Education · 1 of 5

The path

Learn to draw, model and build. Get hired on the portfolio.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Visual arts, physics and technological design. Start sketching products and taking things apart.

2. 2

   Degree

   4 years

   A 4-year industrial design degree. Carleton in Ottawa, OCAD University (formerly the Ontario College of Art and Design) and Humber in Toronto, Emily Carr University in Vancouver, Université de Montréal, Alberta. Most ask for a portfolio.

3. 3

   Internships

   During school

   One or two placements at a studio or product company during school. This is where your portfolio gets real projects.

4. 4

   Portfolio and first job

   After graduation

   A website of 6 to 10 projects that show process, not just pretty renders. Expect contracts and freelance early on.