Product/industrial design: Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Industrial/product designer - works on new products or improves existing ones and uses their understanding of technology, materials and manufacturing methods to improve the design and usability of an item. Products may include everyday items, such as mobile phones or household appliances, or larger items, such as industrial tools, equipment and machinery.
• Exhibition designer - produces designs for exhibition and display stands used at showcase events, trade shows, conferences, galleries and museums. They base their designs on their interpretation of their client's ideas and requirements and also provide their own ideas in relation to product concept and likely customer appeal.
• Secondary school teacher - may teach craft, design and technology, and related subjects to 11-18 year-olds. A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a Scottish Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) is essential for the state-maintained sector.
• Further education lecturer or higher education lecturer - teaches craft, design and technology-related subjects in further education (FE) colleges or universities. Higher education lecturers may require some related industrial experience and possibly further study at postgraduate level.

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Purchasing manager - responsible for ensuring that their companies select the most appropriate goods and services on the basis of price, quality, delivery times and services support. They must also take their own business brand needs and customer interests into consideration.
• Advertising account executive - works within advertising or multi-service agencies and is responsible for liaising between the client and other agency staff to coordinate advertising campaigns. They manage administrative and campaign work, ensuring that this is all completed on time and on budget.
• Marketing executive - involved in developing marketing campaigns that promote a product, service or idea. The role includes planning, advertising, public relations, event organisation, product development, distribution, sponsorship and research. Knowledge of product design means they are able to anticipate consumer requirements and can make a valuable contribution in the marketing of products.
• Sales executive - sells their company’s goods and services. Their customers may be businesses, governmental organisations or individuals. Understanding and meeting the needs of the customer are essential if a product is to be successful.
• Automotive engineer - designs, tests and develops vehicles and/or components from concept stage through to production and, once the vehicle is on the market, is involved in improving it in response to customer feedback.

Other options

The range of skills developed on product/industrial design courses is wide and develops technical, practical and communication skills to a high level. While many enter these courses to pursue a career in design, the range of skills makes you adaptable across a wider range of commercial and public sector organisations.

Graduates should focus on continuing professional development (CPD) by keeping up to date with new software and training in other platforms whenever possible. It is important to be knowledgeable about new materials and technology. Joining a professional body will help keep graduates informed and connected.

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. Look at your degree... what next? for informed advice on career planning and graduate employment, or login/register with My Prospects to find out what jobs would suit you, a helpful starting point for self-analysis.

Explore types of jobs to find out more about the above options and related jobs.