OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS' INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES IN DESIGN STUDY PROCESS

The research problem is determined by involvement and competitiveness of young designers in the labour market that is related to the opportunities of gaining professional experience within independent professional activities during the design studies in higher education. The aim of the research is to determine development of the formation of students'-prospective designers' professionalism in the study process. Literature study, questionnaire and interview included in mixed methods design. Qualitative and quantitative data collected from six 4th year students of Rezekne Higher Education Institution Bachelor program "Interior design". The research results show the opportunities for independent professional activities during the design study process in the context of interaction between personality and professional abilities.