What field of design should I go into?
#design #engineering #mechanical
Hi! I'm a 3rd year (pre-final year) student of Bachelors of Technology in Mechanical Engineering and I always wanted to go for Technical Design fields like Industrial Design or Machine Design. I have been in the art and creative field as a hobbyist for quite a long time now and am slowly becoming disinterested in the technical field that I am in. I want to pursue Masters of Design, but I'm not sure which type of design I should go for. I make digital illustrations, I am into web design a bit and I also like graphics design stuff. What do I do? Which design field do I take up?
8 answers
Taeyoun’s Answer
Devon’s Answer
So this is a very comprehensive question and dependent on a lot of things. Seeing as you are already so far along in your current field of study, it might be best for you to complete it. The reason being, Mechanical Engineering has most likely introduced you to a bit of both coding and design. Yes, maybe you haven't done anything you particularly like, but you are still developing skills that will aid you in the long run. For example, I am sure you have done a bit of C, Matlab, etc. The languages you have likely learned are a great starting point for anyone wanting to further develop these skills.
I understand from your post that graphics design and art are hobbies you hold close to your heart. While it can be seemingly impossible to find employment in the field for those talents, you can use those skills in conjunction with the other skills you have learned through schooling. As a software developer myself, I would like to note that not everyone has those two skills sets. That is one of the reasons front-end developers are always in high demand.
So, you have the skills, what now? Well, because you are already almost done with you bachelors, (as stated before) you should complete it. That is, if you aren't having much trouble in your courses, because that's a whole other answer. I just don't see any reason to spend so much more time and money on another degree plan altogether. As long as you have the skill set and a semi-related degree, you will still be a good candidate for the job you are looking for. I can say this from experience, as I graduated with an Management Information Systems degree and still ended up in a software development role. However, if you are lacking any resume experience, I highly recommend that you either get an internship in a software dev position, or set up a portfolio to showcase your work. This will make you a more competitive candidate since you will lack some of the relevant course work that the CS majors take.
I hope this helped, and wish you the best of luck :)
james’s Answer
Your field of study isn’t the only thing you’re learning but the process of understanding and resolving an issue. That system you learn is what makes you successful, not the academics per se. Indeed, almost nothing in class applies to what is needed in industry. Much of the time you are finding new ways to solve problems in different environments.
So, put your head down and finish your degree and pursue what feels right to you. The rest will take care of itself.
With one exception. If you are one of those students that needs the answers in the back of the book, you will not succeed.
Ahmad’s Answer
You might also consider programs that combine design and technology, such as Interaction Design or Human-Computer Interaction. These fields integrate design principles with user interface/experience design, which could resonate with your interest in web design and digital illustrations.
Ultimately, it's essential to align your passions with your chosen field to ensure that you enjoy a fulfilling career. Researching various programs, exploring course curriculums, and speaking with professionals in the field can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your career aspirations and interests.
Pro’s Answer
Brad’s Answer
Max’s Answer
Although you are doing a technical degree it seems you are also drawn to creative things (because your passion in graphics and illustrations).
In my opinion you should try to merge your technical skills with your passions. What about a master degree in industrial design engineering? You can still be technical and at the same time express your creativity. I personally did mine in the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands (have a look at their Industrial Design Engineering programmes) where I've seen the most creative ideas come to life. I'm sure there are many more faculties that offer that.
A career path that I possibly see is to be a UX/UI designer, maybe designing softwares or interfaces for medical machines or in automotive. So may opportunities lay ahead for you.
Good luck! :)