Middlesex University has great facilities and reviews. From a design perspective the course coverage is excellent and the modules cover such an array of topics that opens many doors.
Product Design. I studied design technology at school. I studied Product Design at A level. I did quite well and enjoyed thoroughly. I wanted to pursue it further.
I enjoyed being hands on in the workshop. We had some amazing tools at our finger tips such as 3D printers, Computer numerical controlled (CNC) lathes and a water jet machine. This allowed us to bring our sketches to reality.
After spending months on my final project not only did I receive a first, but I also received lots of interest regarding it when I exhibited it at the New Designer Show.
It is important to consider all you options. Once you have decided what course you are interested in, research what other students think of the course at that particular university. It just so happened that Product Design worked out very well at Middlesex.
Studying Product Design at Middlesex involved doing live projects with real world clients. This gave us a glimpse of real world experience. Also, doing my sandwich placement year gave me a real bonus.
After graduating my Product Design Degree, I was employed by the university and worked as a Graduate Academic Assistant (GAA), teaching both Product Design and Design Engineering. This made me an attractive employee for anyone looking to hire a Computer Aided Design (CAD) technician.
My biggest achievement was to teach Solid works at Middlesex University. I knew I was doing a good job as the students always turned up on time and were eager to start the lesson. One time, a student brought me chocolates as a thank you for the extra help I offered. Recently, another student messaged me on LinkedIn stating that my profile was inspirational and that, despite me being strict, I was a very useful teacher whose methods proved to be successful.
There are no three tips which will guarantee success or happiness in life. However if I were to offer advice, always remember your goals, be grateful and polite - it will always go further than you expect and be as time efficient as possible.
My number one skill in my career besides CAD has been my ability to talk. This is not something university taught me but, it did refine it. I think it comes from my Dad. Don’t tell him I said that though!
Travelling broadens your horizons, combining that with a degree is an excellent opportunity. I wish I had seized the opportunity to do so when I had it.
