As a returning design professional after a decade-long hiatus, I wanted to make sure I was prepared to overcome any obstacles I might face upon returning to my career. The professionals in the JJC Interior Design Department promptly provided me with the knowledge and information that I needed to excel once again in the working world. In addition, the program director offered a myriad of exciting opportunities such as participating in the Oak Park/River Forest ASID Showcase House…an unforgettable experience that has placed me where I am today.

Debra Kopera

Sometimes things happen in our lives that force us to make decision we wouldn’t have made otherwise. Returning to school was not on my list of things to do. I found myself in a dead-end position and realized I had to do something to change that. I’d gotten comfortable in a position at a Fortune 500 company and was ready to sit back and cruise to retirement. Corporate America, as we know, took a hard hit and a lot of people, like me, found themselves having to make a decision on a second career.

My first career, Information Technology, offered flexibility and the support I needed to raise my family. The second career, I decided, would be something I could enjoy and that would fulfill my passion. I have always had a flair for design. I seemed to have a sixth sense for maximizing the space in my home and help friends with color schemes and room arrangements. It looked like interior design would be my choice. I am in my last semester of interior design and loving it. The program is laid out to accommodate people like myself, starting over, as well as students coming right out of high school.

The interior design profession is more recognized by the industry and offers a wide variety of career choices. I am satisfied that I have made a good career choice.

Paulette B. Roberson

The interior design program at JJC gave me the tools necessary to build a successful interior design business. Each class introduced me to new concepts of design that I am using in my day-to-day business.

Kathy McDermott
2004 graduate, owner of Custom Window Treatments by Kathy, Lockport

I feel that JJC’s interior design program prepared me by giving me the design knowledge and skills to open my own showroom, D’Moore Designs in Mokena. The instructors always took their time to make sure we understood new design concepts. I feel my education in interior design far surpasses those at other local colleges.

Doreen Dowling
2004 graduate, owner of D’Moore Designs in Mokena

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