Why I studied MA Design Management

In this blog, MA Design Management graduate Devanshi, shares her experience on the course as an international student.

What inspired you to study MA Design Management at BCU?

When I decided to pursue postgraduate studies, I was initially quite confused because the term "design management" could encompass many different aspects. After researching different universities and their offerings, BCU stood out because of how clearly and simply they described the course. They outlined how the program combined design thinking, business strategy, and innovation, all in one place. This made it seem like the perfect fit for someone who wants to engage creatively but also gain managerial skills. Additionally, I liked that this course could open up multiple career opportunities across various fields, not just limited to design. It felt like a complete package, preparing me for diverse professional paths.

How has your journey been as an international student at BCU?

My experience as an international student at BCU has been very transformative. Initially, I felt overwhelmed due to the cultural differences and being away from home. But the staff at BCU made the transition smooth and welcoming. It didn’t feel like being just an international student, but more like a part of a diverse academic community. BCU’s international atmosphere helped me connect with people from different backgrounds, and the university offers lots of collaborative programs, which encouraged me to engage and get out of my comfort zone. These experiences have shaped me both professionally and personally, making me more confident in interacting with people from various cultures.

What challenges have you faced during your studies, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was adapting to the educational style, which was different from what I was used to. At BCU, the focus is on independent research and critical thinking. Back in my home country, education was more about following what the teacher provided, whereas here, I had to assess and reflect on my work myself. Overcoming this required a shift in mindset. The workshops provided helped a lot. The faculty staff guided us without simply telling us what to do, which was essential in helping me grow. Another challenge was managing time between academic and personal life. Adjusting to life away from my family made me realise the importance of creating a schedule and prioritising tasks. I overcame it by balancing my responsibilities and utilising BCU’s resources.

What opportunities and support have you received to enhance your career prospects?

BCU offers various opportunities to help enhance career prospects. The course content itself, which combines design thinking, strategy, and innovation, is incredibly valuable. Additionally, BCU's faculty provides a great amount of guidance, focusing on both the creative and managerial aspects. The collaborative projects, where master’s students work alongside bachelor’s students from different disciplines like architecture and interior design, provided me with real-world experiences. Also, the alumni network and career support services at BCU have been key in ensuring that I feel prepared for post-graduation career paths. These experiences have equipped me with the skills needed for a variety of industries.

Can you share any experience of showcasing your work?

Although the course is very project-driven, there hasn’t been a specific event for showcasing work in the traditional sense. However, in terms of collaborative projects, we had opportunities to share and present our work to peers from different disciplines, which was an enriching experience. Working on real-world projects allowed me to refine my presentation skills and showcase my ability to work in diverse teams, something that I believe will be valuable in my career.

How have the academic and support staff at BCU contributed to your success?

The staff at BCU has been incredibly supportive, particularly in guiding me through the transition from a traditional academic background to one that emphasises independence and critical thinking. They’ve been very patient and understanding, especially with the challenges international students might face. From providing one-on-one feedback to offering workshops that helped me develop my skills further, their support has been crucial to my growth. They also encouraged us to find our own direction, which made the experience more enriching.

What valuable skills or insights have you gained from your experience with BCU and outside BCU?

From BCU, I’ve gained critical thinking skills, the ability to assess and reflect on my own work, and a deeper understanding of design management as a whole. The collaborative projects have also helped me improve my teamwork and communication skills with people from diverse backgrounds. Outside BCU, my life as an international student has taught me how to manage my time effectively, make decisions independently, and adapt to new environments. Overall, these experiences have broadened my perspective and will be invaluable in my future career.

What advice would you give to other international students considering studying at BCU?

I would advise future international students to approach this experience with an open mind and embrace the diversity and challenges that come with studying abroad. The initial adjustment might feel overwhelming, but BCU provides plenty of support. Engage with the collaborative programs, as they’ll help you grow both personally and professionally. Most importantly, manage your time well, balancing academic work with personal life is crucial. Take full advantage of the resources available, like the library and mental health support, as they’ll make the transition easier.

How do you think your experiences at BCU will help you in your future career?

My experiences at BCU will definitely shape my future career in multiple ways. The combination of design thinking, business strategy, and innovation taught me how to approach problems from various perspectives. The ability to work in diverse teams and lead projects will also help me in managing cross-functional teams in my future roles. The skills I’ve gained: critical thinking, time management, and the ability to adapt to different environments will help me in any career path I choose. BCU has equipped me with both the creative and managerial skills necessary to succeed in today’s dynamic job market.