Starting Out In The Industry
Gennarose McDermed is days away from graduating with her degree in Industrial Design from NC State University, and she couldn’t be more excited (and maybe a little nervous) to see where her career will begin. A logical thinker who grew up making furniture with her father, she’s always been passionate about furniture design and the creation of physical products. She’s spent the last four years learning everything she can, and now she’s ready to enter the workforce.
We sat down with Gennarose at this pivotal moment in her life to ask her about her passion for the home and furnishings industry and her hopes for the future. WithIt network, if you know of someone in need of a skillset like Gennarose’s, look no further. This almost-graduate is open to work! Contact her at ghmcdermed64@gmail.com, or find her on Instagram at @rosed.art.
Q&A
What led you to studying industrial design?
I’ve always been interested in the 3D arts, working with my hands, building things and sculptural products. That translates very well to product design as many products have various sculptural forms. There’s a lot of art that goes with the design of products. I’m a very logical thinker – I’ve always excelled in math and so the engineering part of the design is also very appealing to me. My skills just kind of lined up for this profession.
I’ve always been interested in furniture design. My father is a furniture designer and I spent a lot of my childhood working with him and designing with him. That’s really where I got my passion for it. I was doing some research on college majors and found industrial design was a major that I didn’t know about and it was a practical way of putting that passion into fruition.
What was it like growing up and making furniture with your dad?
It was really really fun. I really enjoyed working with him. I would say probably the majority of my childhood and until I graduated high school was me learning how to use all the tools in the shop. My dad would help me a lot with my projects when I was younger. I would have an idea and he would help me figure out how to execute it. After that I’ve been able to dive into it more solo, so I was really really lucky that I had a dad that exposed me to power tools and scary stuff that most young women don’t have access to or don’t know how to use. He set me up really well when I left the house.
You probably get this question a lot right now, but what’s next for you after graduation?
I will say I don’t have an exact plan. I’m still kind of trying to figure that out. I’m interested in pursuing furniture and related industries. I’ve even had some interest in interior design. I’m looking for opportunities in that world. I really have enjoyed WithIt and the networking opportunities it provides, and I’m hoping to take advantage of that after I graduate and dive into meeting new people.
I’m a very logical thinker – I’ve always excelled in math and so the engineering part of the design is also very appealing to me.
Gennarose McDermed, NC State University
How did you first get involved with WithIt?
One of my classmates is Lanie Van Dorp. She knew I was interested in furniture and she told me about her mother’s job and connected me with her. The first time I met Amy, she invited me to attend the spring High Point furniture market, which was really nice of her. It was really cool to get her perspectives on the market because I’d never been before and it was overwhelming to me. When Amy’s walking around the market she knows everyone, so it was cool to see how involved she was in this industry. Being a student, I haven’t had too many opportunities to do many things with WithIt, but I’m hoping to take more advantage of it after I graduate because I really think it’s a great organization. I’ve always thought being a woman in this industry can be difficult and I think it’s great to bring us together.
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