If you’re preparing to start the Bachelor in Design or the Dual Degree in Business Administration + Design, it’s important to get prepared with the right attitude and tools.
The Bachelor in Design is a four-year program that prepares you to become the creative and innovative designer that companies are looking for. Combining theoretical and hands-on learning with interdisciplinary insights and international experiences, you’ll emerge ready to tackle any design-related challenge and stand out from the crowd.
However, greatness isn’t achieved overnight. To get the most out of your program and truly fulfill your potential as a designer, you’ll need to put in the groundwork before you start studying.
Here are five ways you can get ready to excel in your design degree:
1. Invest in a quality laptop
Think of your laptop as your sidekick to all your design projects in the Bachelor in Design. Drafting ideas, digital fabrication, user research and prototyping are all processes that are carried out on your laptop. It is an essential tool for learning from start to finish.
With this in mind, it’s essential that your laptop meets the minimum specifications to run design software such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator. As your designs become increasingly complex, it will be even more critical that your laptop has a dedicated graphics card. Other minimum recommended specifications include Windows 10, an Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD.
2. Get to know the basics of design software
Familiarizing yourselves with the basic functions and tools of the design software you will use during your studies can accelerate your progress. The better you understand the software, the more efficient you’ll be in using it. You’ll be able to jump into more complex projects sooner and complete your work to a higher standard. To help you with this, we recommend finding online tutorials on platforms such as YouTube, Udemy, Skillshare and others.
3. Purchase a lifetime license for Rhino
Rhino 3D modeling software is widely used in our programs and in the design industry. The license can be bought online from the official website; it will be a worthwhile investment, not only for your studies but also for your long-term career.
4. Familiarize yourself with the study plan and prepare for any costs
As this is a design-focused degree, you’ll need to purchase materials for various courses. Please be sure to read over your course content, so that you are aware of the costs you will have to cover and can plan ahead. After reading over the program content, feel free to get in touch and clarify any doubts you may have about the structure or materials you’ll need.
5. Get excited about turning your ideas into reality
One of the most rewarding parts of the Bachelor in Design is being able to bring your ideas to life, building them from initial sketches into a tangible product. It’s time to get excited about the potential of your ideas to make an impact!
Ready for success
Joining the IE Community is a transformative experience that will start you on the path to fulfilling your dreams. Why not start looking into what extracurricular activities you might like to join during your time here? Our range of clubs and activities offers valuable opportunities for you to make connections and pursue your interests outside the classroom.
The Bachelor in Design at IE University is a challenging and rewarding journey for students who want to pursue a career in design. It’s time to unleash your creativity, make your ideas a reality and start your journey to a successful career in design. Learn more about what to expect from the program here.