Interior Designer (Fox Studios)
WHAT YOU DO: Talk with clients to get a sense of their needs and preferences for a particular space. Then, work with this information to design and pull all of the elements together for a room that will be safe, functional, and comfortable and that looks good.
EDUCATION: A Bachelor's degree from a university that specializes in design is highly recommended. Here, you will learn about how colors, materials, furniture, and spaces work together. You may also need to get a license by completing an exam from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification.
USEFUL SKILLS: Artistic ability, communication skills, empathy.
HOW TO GET IN: After getting your degree, begin an apprenticeship at a design firm to gain experience by working with established interior designers. Alternatively, begin as an assistant to an experienced interior designer.
CAREER PATH: You may be offered a position at your firm after completing an apprenticeship. If not, you can work as a freelance interior designer, though this requires a lot of patience and networking. With a few years' experience and a portfolio of successful projects, you may be able to build up a client base or find work at a firm. Another option is to become the in-house interior designer for a company.
PAYBACK: Median annual salary: $46,180.
DOWNSIDES: Strong competition.
FUTURE OF JOB: The number of jobs is expected to grow in the next decade, but field of interior design is becoming very competitive. A Bachelor's degree will give you an edge over other job applicants.