Commercial and Industrial Design – Creative Careers Studio

Commercial and industrial designers spend their days creating and developing products or systems for consumer and industrial use, focusing on functionality, aesthetics, and user experience. They often work on design prototypes, collaborate with engineers and manufacturers, and iterate on their designs based on feedback and testing to ensure practicality and market appeal.

Quiz Matches

What kind of personality tends to excel in this career?

Ideas

Creations

How much this role requires you to be outspoken and in the spotlight.

Independent

Collaborative

How often you’ll have to work with others

Introvert

Extrovert

How often you’ll be coming up with big ideas versus making ideas reality.

Routine

Variety

How much your tasks change day by day

Screen Time

How much of your day is spent working at a desk on a computer.

Average Salary in SC

$84,170

Education Level

4 year degree recommended

Alternate Titles

Design Engineer
Designer
Industrial Designer
Mechanical Designer
Mold Designer
Product Design Engineer
Product Designer
Product Development Engineer
Sign Designer

More Details

Skills

Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Complex Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Speaking

Activities

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Working with Computers
Communicating with Colleagues

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
Initiative
Dependability
Analytical Thinking
Cooperation

Professional Associations

American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Industrial Designers Society of America
National Association of Schools of Art and Design
SAE International
Society of Manufacturing Engineers

Related High School Courses

Design and Art Courses
Introduction to Design
Graphic Design
Drawing and Illustration

Engineering and Technical Courses
Basic Engineering
3D Modeling and CAD
Mathematics and Science Courses
Geometry
Physics

Business and Marketing Courses
Introduction to Business
Marketing
Creative and Practical Experience
Art and Design Portfolio
Extracurricular Activities

Additional Learning Opportunities
Online Courses and Tutorials
Workshops and Summer Programs

College Majors to Consider

Architecture
Art And Design
Design And Technology
Engineering Design
Graphic Design
Human-centered Design
Industrial Design
Interior Design
Mechanical Engineering
Product Design

Jobs, Internships, Apprenticeships

Jobs
Design Assistant
Retail Associate
Freelance Designer
CAD Technician

Internships
Design Firm Internship
Product Design Internship
Industrial Design Internship
Marketing or Branding Internship

Apprenticeships
Industrial Designer’s Apprenticeship
Product Development Apprenticeship
UX/UI Design Apprenticeship
Design Research Apprenticeship

Other Learning Opportunities
Design Courses and Workshops
Participate in Design Competitions
Develop a Design Portfolio
Attend Design Exhibitions and Conferences

Profile of the SC Graduate

Express Ideas
Investigate Through Inquiry
Design Solutions

Learn more about the Profile of the SC Graduate here.

Explore creative careers