Pre-Graduate Student Profiles
- Klaudia, Pre-Grad Summer 2006
- Tricia, Pre-Grad Summer 2007
- Aaliah, Pre-Grad Summer 2007
- Erin, Pre-Grad Summer 2008
Klaudia
Candidate, MA Interior Design
Undergraduate Degree: University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Communication
Prior Professional Background: Banking
After obtaining my BA, I worked in the banking industry for seven years. I have always been a creative person, but had considered art to be just a hobby, not something I could actually do for a living. I finally decided that I wanted a career that would be creatively enriching and rewarding. Being the daughter of a contractor and great wood worker, I have always been interested in interior architecture and design, so I decided to go forward with my career change and started researching schools on the east coast.
I was looking for a CIDA accredited school in Massachusetts and that’s when I found Suffolk. I was interested in the Pre-Graduate Program, because my degree was in an unrelated field, and I knew much of my undergraduate coursework wasn’t applicable to the preparatory classes required for graduate study in interior design. The summer Pre-Graduate Program though was a way for me to get that training over a short period of time, so that I could be ready for the Master’s Program. Taking four courses in ten-weeks made me appreciate the intensity of the interior design program. I feel that it really prepared me for my first semester of graduate school and gave me an advantage over those who had not gone through the Pre-Graduate Program, or as we all called it “Art School Boot Camp.”
Tricia
Candidate, MA Interior Design
Undergraduate Degree: University of Maryland, College Park, Political Science
Prior Professional Background: Political Science
Pursuing a career in interior design was something I had wanted to do for quite some time, but I was hesitant because the contrast between my career in political science and a career in interior design was so great. Making the transition was quite a challenge.
The Pre-Graduate program was the right decision, because it enabled me to begin my studies immediately. Taking a semester’s worth of classes in the summer allowed me to get started on the studio coursework before I was fully admitted as a graduate student. Through the intensity of the summer session, I learned to manage my time efficiently, which was good preparation for entering the program in the fall. I envision that when I finish my degree, I’ll be working for an interior design or architectural firm doing commercial design, probably for the hospitality industry.
Aaliah
Candidate, MA Graphic Design
Undergraduate Degree: King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
Major: Art Education
I was born in the United States and lived here until I was five years old. At that time my father was offered a job as a professor in Saudi Arabia. I graduated magna cum laudefrom King Saud University in 2005 with a degree in Art Education. The reason I came to the U.S. to study graphic design was two-fold. One, the Saudi Arabian government began granting students the opportunity to study abroad on full scholarships and two, even as the demand for graphic designers in Saudi Arabia was growing there were no graphic design programs there.
When I started researching schools in the U.S., Boston seemed like a good place to study. Eventually I discovered The New England School of Art & Design at Suffolk University. In talking with Rita Daly, the Program Director, she advised me to apply to the Pre-Graduate Summer Program as a means of entering the masters program without submitting a portfolio. The Pre-Grad program was like an appetizer that opens your appetite before starting the main dish. It helped me make new friends and feel adjusted before starting classes in the fall.
My ultimate goal is to return to the Middle East and work in the field. I would like to start working in a firm but eventually start my own company.
Erin
Candidate, MA Interior Design
Undergraduate Degree: Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Psychology
Prior Professional Background: Social Work
I was extremely unhappy in my career. I found myself dreading going to work everyday and after only two years in the field I was burned out. Even though I was so unhappy in my job it was a hard decision to go to graduate school. In light of this, I often found myself wishing that I had pursued Interior Design and I finally decided to do so.
I found Suffolk by searching on gradschools.com. I knew it was the right school for me because it was one of the only programs where I would be able to receive a master’s degree in interior design without having to go back to school to receive another bachelor’s degree first.
I talked with Karen Clarke, the Co-Director of the Interior Design program and after informing her that I did not have a studio art background she suggested that I apply to the Pre-Graduate Summer Program.
I come from a small, rural town so moving to Boston was a huge change. The first thing I noticed about Boston was how fast paced it was and how every one seemed as if they were in a big hurry. But I loved the city as soon as I saw it. It’s a really beautiful place and I was surprised at how clean it was. The Pre-Grad program definitely helped with the adjustment. I was so busy that I didn’t have time to think about being homesick. The program was ideal for me because I was immediately introduced to 10 other people with similar interests, who were mostly at the same point in their lives as I was. I was really nervous because when I moved I knew no one but the program helped me to make friends quickly and all of the girls were really friendly and supportive. The biggest personal changes I have seen in myself are that I am more confident and less afraid to try new things. I would definitely do the program over again, I surprised myself with how much I accomplished in the ten weeks.
I am currently participating in the Interior Design Council (an interior design student group) and hope to stay in Boston to pursue a career in Residential Design upon graduation.