Graduate Stories Product Design
Discover what our graduates loved about our course, what they’ve been inspired to go on to do in the future, and some tips for you to succeed!
Course highlights
“I liked the range of projects we got to work on, from paper, card and foam modelling through to woodwork, 3D printing and all-important presentation skills. We were also given the opportunity to hear from professionals from all creative industries not just Product Design, I found this hugely beneficial as when you start working you will most likely have to collaborate with colleagues from these roles. Having the support of the technician’s as well to further aid our development and build confidence in the workshop.”
What she’s doing now
“I'm currently working as a Senior Product Designer at Networld Sports. This is my second product design job, and it's been an incredible journey. I have worked my way up through various roles and brought many products to market as well as some award-winning products.”
Tips for you
“Make the most of your time at university, it can be very intense fitting all the assignments into three years of learning but doing the extra graft in university will pay off greatly when you get your first job in industry. Also try creating a portfolio throughout your studies that showcases how versatile your skill set is.”
Course highlights
“At Chester, I was able to work independently on a project with constant support if required. Being able to have this freedom meant I was fully prepared for the job that I find myself in today. I enjoyed the workshop and being hands on, whilst also being able to use CAD software to bring my product to life. It was great to have the opportunity to present my product to industry professionals. Again, this is another skill that has helped me progress within my job role today.”
What he’s doing now
“I am currently a Design Engineer at Air Covers Ltd in Wrexham Industrial Estate. I design protective covers for Helicopters, Jets, Boats and Land Vehicle. We supply individuals, operators and OEMs worldwide. My days consist of working on CAD Programmes that I am very familiar with thanks to studying at Chester university. I regularly have the opportunity to visit the client and fit the covers which could be anywhere from an RAF base to a superyacht in Marseille. We are also the only cover manufacturing company in the world who uses 3D laser scanning within our large list of processes.”
Tips for you
“Even if you think you know what path you want to go down. Make the most of all of the fantastic facilities and staff within the University as it’s the best opportunity to express yourself and learn exactly what you would like your future to look like. Also, make sure to join a Sport or Society, you won’t regret it!”
Course highlights
“Chester was the best University that was equipped with what I wanted to learn. They have their own dedicated design campus with amazing facilities.”
What she’s doing now
“I currently work as a product design engineer making retail products. I currently work with steel but would like to explore other materials in the future. Without the degree I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now. Although a lot of experience is work based, without that understanding and knowledge it would be hard to get into the industry.”
Tips for you
“Take advantage of all the facilities there and the opportunities given to you. It’s great experience to have and will be a great benefit when searching for opportunities in the future.”
Course highlights
“I enjoyed the guest speakers that we had during university as I felt it helped put our skills into a real-life context. My favourite project was in my final year, where I really enjoyed making a material from plastic bags and applying this to different products.”
What she’s doing now
“I have am now in a leadership position as a Design and Technology Teacher. I teach students from 11-18 years old. My future ambitions are to introduce an engineering course to my school as well as to progress within the school system. My degree allowed me to develop my CAD skills which I now use daily. Using different software, such as adobe and SolidWorks, has allowed me to teach students these CAD and graphics skills to ensure that their GCSE portfolio has been completed to a high standard.”
Tips for you
“My advice would be to always give yourself longer than needed when completing a project so that, when a mistake happens, you can learn from it and use it to properly develop your skills. Another piece of advice would be to build good relationships with your peers as over the next three years as they can really help support you and learn from what they know. The people I had on my course were a huge support and ended up becoming some of my best friends.”
Course highlights
“I really enjoyed going on trips. We visited many difference places throughout the three years including Evoke, to see life as a designer, New York, and also going to Crewe to see the new concept car for the Bentley.”
What he’s doing now
“I currently work at Halliwell Jones Chester in sales. I switched from being a project-coordinator due to my passion for cars. In the future I would like to be a Sales Manager within the automotive industry. I’m working in a two-man Team on a new brand of car called INEOS. There are not a lot of resources that have been allocated to us, so I will design and give advice on marketing products such as leaflets and posters for our franchise.”
Tips for you
“You have to give 100% of your attitude towards the degree. Any laziness will bite back when you come to find a job. Make sure to update your portfolio regularly. Stay in contact with people from societies and sports. Create a LinkedIn profile and add them because one day you might fit a job application they are looking for that has great opportunities.”