Product/industrial design: Career areas

A 2012 HESA survey of 2011 graduates indicates that six months after graduation, just under 68% of product/industrial design graduates were in employment. Of these, almost 44% found jobs in arts, design, culture and sports professions and just over 10% were working as engineering professionals. A further 6% were in commercial, industrial or public sector management, while a further 4% were in technical and professional roles.  Around 13% were working as retail, catering and waiting staff.

This wide variety reflects the nature of the courses, which can develop diverse skills in individuals.

Where are the jobs?

Graduates from product/industrial design courses seek employment in a wide range of fields. Companies involved in the manufacture and marketing of products will require product designers, as design skills are needed in every aspect of the company’s business. As well as being involved in the research, design and manufacture of the product, these graduates are also involved in commercial aspects such as sales and marketing, and logistics and supply chain.

Both the private and public sector employ these graduates. Examples of work in the public sector could include designing interactive facilities, such as public information points and equipment used by services such as the police, fire and ambulance.

For an insight into potential employment areas, see:

• engineering and manufacturing
• creative arts and culture

For further information on possibilities in other employment areas, see job sectors. 

Statistics are collected every year to show what HE students do immediately after graduation. These can be a useful guide but, in reality, because the data is collected within six months of graduation, many graduates are travelling, waiting to start a course, paying off debts, getting work experience or still deciding what they want to do. For further information about some of the areas of employment commonly entered by graduates of any degree discipline, check out What Do Graduates Do?  and your degree...what next?