Even the most talented Interior Designers need to know how to market themselves to employers. That’s why NYSID makes teaching professional development skills a top priority. At the Office of Career and Internship Services (OCIS), we provide students and alumni career management guidance that will inspire, empower, and encourage them to make strategic career decisions to bridge their academic experiences and professional paths.

Our varied approach to accomplishing this goal includes providing seasonal programming designed to meet students/alumni where they are. This includes career workshops, tailored career planning sessions, annual industry portfolio reviews, networking opportunities, and one-on-one career advising.

Job Placement Rate

 

Undergraduate Students: 92%

Of the 20 BFA graduates located from 2023-2024, 16 (71%) were employed, one (6%) was pursuing further education, and three (18%) were still seeking employment. Among the employed BFA graduates, 100% were employed in jobs that were discipline related.

Graduate Students: 94%

Of the 38 professional level MFA graduates located from 2023-2024, 36 (95%) were employed and two (5%) were still seeking employment. Among the employed MFA graduates, 97% were employed in jobs that were discipline related.

 

Students and Alumni Searching for Internships or Jobs 

Any undergraduate or graduate student in good standing, who has completed 12 credits in one of the Interior Design programs at NYSID (transfer credits do not apply), can make use of Handshake to access internships and jobs. Alumni may also use this service for up to five years after graduation. 

Both students and alumni MUST use their NYSID.edu or school-assigned email addresses to sign in. Alumni have the option to change their emails to a preferred address once their account is activated and verified. Please contact careers@nysid.edu for more information.

Whether you are looking for an internship, part-time, or full-time employment, the Office of Career and Internship Services (OCIS) will give you the information and resources needed to help reach your career goals in school and after graduation. Email careers@nysid.edu for assistance.

FAQs about jobs and internships

Employers Looking to Hire a NYSID Student/Alum

The OCIS manages Handshake, a career services platform where employers can post internships and job opportunities at their convenience. Our students and alumni can search and connect with employers directly through the platform.

NYSID’s career services include:

  • Skill-focused presentations every semester on resume building, interview skills, and portfolio presentation.

  • A Spring Portfolio Review set upon the format of “speed-mentoring.” Students sit down with practicing designers from a broad range of firms, and get rapid-fire feedback on their portfolios.

  • Annual Q & A with an NCIDQ representative. The National Council for Interior Design administers the NCIDQ exam, the key test of a designer’s knowledge and skills, across North America. This presentation updates our students about changes to this ever-evolving test.

  • Ongoing advising from NYSID’s career services coordinator (resume and portfolio reviews by appointment).

  • Job Listings: NYSID is always in the process of expanding its outreach to design firms for entry-level jobs.

NYSID’s professional development curriculum:

  • NYSID encourages undergraduate and MFA students to take the elective internship course for credit, with placement support from NYSID’s career development staff.

  • NYSID offers Professional Practice I & II in the undergraduate program, and a Professional Practice course in the MFA1 program, all of which teach students the business, legal, and administrative knowledge they will need to succeed in entry-level design jobs, or as entrepreneurs striking it out on their own.

To ask about career services and events, please contact The Office of Career and Internship Services at careers@nysid.edu.