I have a big interest in trends and product improvement/updating-not just fashion, but the direction pretty much any product/service will go, or needs to go to be popular. I can look at a product, service, TV show, whatever... and immediately tell if it will fail and what would make it better (if anything). I can accurately predict trends both short term and well ahead of time, 1-2 years. I can do this with things I'm interested in as well as things I don't even like. I have thought I'd like to be some kind of a "buyer" or advisor. I'd also like to be in a position where I could review products and make suggestions for improvement. How does a person get into this area? Is there a way to get into it without a long college education, because I don't have the time or interest in doing that. I'd like to just get a chance to prove myself somewhere, because I know I can do it. Could I offer to work for free somewhere to prove myself? One problem with that is that I live in a rural area.

And what is this type of job called? Job titles in this field, typical educational background and examples of firms to work at would be appreciated.:)

Looks like you are talking about marketing or quality control and all you need is a proven track record for that job.

OK, but how do I "get in"? That's my main problem, I guess. I don't have a job now (my husband works), I haven't had a "real" job in years. I have a college degree, but it's in welding and metallurgy, so that doesn't really help directly. The way I see it, I don't have a resume, do I? So who in their right mind would hire me? Is it possible for an adult (I'm almost 29) who's not in college to get some kind of internship or other similar type of unpaid or low paid work directly in the desired field to gain the experience needed? How do I approach a company that I'd be interested in working for and propose some kind of deal in which I would be willing to work for free for the benefit of experience? I'm afraid I won't be taken seriously.

Do a form letter, get the phone book and start sending off information about yourself and how you feel, and what you would be willing to do (work for free or minimum wage) until you can prove yourself for a higher paying job. Or go to a community college and take a course in marketing; that would get you a head start, I am sure. Go the library, use the net to research what you want to do. Do some footwork, homework first before you are willing to get your feet wet. Go on on line with your local employment office and find out what companies are looking for.

Ok, I'll do that. Do you know of any good sites or books that help with the writing I'll have to do? I need help in that area. Or would you recommend a professional?

Product design is paramount to every company involved in the manufacture and marketing of physical products of any type. Design is fundamentally about making things better - better for consumers and users, better for business, and better for the world

Product designer
Schooling would be in marketing and design good luck