Using your degree: Design

What do Cambridge graduates do? 

Students studying for the MDes have a range of career options open to them, influenced by the pathway chosen through the course of the degree.  

Key employment sectors typically include architecture and structural engineering, with a particular emphasis on sustainability, including sustainability consultancy in the private and not-for-profit sector. However, given the interdisciplinary nature of the course, product and graphic design careers are also potential routes. 

Enterprise and Start-up should also be considered, particularly in the growing Sustainability industries.  

Will employers want my degree? 

Where employers are looking to hire graduates with professional accreditation, in particular the architecture pathway, the degree will be essential. If you are applying to employers outside of the sector your degree will still be useful. The majority of employers that recruit Cambridge graduates do not require a certain degree. They are usually more interested in what you can do rather than what you have studied. Want to know what role would suit you? Transferable skills from an MDes degree can include: engineering, mathematics, physics, design, drawing, IT skills (especially computer-aided design CAD), project management skills, the ability to solve problems in an analytical/logical and creative way through problem-based learning, and an ability to work as part of team. 

Try looking for ideas for help with identifying your personal strengths and preferences. Then search Handshake for internships, jobs or graduate schemes you are interested in. Note the selection criteria that usually focus on "competencies” rather than having studied a certain subject and see which ones are a good fit. 

Using my degree 

MDes graduates who want to use their degree often think about working in engineering or architectural consultancy, design, management consultancy, and environmental sectors. Be aware that all of these sectors have a wide variety of roles. So if you are interested in a certain sector think about what you are good at and which roles might be a good fit for you. Research sectors. Given the range options open to MDes, we encourage you to research widely and attend relevant events and fairs across the Consultancy, Engineering, Real Estate and Planning and ‘Green’ sectors while you are at Cambridge.