Have you ever wondered about those unique jobs that don’t require a degree? In celebration of Manufacturing Month, MSW Youth Connections is here to guide you on crafting a fulfilling career path in manufacturing.
Today, we’re going to explore: Industrial Design
Industrial designers are responsible for developing the plans and concepts that lead to the creation of various products, including cars, home appliances, and toys. They utilize computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce precise 3D models and select the materials necessary for manufacturing. This field merges design, engineering, and product development, making it an exciting space for creative thinkers.
Essentially, industrial designers map out and create the products that oftentimes, we end up using on a daily basis.
If you consider yourself innovative and artistic but aren’t keen on pursuing a traditional four-year degree, industrial design could be a perfect fit for you.
The national average salary for industrial designers is $71,688 per year, and many professionals thrive as self-starters. Here are some steps to help you embark on your journey in industrial design:
- Read Up: Explore a variety of books that cover industry practices, from the basics of industrial design to techniques for sketching like a pro. Not many people talk about this approach to self- starting, but reading non-fiction books about your chosen career path, is how many people are able to obtain the knowledge and insight they have, without attending college. Knowledge is power, especially when learning about the field you wish to go into.
- Free Online Courses: If you’re curious about what industrial design entails, search for free online courses that provide insights into the daily life of an industrial designer. In this digital age, we have so many resources available to us, literally at the tips of our fingers. Free online courses for Industrial Design range anywhere from “Industrial Design Sketching,” to “CAD for Designers,” to “Basics of Product Design.” The best parts about these courses, with the exception that they are free, is that not only can you go at your own pace, is that you can also insert these certifications on your resume.
- Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your innovative product sketches, prototypes, and final designs. Each entry should illustrate the problem you tackled, your problem-solving process, the tools you used, and the reasoning behind your choices. Remember, your portfolio should reflect not just your skills but also your personality. Important concepts to remember in your portfolio are layout, grammar, length, and the options of both physical and digital portfolios.
- Network: Opportunities abound if you’re willing to seek them out. A simple Google search for “Industrial Design opportunities near me” can uncover valuable connections. Asking around your inner circle is also a great way to start. There is always going to be “someone who knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone.” Employers like someone who is ambitious and if you decide to go out of your way to pitch yourself to any and everyone you meet, this will eventually land you an opportunity. Don’t hesitate to reach out and put yourself out there!
If you’re interested in pursuing industrial design and want further assistance, please visit our Contact Us page.
Industrial Design Books:
30 Essential Books for Industrial Designers – Design Sojourn
Free Online Courses:
15 Free Industrial Design Courses [2024] – DigitalDefynd
Resources for Portfolio Building:
Tips for a Compelling Industrial Design Portfolio | by Alvaro Uribe | Products of Design | Medium
13 Tips for Creating the Best Industrial Design Portfolio | Cad Crowd
Industrial Design Portfolio Projects :: Photos, videos, logos, illustrations and branding :: Behance
Network Help:
How to Network on LinkedIn (6 Dos and Don’ts) – LifeHack
How to Network in the Industrial Design Industry (americanprofessionguide.com)
Here’s how you can jumpstart your career in industrial design through networking. (linkedin.com)