpaid internship can help students gain valuable experience in the industry. However, it is worth noting that the average salary for an interior design internship in the United States is $45,975 per year, which is a 15% change in pay over the last decade. This salary can vary depending on location, education, and experience, with the highest-paying cities being Seattle, New York, and Washington, D.C. The average hourly rate for interior design interns is $22.1 per hour.

The salary range for interior design interns in the United States is between $33,000 and $63,000 per year. The average salary can also differ depending on the industry. For example, the average salary for interior design interns in the construction industry is $59,888, while the average salary in the finance industry is $53,105. The education industry offers the lowest average salary for interior design interns at $44,570.

The highest-paying types of interior design interns include design consultants, interior designer/project managers, and computer designers. Additionally, some companies, such as LEO A DALY and Jacobs Engineering Group, are known for offering highly competitive salaries for interior design internships.

It is worth noting that the salary for interior design interns can also vary depending on the specific job title and department within a company. The same job title can have different salaries in different departments due to variations in responsibilities. Therefore, it is essential to consider the specific details of the internship when evaluating salary information.

Industries with the highest-paying internships

While there is a common notion that interns are unpaid and perform menial tasks, this is not always the case. Internships can offer financial rewards and invaluable experience. Some industries offer more lucrative internships than others.

Tech and finance firms, for example, offer competitive salaries and hands-on exposure. According to Glassdoor, fintech firm Stripe Inc. and video game developer Roblox Corp. topped the list of highest-paying internships in 2023, with an average salary of over $9,000 per month for entry-level internships. This is equivalent to an annual salary of about $108,000. Other companies with high-paying internships include Capital One Financial Corp., JPMorgan Chase & Co., McKinsey & Co., Bain & Co., and EY-Parthenon.

Quantitative finance and investment firms also offer attractive internship packages. Arrowstreet Capital, a firm focused on global equity assets, is the second-highest paying company for internships in quantitative finance. Radix, a privately funded firm with operations in Chicago, New York, and Amsterdam, offers summer interns up to $90,000 over a 10-week program. Hudson River Trading, a math-focused tech trading firm, pays interns approximately $54,383 for a typical 10-week internship.

In the field of interior design, internships are also available, but the availability and remuneration vary. The average interior design internship salary in the United States is $45,975 per year, with salaries typically ranging from $33,000 to $63,000. The average hourly rate for interior design interns is $22.10 per hour. The highest-paying interior design internship roles are design consultant, interior designer/project manager, and computer designer. The construction industry offers the highest average salary for interior design interns at $59,888 per year, followed by the finance industry at $53,105.

While some interior design internships are unpaid, there is a growing recognition that interns should be compensated. Adequate pay can improve job satisfaction, productivity, and retention rates. It can also help alleviate the financial burden on students, who often juggle multiple jobs and loans to support their education and living expenses.

How to find an interior design internship

Interior design internships can be paid or unpaid, and salaries vary depending on location, education, and experience. The average interior design internship salary in the United States is $45,975, with salaries typically ranging between $33,000 and $63,000 yearly. The average hourly rate for interior design interns is $22.10 per hour.

• Tap into your school's resources: Ask your professors or school career services for advice and reach out to your faculty advisor to discuss internship opportunities and requirements. They may have connections or know of companies that are hiring interns.
• Network and make connections: Join industry organizations such as ASID, IIDA, and NEWH, which offer networking opportunities and post job listings for members. Attend industry events, conferences, or workshops to meet potential mentors or employers.
• Search online job boards: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Zippia list interior design internship opportunities. You can also use general search engines like Google to find internship positions by searching for "interior design internships" in your desired location.
• Contact companies directly: Make a list of design firms, specialty design centers, or textile and furniture designers in your area that you would like to work for. Contact them directly to inquire about internship possibilities, even if they are not actively advertising internships.
• Prepare your application materials: Develop a strong resume that highlights your relevant skills and experiences. Write a cover letter expressing your goals and why you are interested in the internship.
• Utilize your personal network: Talk to friends, family, and acquaintances about your interest in finding an interior design internship. They may have connections or know of opportunities that could be a good fit for you.

The value interns bring to design firms

Interns are a valuable asset to any design firm. They bring a fresh perspective, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic. Many are extremely hard workers, juggling school, jobs, and even families to better their situation. Their hunger and desire to learn are significant, and they can be a driving force of new ideas and energy in the studio.

One of the main reasons design firms hire interns is to get work done more efficiently. Interns can take on a variety of tasks such as production work, research, or organizing the library, freeing up time for other employees to focus on more specialized tasks. With adequate compensation, interns are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and loyal, leading to higher productivity and lower turnover rates.

Additionally, paid internships attract a larger and more qualified talent pool. Research shows that paid internships can attract up to 2.5 times more applicants than unpaid internships. This gives design firms a better chance to identify and recruit potential new employees. By offering paid internships, design firms can ensure they are not missing out on talented individuals who cannot afford to take unpaid positions.

Furthermore, paying interns can help to promote diversity in the creative industries. Unpaid internships often skew the talent pool towards individuals from economically advantaged backgrounds, as those without financial stability cannot afford to take on unpaid work. By offering paid internships, design firms can contribute to creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce, bringing in a variety of perspectives and experiences.

Overall, interns bring a range of benefits to design firms, from increased efficiency and productivity to fresh ideas and a diverse talent pool. Recognizing and valuing the contributions of interns can help design firms create a positive and rewarding work environment for everyone involved.

Internship requirements and contracts

Interior design internships are available through a variety of companies, including design houses, design firms, specialty design centers, and textile and furniture designers. These internships are designed to help students gain real-world experience and can be either paid or unpaid. While some argue that interns should be paid, others contend that even an unpaid internship can provide valuable experience and help students get their foot in the door in the industry.

When it comes to internship requirements and contracts, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is the student's responsibility to find an internship that aligns with their professional goals. Meeting with a faculty advisor or career counselor can help students identify potential opportunities and create learning goals for their internship experience.

Once an internship opportunity has been identified, students should work with their faculty advisor and internship site supervisor to finalise the arrangements and complete the necessary contracts or "internship experience agreements". These agreements outline the terms and expectations of the internship, including the specific duties and responsibilities of the intern. It is important to carefully review and understand the terms of the contract before signing.

In addition to the standard internship requirements, some internships may have specific educational prerequisites. For example, at the College of Design, students must complete IDes 4607: Interior Design Studio VII before commencing their internship. It is worth noting that while internships are typically completed during the summer between junior and senior year, faculty advisors are usually not available during the summer to assist with preparations. Therefore, students should plan well in advance.

At the end of the internship, students are often required to submit documentation and evaluations of their experience. This may include a self-evaluation, as well as a performance evaluation by the site supervisor. These evaluations provide an opportunity to reflect on the skills learned and the overall performance during the internship. Additionally, interns may be asked to provide documentation on health, safety, and welfare practices, as well as the firm's business procedures and practices.

Frequently asked questions