Career in ID without the degree

Haisi, you are getting some pretty good feedback and advice here, and Yo and the others are correct, it all comes down to your portfolio. If you can illustrate in your portfolio that you have the skills an employer is looking for then you will be considered for a position.

I graduated with an architecture degree, but while I was completing this degree I had the opportunity to also take several ID classes as the university I attended provided both degrees. While taking these ID classes, it was pretty clear to me that I was more passionate about industrial design. Even while participating in my architecture classes, I would look for ways to include aspects that would be more relavant from an ID perspective. The architecture program at my school offered a furniture design/fabrication class. I would discuss my ambitions with my architecture professors and they were very understanding. Several allowed me to develop my architecture projects to include aspects that would be more relavent to an ID portfolio. I designed furniture and gave more thought to the interior of my arch projects than I normally would. And honestly I think that my architecture professors actually enjoyed discussing ID projects. When I completed the architecture program I had a variety of projects to include for both ID and Architecture. I decided to interview for ID positions first, and would interview for archtecture positions only if I was unable to land an ID gig. Luckly I received an offer for an ID position and have now been in the field for 12 years.

I think that one of the biggest differences between ID and architecture deliverables in a portfolio is that it is expected to see more process in an ID portfolio. Architecture portfolios tend to just showcase the end design and the renderings/animations developed for the final design. When I am hiring for an ID position, I tend to look for the thought process behind design decisions that were made. I want to see examples of every step in the process (brainstorming, preliminary sketches, refined sketches/illustrations, 3D renderings, physical models and final product resolution). Sketching, more specifically, was never stressed in my architecture program, but it is only of the more important aspects of ID. I look to see how quickly and effectively an individual can express his thoughts when developing an ID concept.

My last peice of advice (for today) is that you shouldn’t be afraid to consider a masters degree in ID. I know that you probably facing the thought of repaying student loans for your arch degree and likely don’t want to take on any additional dept, but the combination of an architecture undergradute and a masters in ID will only make you much more marketable. It will also allow you to build up a much great understanding of the ID field.

Good luck, and feel free to provide your email if you want to talk more off-line.