One of the main reasons I chose to study Design at Loughborough was its excellent reputation. Knowing that Loughborough graduates are highly regarded by employers gave me confidence that studying here would provide strong career opportunities. When I visited the campus, I was immediately impressed by the atmosphere. It felt welcoming and friendly and I could genuinely picture myself studying here.
The BA Design degree at Loughborough gave me the opportunity to explore a range of design disciplines including experience design, industrial design and environmental design before choosing a specialism. As I was still deciding which area of design was the best fit for me, I felt this approach would help me make a more informed decision while developing a broad range of valuable skills.
The course provided a strong foundation in user-centred design, service design, user research and creative problem-solving. Developing these core skills gave me the confidence to contribute effectively in a professional environment, both during my placement and after graduation. Additionally, I particularly enjoyed the practical, workshop-based approach to the course. There were plenty of opportunities to experiment with different materials and processes and learn by making, which really suited the way I like to work.
The collaborative nature of the course was another highlight. We regularly worked on group projects and the hands-on environment made it easy to get to know people from other courses across the Design School. Many of my closest friends are people I met through these projects, which made my University experience even more enjoyable.
The tutors at Loughborough were incredible and always willing to offer guidance and feedback throughout my degree. Their support particularly in my final year, had a significant impact on my academic, professional and personal development. They consistently went above and beyond, whether by providing detailed feedback on my work, helping me build confidence in my abilities or offering valuable career advice. They also encouraged me to submit my work for design awards exhibit called New Designers. Initially, I was hesitant about participating, as it was the first time Loughborough's UX Design work had been showcased at the event. Looking back, it was an invaluable experience that helped me grow both professionally and personally.
I completed a placement year at MHR, where I gained valuable industry experience and developed key professional skills. I would highly recommend undertaking a placement year, as it provides a real advantage when applying for graduate roles, while helping to build confidence, practical skills and industry knowledge. My time as a UX Design Intern gave me a strong understanding of how a corporate organisation operates, which made the transition into my graduate role much smoother.
My placement at MHR as a UX Design Intern helped me to become more comfortable collaborating and communicating with a wide range of people from different disciplines. Part of my role involved consulting, which required stepping outside my comfort zone and engaging with a variety of stakeholders. With the support of my team, I developed this new skills and gained the confidence to communicate effectively in a professional environment.
My placement experience was also valuable as I learnt how to manage expectations while balancing multiple priorities. I often worked on several projects simultaneously, alongside design reviews with developers, which required me to prioritise tasks effectively, manage my time efficiently and communicate clearly about what could realistically be achieved. I also strengthened my presentation and communication skills, becoming much more confident in articulating my ideas and design decisions. I learned to adapt my approach depending on my audience, recognising that presenting to developers required a different style of communication than presenting to senior stakeholders, such as the CEO.
In addition to this, my final major project had a significant impact on my learning, giving me nine months to develop and refine my Experience Design skills. The extended time frame allowed me to research, experiment and iterate, deepening my understanding of the design process and user-centred design methods. I also gained valuable experience in service design and developed business-focused skills, helping me create a more well-rounded and impactful outcome.
The final-year project structure was particularly beneficial, with regular monthly deadlines, continuous feedback and one-to-one support from personal tutors throughout the project. My personal tutor had a particularly significant impact on my development. Her feedback was always thorough and insightful, challenging me to push my ideas further while giving me the confidence to trust my abilities. This support helped me produce work I was genuinely proud of and achieve strong results. Even now, I apply many of the principles and ways of thinking she taught me in my current graduate role as a UX Designer.
Since graduating from Loughborough, I have been working as a UX Design Consultant at IBM, primarily supporting public sector clients. It has been particularly rewarding to join a company with strong links to Loughborough, working alongside many Loughborough alumni, which helped me gain valuable insight into the company and its culture.
My studies at Loughborough played a key role in preparing me for this career as a UX Design Consultant, giving me the confidence, skills and user-centred mindset needed to succeed in a professional environment. The course also helped me discover the type of designer I wanted to become. In particular, my final year introduced me to service design and the skills I developed have become a key part of my day-to-day work.
Some advice I would give to someone considering studying at Loughborough is to take advantage of the support available. Whether it's your tutors, alumni or the wider Loughborough network, reaching out and building connections can provide valuable advice and create new opportunities. I would also encourage you to get comfortable with being uncomfortable! Some of my best achievements came from challenging myself to try new things and take on opportunities that felt unfamiliar. Looking back, those experiences were the ones that helped me grow the most.
Zoe graduated from Loughborough University in 2025.