Rajkunwar Pawar

Country / region
India

Rajkunwar is a current student at Loughborough University London studying Design and Innovation Management.

    

My journey to Loughborough University London

Please tell us about your path to Loughborough University London. Where did you study before and what subjects did you take? Did your previous learning experiences influence your decision to study further?

I was a student at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Mumbai, where I majored in experience design. It was an exciting and challenging program, but it wasn't until I started working in Bangalore that I truly realised the value of my education. Working in the design industry gave me a taste of the real world and opened my eyes to the  many opportunities and challenges that lay ahead. It also made me realise that if I wanted to  truly excel in my field and make a difference, I needed to deepen my understanding of design and gain further education. So, I set out on a mission to find the best place to pursue my dreams. After researching various  options, I came across Loughborough University London, which seemed like the perfect fit for me. I was impressed by their interdisciplinary approach and their commitment to helping students reach their full potential. And so, with a sense of excitement and anticipation, I applied to Loughborough University London and was accepted. Now, as a student here, I'm learning from some of the best minds in the field and discovering new ways to push the boundaries of design. I feel like I'm on a journey of discovery, and I can't wait to see where it takes me.
 

Why did you decide to study at Loughborough University London? Also, what inspired you to apply for the course that you chose?

I had a burning desire to take my design skills to the next level, to explore and create beyond the boundaries of traditional design. I wanted to be exposed to different cultures, different perspectives, and a wide range of design-related subjects. Then I found Loughborough University London! The campus was located in the heart of London, which was the perfect place to explore the diverse design landscape and develop a unique and global perspective. But what really drew me to Loughborough University London was the variety of subjects they offered in my course. It was like a smorgasbord of design subjects, ranging from digital design to entrepreneurship to sustainable design. This course was the perfect match for my desire to learn and explore beyond my comfort zone. I felt that this course would provide me with the perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills that I needed to become a successful designer. Now, as a student here, I feel like I'm part of a vibrant and dynamic community of designers, learning and growing together towards a bright and innovative future.

My Loughborough University London Experience

How has the teaching in your institution at Loughborough University London helped further your knowledge of your subject?

The teaching at Loughborough University London has been truly exceptional. The faculty members are not only experts in their respective fields but also very supportive and always willing to help. They have provided me with the theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and practical experience that I need to excel in my field. The teaching is not just limited to classroom lectures. At Loughborough University London, there are a variety of teaching methods, including case studies, group discussions, interactive workshops, and real-world projects. This has allowed me to gain a well-rounded education that is relevant to the demands of the industry. Moreover, the curriculum is designed to keep up with the latest trends and technologies in the field, ensuring that students are always at the forefront of design innovation. The course structure is rigorous yet flexible, allowing me to tailor my education to my individual interests and career goals.
 

What interesting things are you learning?  Is there a particularly good project/ work that you participated in?

As a Design Innovation Management student at Loughborough University London, I have had the opportunity to learn about a variety of exciting and innovative topics. Some of the most interesting things I have learned include the principles of design thinking, the role of emerging technologies in design innovation, and the importance of sustainability in design. One particularly good project I participated in was a group project for design futures, where I had the opportunity to work with a team of fellow students to develop a new concept for the future. Through this project, I gained valuable experience in teamwork, project management, and problem-solving. I also learned how to apply design thinking principles to real-world problems, which has been invaluable in my current and future work.
 

Please tell us about any support that you received from your institute staff

I am happy to share that the support I have received from the staff at Loughborough University London has been truly exceptional. In particular, my personal tutor, Jo Tacchi, has been an invaluable source of guidance and support throughout my time at the university. From the very beginning, Jo has been there to help me navigate the academic and personal challenges of university life. She has provided me with advice on course selection, time management, and study strategies, as well as helped me to identify my strengths and weaknesses and set achievable goals. Jo has always been available to answer my questions and provide feedback on my work, both in person and through email. She has gone above and beyond to ensure that I am supported and encouraged throughout my academic journey.
 

What did you think of the social atmosphere on the campus and what was your experience of living in London?

I found the social atmosphere on the Loughborough University London campus to be lively, inclusive and diverse. There were many opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities such as sports, societies, clubs and events, which helped me to meet new people and make friends from different backgrounds. The university has a welcoming and supportive community that makes it easy to connect with other students and get involved in activities that interest you. The social events and activities were well-organized and provided a great way to de-stress and have fun with friends after a long day of studying. Living in London was an incredible experience for me. It is a city that is full of energy, culture, and diversity. I loved exploring different neighbourhoods, trying new foods, and experiencing 
different events and festivals. There was always something new to discover and experience. While the city can be busy and overwhelming at times, Loughborough University London provided a safe and comfortable environment for me to live and study. The campus is conveniently located in the heart of East London, providing easy access to all that London has to offer.
 

What piece of advice would you give to prospective students looking to undertake the programme that you studied?

To prospective students looking to undertake the M.Sc in Design Innovation Management programme at Loughborough University London, my piece of advice would be to embrace every opportunity that comes your way. The programme is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of design innovation and management, covering topics such as design thinking, business strategy, innovation  management, entrepreneurship and more. It is a challenging course that requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for learning. My advice would be to stay engaged and curious throughout the course, ask questions, and actively participate in class discussions. Take advantage of the resources and facilities available to you, such as the university's library, career services, and networking events.
 
Another piece of advice I would offer is to collaborate with your peers, as they come from diverse backgrounds and bring different perspectives to the table. Working in teams will help you develop your teamwork and communication skills, and also expose you to different ways of thinking.
 
Finally, don't be afraid to seek support when you need it. The university has a range of support services available to students, including academic support, mental health and well-being services, and career advice. Make use of these resources to ensure that you stay on track and achieve your goals.

Looking to the future

What do you plan to do in the future and how will your Loughborough University London degree help you achieve that?

My degree in Design Innovation Management from Loughborough University London has equipped me with a diverse range of skills and knowledge in design thinking, innovation management, entrepreneurship, and user experience design. I plan to leverage these skills to pursue a career as a brand experience designer in London, creating immersive brand experiences that resonate with consumers and help businesses stand out in the competitive marketplace. The knowledge and experience gained from my degree will be invaluable in achieving my career goals.

What would be the one piece of advice that you would give to prospective students who are interested in studying at Loughborough?

The one piece of advice that I would give to prospective students who are interested in studying at Loughborough is to take advantage of every opportunity that the university has to offer.This includes participating in extracurricular activities, attending guest lectures and events, networking with professionals in their field, and taking advantage of the support services available. By doing so, students can gain valuable experiences, develop their skills and knowledge, and build a strong foundation for their future career. Loughborough University offers a wealth of opportunities, and students who make the most of them are sure to have an enriching and rewarding experience.