Steps for Becoming an Independent Home Décor Pro

By Ty Watson

The field of professional home décor is attracting some of the best creative talent in the world. The discipline is a hot new employment prospect for many young people and middle-aged adults who are looking to build a new career. But how does a person get into the business and begin to acquire clients for a one-person company? Luckily, there are several effective ways of doing so.

One of the quickest launching pads for acareer is to get a college degree in a relevant field. But a four-year degree means you'll also need to find a way to pay tuition and related expenses of a solid education. Other entryways include doing internships, both paid and unpaid, with firms that actively hire from within. No matter your long-term décor job goals, it's always a good idea to build up a portfolio that includes every job you've, whether for pay or not. Networking is also a crucial piece of the success puzzle for future experts. Here are more details about how to start an independent business as apro.

Get and Finance a College Degree

Earning a diploma and paying for it represent a dual challenge for people who want to enter their preferred profession. The good news is that scholarships for college are no longer a rarity for industrious students who need money to cover all their educational expenses. The smartest way to pay for a degree is to use a scholarshipsearch platform that allows you to search for opportunities and apply for them at the same time, all from a single, convenient webpage. Many are surprised to discover that they can obtain enough funding to cover a portion or all of their college-related costs just by applying for scholarships. The HD field is competitive, and many of the top positions go to the most qualified candidates. Those who hold diplomas from accredited institutions of higher learning have a built-in advantage over those who do not.

Acquire Unpaid Experience

Never underestimate the value of unpaid work. Ask a few friends and relatives if you can provide small-scale decorating services for them at no cost. You'll have no trouble finding volunteers and will be able to add to your portfolio. Especially with remote work now here to stay plenty of people will gladly take your opinion on the best writing desks or how to convert a closet into an office. Be certain to formalize the process by interviewing your clients just as you would real ones. Make written plans and take high-quality photos when each job is complete.

Do a Formal, Paid Internship

Finding paid internships is the gold standard for those trying to break in. Some candidates use employment agencies to find good positions, but you can simply contact agencies on your own and tell them you're looking to land an intern position. Don't expect high wages because most paid interns earn slightly more than minimum wage. The goal is to make valuable networking connections and acquire skills at the same time.

Start Networking Now

Begin building your professional network now. Include all names and contact information data for those who can help your career. Include instructors, friends who currently work in the field, intern supervisors, and casual business contacts. A great many people transfer from being an intern to having a full-time paid position with the same company.