I am an IT professional and have a 4-year degree in Computer Science, but have been out of school since 1995. Currently working in desktop support. I am considering making a career change to Industrial Design, and was curious if anyone has advice on how I should go about switching careers?
I also have been reading some of the discussions and visiting school websites. Quite a few require a portfolio, of which I have not. Are there any decent schools/programs that do not require one? I noticed that the Academy of Art College in SF has a certificate program. Would that be a good way for me to ease into ID? Does anyone know of other ID certificate programs?
Do you want to design products, user interface, other?
Do you have an interest in fine arts, sculpting, figure drawing, etc?
What is it about ID that you like?
What part of the world/country do you want to go to school in?
Do you want to design products, user interface, other?
I have not narrowed down a specific area that I would like to focus on. One thing I do like about ID as is that variety of the type of work.
Do you have an interest in fine arts, sculpting, figure drawing, etc?
Yes. I don’t do much of it now, but in my youth I used to copy and sketch comic book characters and build models/rockets. In high school and college I displayed competence in some drafting courses and basic art class.
What is it about ID that you like?
One of the things that has most interested me about ID is that it combines various discplines-- engineering, visual/communication arts, technology and the social sciences. I like the fact that it is a field that has enhancing life as an aim and seems to be a very rewarding career in that sense.
What part of the world/country do you want to go to school in?
I live in Chicago. As far as what state or part of the world/country I would want to goto to school in, I am pretty open and would
be willing to travel/move. I have lived in Chicago for pretty much my whole life; a change of scenery even for just a few years would be welcome.
there are several decent ID programs in Chicago, why don’t you check them out, talk to some faculty and students?
Are you thinking of starting this fall?
You could check out the ID masters program at Pratt. They accept people from all different backgrounds. I went to school with a pretty varied group of individuals including accountants, biologists, a boxing manager, and a nurse, among others. I have mixed feelings about my time there, but in the end I got the job I wanted (Working with a product design consultancy in NY)
If this sounds like something you might be interested in, I’d suggest calling the school and talking to Rick Goodwin. He was a big help throughout before and during my time there.
I have not set a definite time when I would like to start. Presently, I am gathering information and advice. I am aware that there are ID programs at UIC, UIUC, Columbia College and IIT in Chicago. I will be contacting them.
You could check out the ID masters program at Pratt. They accept people from all different backgrounds. I went to school with a pretty varied group of individuals including accountants, biologists, a boxing manager, and a nurse, among others. I have mixed feelings about my time there, but in the end I got the job I wanted (Working with a product design consultancy in NY)
If this sounds like something you might be interested in, I’d suggest calling the school and talking to Rick Goodwin. He was a big help throughout before and during my time there.
Good luck!
Thank you I will look into Pratt. Why the mixed feelings though?
As part of the entry requirements I have seen for ID programs so far (Masters and Bachelors) ask for a portfolio. Being in IT I do not have one. Before applying I would need to take some art/drawing classes to build one?
My mixed feelings at Pratt stem from the fact that it’s a bit of a run down, disorganized mess. The facilities seemed on the verge of being condemned and the department itself would sign people up for classes using a pen and a piece of paper. But the professors and classes are ultimately a big part of what matters and I definitely learned a lot. It can take a bit of effort, though. I think the students that took the time to talk to their professors and other older students were the ones who were able to get the greatest benefit. Just blindly stumbling through the program will probably not get you the best results.
Also, Pratt is horrible at setting their students up with jobs. Their internship program is a joke (I’m still not sure they officially have one) and they really don’t encourage their students to go out and get any working experience while in school. That being said, many of the professors are active design professionals and through them it’s pretty easy to make connections with the design community. I had a professor of mine point me to an internship that led to the great job I have now.
So, those are my brief thoughts on my time at Pratt. I’ll be happy to answer any more questions you might have.