In conversation with Ezgi Elitok, Interior Design Project Specialist at Corgan

Ezgi Elitok, Interior Design Project Specialist at Corgan

Asking is The Only Way to Get What You Want: A Playbook for Junior Designers

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Being a wide-eyed, hopeful junior designer on the lookout for a dream job sounds lovely, but the truth about entry-level jobs in design is - unpaid internships, the Catch 22 conundrum of “lack of experience” and a serious test of perseverance. In this eye-opening episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley welcomes Ezgi Elitok to the podcast as she shares her trying journey of becoming an Interior Design Project Specialist at Corgan.

What You’ll Learn

How to (practically) turn rejections into opportunities through proactive portfolio development
Why do unpaid internships pose as a potentially valuable stepping stone for gaining industry experience
How to build a compelling design portfolio that tells your story beyond just technical skills
The importance of support systems and mentorship in early career development
Why maintaining resilience and positive energy is crucial for breaking into the design industry
How universities can better prepare students for real-world design challenges

Ezgi is an Interior Design Project Specialist at Corgan, a global architecture and design firm with an 87-year legacy. A rising talent in workplace design, she has demonstrated exceptional resilience and initiative in transitioning from academia to professional practice while completing multiple high-profile internships with luxury retail brands. Her journey from recent graduate to securing a role at Corgan's London office exemplifies the challenges and opportunities facing emerging designers.

“I think one thing within this industry - your reputation gets you very, very far. I didn't realise until I started how close-knit the design industry is. Everybody knows each other. Your reputation will really get you far. Your attitude is important just as much as your talent.”