Jumping into a new career can be both exciting and a bit scary, especially when you are diving into something as creative as interior design. Thankfully I have good news for you! The experience, skills, and achievements of your past job are not just baggage. They are your secret weapon in your new career. In this episode, I want to encourage you as you venture into your second career of becoming an interior designer. We discuss how to leverage your past career skills, the value of showcasing your unique background, and I also give you specific examples of how skills transfer from different professions. LEVERAGING PAST CAREER SKILLS Your past career has given you a treasure trove of skills that can give you an advantage in interior design. Whether you were in corporate, healthcare, sales, or any other field, you’ve got the skills that are pure gold in the design world. For instance, if you were in sales, you probably have amazing relationship-buildig and negotiation skills. These are perfect for dealing with clients, getting great deals with vendors, and managing project budgets. If you were in healthcare, your attention to detail and ability to handle high-stress situations can make you a project management superstar and a client service expert. Don’t just brush these skills aside. They’re part of a your unique perspective and capabilities. Embrace them and use them as part of your professional toolkit as you step into the design world. This not only will boost your confidence, but it lets you offer something truly unique to your clients. PERSONAL BRANDING AND UNIQUE EXPERIENCES Standing out in the world of interior design is crucial. One of the best ways to do this is by showcasing your unique background and personal journey. Your past experiences, skills, and achievements make you special. They set you apart from other designers who might have taken a more traditional route into the industry. Make sure your bio and social media profiles reflect this uniqueness. Instead of sounding generic and boring, weave in parts of your past that highlight your strengths and versatility. If you have a background in law, talk about your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. If you were in healthcare, highlight your compassion and high emotional intelligence. These qualities not only enrich your design practice but also connect you with clients who are looking for a designer who understands them. By sharing your journey authentically, you create a personal brand that’s memorable and relatable. Clients will feel a deeper connection with you, appreciating the diverse experiences you bring to the table. TRANSFERRING SPECIFIC CAREER SKILLS TO DESIGN Every career gives you skills that can be incredibly useful in interior design. Here are some examples: 1. Law and Legal Services: Skills like attention to detail, critical thinking, and negotiation are invaluable in interior design. They help with contract management and client negotiations and ensure every project detail is perfect. 2. Healthcare: The healthcare field teaches patience, empathy, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. These skills are essential when dealing with client demands, managing timelines, and ensuring a smooth design process. 3. Sales: A background in sales gives you excellent communication, persuasion, and relationship-building skills. These are key for marketing your services, closing deals, and maintaining long-term client relationships. 4. Parenting: Yes, even skills from full-time parenting are super relevant. Organizational skills, multitasking, and managing diverse needs simultaneously are all a part of being a successful interior designer. And the list goes on! In the episode, I share even more examples of how unique skills from various professions can be transferred to a career in interior design. By identifying and transferring these specific skills, you can carve out your special place in the interior design market. Each profession brings strengths that can enhance your design practice, making you a well-rounded and versatile designer. Venturing into interior design as a second career isn’t about starting from scratch. It’s about building on the foundation you’ve already got. By leveraging your past career skills, showcasing your unique background, and transferring specific skills to design, you can create a successful and fulfilling career in interior design. You do have what it takes! Embrace your unique journey and let your past propel you forward. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR: (2:25) Leveraging your talent, skills, and experience in your bio (4:50) Specific examples of how one’s past career paths can help in design (9:15) What to do if you aren’t sure if you have certain qualities or not (13:30) Why full-time parents are greatly suited to be a designer (17:40) Why graphic designers are amazing interior designers (22:18) Skills that make HR ...
