Jessalynn Goulette

Pathways

Lesson #3

Career Interview/Job Shadow Reflection

1. Who did you interview/job shadow? What is their name, career title, and contact
information? How do you know this person?
I interviewed Lauren Wilkins, a current interior designer/project coordinator at Robinson
Brown Design, and my former professor. Her company phone number is (858)479-4106.
2. What does a typical day look like in this career?
Ms. Wilkins said, “​ On any typical day, I will start day with coffee, check emails - return
them and phone calls.. Some days we have a WIP meeting (work in progress)
those are pretty long- 2-3 hours. Throughout the day, I will work in CAD and
Photoshop and SketchUp Programs- working on Floor Plans, Elevations , Cabinetry
details- Just depends on what needs to be done to move the project forward.”
3. What skills and abilities do you need to succeed in this career?
According to Lauren, computer skills are crucial in the design world and it is important to
keep yourself updated on them.
4. What are some facts you learned about this career that you were unaware of prior to this
experience?
I learned that Interior Designers are notorious for being underpaid so it is important to
know your worth and only take a job that will pay you an appropriate amount.
5. Which aspects of this career are appealing to you? Explain.
I love the creativity and that not everyday will be the same, boring work.
6. Which aspects of this career are not appealing to you? Explain.
Ms. Wilkins explained that though the creativity is a plus to the job, it’s also a negative. It
can be somewhat hard to shape your ideas into someone’s dream.
7. How does this career compare to your strengths, interests, and values? Is it a good fit for
you? Explain.
It is an excellent fit for me because of my need to create and problem solve.
8. What would you need to do to prepare for a job in this field?
To prepare for a job in this field I would need to get a Bachelors in Interior Design or
something similar.
9. How has this experience influenced your career goals?
It has made me want to be an interior designer more, knowing what it’s like to be one makes
it more exciting.