Lauren Smythe Michalak
Lakeland, FL
Where Are You Currently Employed?
Studio M Interiors in Tampa, Florida
What is Your Current Title and Responsibilities?
Senior Designer. Meeting with clients both Residential & Commercial, to select FFE; create AutoCad drawings; Create proposals, purchase orders, and invoices; Collect payments and deposits; Provide administrative support; Involved in Social Media to market our company; Assist on charity events; Provide blog content.
What Do You Like Most About Your Job?
It is a fast paced environment. We're constantly busy and our company is always pushing for bigger and better. We are currently working on marketing strategies in order for our firm to become nationally known. We're also working on a possible television series and our own product line.
How Did the CMU Interior Design Program Prepare You For a Career in The Field?
I feel that I got an amazing amount of knowledge from Central's Design Program. I feel that they offer such a wide variety of design information, from drafting to Auto Cad, takeoffs, and purchase orders. I could go on and on. There honestly hasn't been one thing that a boss asked me to do that I didn't already have the knowledge to perform. Plus, the CMU Interior Design program puts a lot of focus on your portfolio which was key to me getting all 3 of the jobs that I have had, so thank you.
What Tips Do You Have For Entry Level Students?
Take the time & energy to making your resume & portfolio FABULOUS. You want the firm to look at your portfolio and resume and say WOW, I've never seen anything like this before. Don't ever send a generic resume, take the time to make it special, because it translates that you are special!
Kara Bingham
Bay City, MI
Where Are You Currently Employed?
I am currently employed at Nowak Cabinets in Midland, Michigan.
What is Your Current Title and Responsibilities?
My current title is Designer. My job responsibilities include: creating color renderings for several coworkers using 2020 software, designing kitchens & baths, using Quickbooks to create invoices and purchase orders, and making sure all of our technology runs smoothly in day-to-day operations. We are in the process of relocating, so I am currently responsible for designing our new showroom displays, coordinating all of the construction activities, vendors, & deliveries, and ensuring we have all of the necessary supplies, such as samples and binders. It is a huge undertaking, but this is the third time I've been involved in setting up a new showroom and I really enjoy seeing everything come together.
What Do You Like Most About Your Job?
I enjoy creating something for my clients that they could not have done on their own. It really makes my day when my clients are ecstatic about their completed project.
How Did the CMU Interior Design Program Prepare You For a Career in The Field?
In general, every class I took at CMU has helped prepare me for my career. However, in particular, I have found that knowledge of AutoCAD is something that people without an interior design degree usually do not possess. This has helped to set me apart from other potential employees. It has also made it much easier for me to learn 2020 (the kitchen design software).
What Tips Do You Have For Entry Level Students?
I would tell them to get as much experience as you can, whether its internships, job shadowing, or volunteering. Something that I did not realize until after graduation, was how reluctant employers are to hire employees without experience. Anything and everything that you can add to your resume will help distinguish you from everyone else in the job pool.