Themed Attraction.com

[PhilUK]

Hi there

I've had a passion for theme park design for years now. It was my driving force being getting an Interior Design degree...I even wrote an 8000 word dissertation on theme park design and how it has evolved.

Since graduating last year, I've had no luck at the few companies in the UK, so have persued modelmaking jobs...I just finished some prop work on a film over here.

I am determined to make it into the theme park design opportunities, but really don't know what to do from here. My dream is to work in the USA, but how can I go about this?

Should I perhaps try for a Masters in Interior Design and work my way into something by the end of my course?

Do any US companies offer intern opportunities for UK residents?

Other suggestions?

I'm at a stand still now and really don't know where to turn!!

[Holly]

Hi Phil,

I really don't know the answer. In the US, a lot of internships are only offered to students who are getting college credit for it. I don't know that a Master's Degree would increase prospects... it's not really required for the industry. I took a Master's degree (MFA) partly to build my network and I also interned during that process. It helped me to get a foot in the door, but I haven't experienced benefits beyond that. Do you have a division of TEA or a similar organization where you are? The industry is very tightly-knit, and people in England probably know people in the US. If you can start to network with professionals in the industry so that they get to know your face, see you regularly at mixers and know what you are passionate about, it will probably help your prospects quite a bit. I wish that I had more info about transplanting from there to here, but I really don't know anyone from overseas who is in the industry. I wish you the best of luck!

[wokcreative]

I agree with Holly's advice on networking, through organizations and through the master's program (in the UK or US). Even the modelmaking can lead to contacts - anything in the entertainment industry crosses over to theme parks specifically.
Welcome to the site, and hope someone else can offer more help also.