Alumni Spotlight | Patrice McDonald

                       Interior Designer | Springfield, MO  

  

From  | Branson, Missouri

Then  | Bachelors of Science in Interior Design – MSU (May 2016)

Now   | Interior Designer for Paragon Architecture in Springfield, MO

HER DAY–TO–DAY ROUTINE:

“Most days are different (one of the many reasons I love my job!). One day I might be on a site visit, the next I could be in the office designing or drafting.”

WHAT SHE’S BEEN UP TO:

Key Interior Design Projects Patrice is working on: Missouri Southern State University’s Nixon Hall and construction of a new Intermediate school for Willard School District.

LEARNING ON THE JOB:

Patrice mentions several important soft skills she developed while working at Paragon, “One of the most valuable things I have learned is that communication is key. Being able to communicate well andeffectively to fellow team members as well as clients is crucial in being successful. I believe that being a team player, a good listener and open minded have helped to facilitate my success. Being able to realize that everything isn’t always going to go the way it should, and having an action plan in place to deal with the unexpected has helped me to develop professionally.”

ADVICE WORTH PASSING ON:

“A friend and coworker of mine once told me to write down short and long-term goals and give them a due date. If you give yourself a timeline you are more likely to reach those goals.”

Patrice advice towards students, “I believe my professional involvement while in college has helped me to be where I am today. Getting out there and joining professional organizations as a student helps you to not only network and meet new people, which of course could possibly turn into an internship or a job, but it also proves to employers you are willing to put in the hard work and go the extra mile.”