THE INTERN EXPERIENCE!
College is a great time to establish a career path and fortify character and personality traits that reflect that career choice. One of the best ways to garner experience and skills fitting that destined career path is through internships with leaders of the industry. As an OU student majoring in Interior Design, Emily spent the summer before her senior year at Faulkner Design Group, honing her talents and gaining unparalleled knowledge from design professionals, all while making memories and relationships that will last a lifetime.
Armed with an early introduction into the world of Interior Design, Emily used to assist her mother on projects installing closets where she met a myriad of interior designers and established a passion for the work. Attending the University of Oklahoma only furthered her interest in the industry and her love of design, which inevitably led Emily to her internship at Faulkner Design Group.
THE DAY-TO-DAY OF A FAULKNER DESIGN INTERN
FIRST WEEK FEELINGS
Beginning an internship with a new company can seem like a daunting experience riddled with nerves from meeting the staff, understanding the work environment, and preparing for new tasks. Emily was no exception to this feeling, but soon found there was nothing to fear.
“Everyone was so kind and made an effort to say ‘hi’ and meet me. Having a ‘New Hire Buddy’ was amazing because I knew I could always go to her with any questions, design or office related, and that was so nice to have. Everyone made my transition easy, and I felt right at home. I also started working on projects almost immediately, which was so amazing and educational. I learned so much this summer.”
- Emily
THE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Emily’s internship came with a variety of diverse tasks and projects that applied a hands-on approach to learning, including meeting with vendors, creating concepts for projects and working with tiles and fabrics, assisting with client presentation set up, and even joining designers on installations.
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Visiting Vendors
“I really enjoyed being in the Resource Library and working with the reps. I got to learn so many new vendors in the industry. I have a giant stack of their business cards just from this summer!”
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Project Progression
“Creating concepts for projects can be challenging because you want to get everything perfect. But when you finally get it right, it feels so good to have accomplished it. Honestly though, cutting large pieces of tile was one of the most challenging tasks that I experienced. It took a lot of work!”
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Installation Adventures
“I went with two designers to walk through a project and determine which draperies would go in which spaces. It was so amazing to see a project in full swing, getting built and seeing the different processes of it.”
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Team Interaction
“The way I was able to get to know all the designers really well was great. Even the Accounting and Technical teams were so welcoming and helpful. Immediately, I felt included and I loved how so many different people asked for my help!”
WHAT’S TO COME
While the summer of 2021 might have been a whirlwind season filled with an epic internship, Emily’s summer of 2022 will be even better as she prepares to graduate in May! Though her internship with Faulkner Design Group might have brought endless and exciting opportunities, it was a learning experience above all else, according to Emily.
“Be open to anything. I went through college thinking I only wanted to focus on hotels, but now that I have seen multifamily and senior living, I realize that there is so much more out there to work with. It is so important to have good work ethic, because in this industry, a lot depends on little details, such as final selections, dates, and so much more.”
As a FDG Intern-Alum, Emily looks back fondly on her time at Faulkner Design, noting how important and amazing any internship opportunity is.
“They widen your horizon in the design field. I have learned so much in my internship here and in past internships. You gain so much knowledge because you have to apply what you have learned, both from school and the internship itself, and use it in the real world. It is truly an amazing job to have.”
Internships at Faulkner Design Group are a fantastic way to jumpstart your career in Interior Design, working alongside Registered Interior Designers and leaders of the industry. Design Interns are an integral part of our team, aiding designers in Designing Environments That Transform Life™ and gaining experience doing real-world tasks and projects. Faulkner Design Group offers paid full-time and part-time internship opportunities that provides flexibility to work around school schedules and can contribute to college credit, with no experience needed. We are dedicated to making a lasting impression on our interns and thrive on their success, during and even after their time at FDG!
Check out our Intern Page for information on becoming a Faulkner Design Group Intern.
