Kristin's career diary

Career World, Sept, 2004 by Kristin Sjo-Gaber

AS A RECENT GRADUATE OF SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY, I have to smile when I think of my earliest impression of what ended up being my major. When I first toured the art and design studios at Syracuse University's campus, I remember my mom's enthusiasm over the industrial, design (ID) department. She suggested that I look into majoring in ID. I laughed and said, "Mom! I'm not going to design forks and cabinets for a living."

Like many people, I didn't understand what industrial design was all about. Luckily, a good friend told me about the program in my freshman year. She got me really interested in ID.

Flash forward five years, and here I am, a graduate of the five-year Industrial and Interaction Design program at Syracuse. I couldn't be more excited!

When I tell people I majored in industrial design. I usually receive a blank stare in return. Then I mumble something about design, throwing in words such as product and technology.

So what exactly is industrial design? To start, I don't specialize in engineering or graphic design (although I may be involved in both), and no, I don't build factories. I create experiences through product design.

Industrial designers are innovative problem solvers. Through a process of user research, sketching, model making, and computer design, we create new experiences. We can design a game so that it gives kids new ways to think and play. We design products like toys, electronics, housewares, furniture, and even sneakers. We're involved in exhibition design, green (environmental) design, and packaging. If you see it on the market, it's been designed somewhere.

As an ID student, I've learned to look at the world in a different way. It's common to see the ID majors around campus checking out cool knickknacks and gadgets. We like to see innovative products and interesting uses of materials. We're also a really tight family. Most ID students are wacky, creative people. In our off-hours, we hang out together in the studio, skateboarding through the halls, building crazy contraptions, and enjoying one another's company.

I'm now ready to find my first ID job. I'm seeking a summer internship with a design firm near my home. I sent samples of my work and was called for an interview. The firm works on all sorts of projects. An internship there would be a great learning experience. As an intern, I can gain experience without committing myself to one job or area. I hope all goes well when I interview next month. It will be exciting to start using all that I've learned about ID!