A design degree is a great way to train your creative talentsand skills for a future in architecture, fashion, graphic, Web andeven marketing design fields. Before you enroll in a program, makesure you check out some of the top design software you’re going toneed – not only for school, but for your future.

* Google SketchUp – This 3-D modeling program is perfect forarchitects, landscapers, interior designers and even gamedesigners. You can build your designs from scratch, or input otherdesigns to be further tweaked. There are free models of GoogleSketchUp, but you can purchase higher-quality versions that willallow you to enhance your designs even further.

* Adobe Creative Suite – Fashion degreesand graphicdesign degrees from universities like International Academy ofDesign and Technology (IADT) will probably require you to invest inthe Adobe Creative Suite. This package offers special studentdiscounts, and includes fantastic designing programs likePhotoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, in addition to many Webdesigning tools.

* CorelDRAW Graphics Suite – Many design degreeprograms give CorelDRAW software a good workout. You can editand retouch photos, or use the main program for vector design andlayout to develop logos, brochures, posters and plenty of othermarketing materials.

* AutoCAD – If you’re more into architecture or interior design,AutoCAD could be a valuable tool in your software arsenal. Whetheryou’re intimately designing just a small pavement pattern, ordeveloping an entire neighborhood complete with elevation changes,this 3-D design program will process all the information quicklyand easily – saving you plenty of time.

When you sign up for your design program at IADT, make sure youcheck in with the program requirements to find the correct softwareprograms you’ll need to be a success, not only at school, but inthe real world as well.

Information in this article was provided by the InternationalAcademy of Design and Technology. Contact IADT today if you’reinterested in developing marketable knowledge and career-relevantskills with an industry-current degree program. (IADT cannotguarantee employment or salary.)