As interior design students, we spend years learning foundational principles, perfecting our skills in programs like SketchUp, AutoCAD, Revit and honing our creative vision. Yet, one of the most exciting realities of entering the professional world is realizing how much more there is to learn beyond the classroom.

The transition from student to professional is an eye-opening experience. While school teaches us the fundamentals of design, real-world practice introduces us to the complexities of project management, client relationships and the business side of the industry. Programs like QuickBooks, specification software and project management tools become as essential as design software. We quickly learn that executing a project successfully requires not only creativity but also strong communication, budgeting and organizational skills.

Through my years as a student, I have been fortunate to get a glimpse of what’s to come by participating in ASID programs designed to help students bridge the gap between education and professional practice. Listening to industry speakers and panelists, asking questions, networking and meeting professionals have given me valuable insights into what lies ahead. Hearing firsthand about their experiences has reinforced how much learning continues after graduation and how important it is to stay engaged in the industry.