We receive several requests for internships. It's difficult to find your way around the interior design business (let alone the world) as a young adult, so I thought it would be helpful to offer these DOS and DONT'S to young, aspiring designers:
DON'T send blind emails out that start with "Dear Hiring Manager".
DO take the time to research the firm, its history, principals, projects, and employees before you draft a cover letter.
That being said, DON'T harass the office with too many follow up calls and emails immediately after you have forwarded your materials.
DO follow up by sending a nice note and a hard copy of your resume in the mail.
DON'T expect to be handed the keys to a project. I am amazed at how many interns we've interviewed who are opposed to doing office work or making coffee and expect to jump right into the driver's seat of a big job.
DO follow up with thank you cards after an interview.
DON'T ask too many questions during work hours. Remember that an internship is not "school" - you are in a workplace.
DO dress appropriately for an interview. Simple, clean, elegant.
DON'T text, facebook, or twitter from work.
DO know as many computer programs as you can. This is probably the best way for a young person to break into the business! If you did not learn it in school, learn it on your own time.
DON'T be the "office clown". Please don't do this.
DO take initiative. If you're done with a project and no one is around to assign you another job, figure it out. Clean, organize, fill in a gap that needs to be filled.
DON'T bring your personal drama to the office. Again, this is not school.
DO listen. Take in everything that goes around you, so that you can better assist without explanation.
DON'T be competitive...with anyone.
