Initially, I was unsure which area of design I wanted to pursue. Loughborough stood out because it offered the flexibility to explore different specialisms, giving me the opportunity to discover what I enjoyed most while developing a broad range of skills.
What made Loughborough truly special was its community. Working alongside ambitious and hardworking peers created a supportive and motivating learning environment, which was one of the most rewarding aspects of my experience. The lecturers were always approachable and willing to provide valuable guidance and constructive feedback. Combined with excellent open-access facilities that encouraged experimentation and creativity, the supportive environment made my time on the course both beneficial and enjoyable.
Whilst studying the BA Design degree, I built a broad foundation across UX, environments and industrial design before choosing to specialise in User Experience. I picked up essential software tools like Figma and software architecture but the most crucial skill I developed was how to approach complex problems from different angles. This mindset has been important to my career growth. The final year project was by far the most impactful. It required me to take full ownership of my direction as a designer, while the tutors consistently challenged me to stretch my capabilities and produce my best work.
Loughborough’s strong industry connections were invaluable throughout my studies. The course gave me the opportunity to study and work in Tokyo, which was a fantastic personal experience. From a professional perspective, networking with Loughborough designers working in fintech provided valuable insights into the industry and ultimately helped me secure my current role.
I applied for a placement role with Makino Milling Machine Co., Ltd. in Tokyo and was happy to receive the job offer. Around the same time, my study abroad placement got approved too, so everything just aligned perfectly. I’ve always wanted to live in Tokyo to experience a completely different culture, try a new way of living and meet people from all over the world. It ended up being all of that and so much more.
Firstly, I completed a 5-month study abroad opportunity at Shibaura Institute of Technology in Tokyo. While there, I picked up the basics of programming with Python and C++, which ended up being super useful for my current design and front-end engineering role at Intropic. Learning about Japanese culture and getting a handle on the language also made stepping into my placement a lot smoother.
I then spent seven months as a Junior Designer at Makino Milling Machine Co. My main job was supporting the user interface (UI) design for their machines but I also got to work on some exciting future concepts involving VR and game design elements. What really set me up for my career wasn't just the role itself but working alongside my manager at Makino - Jeremy Cane, who is former student of Loughborough University. I learned a lot from him—he taught me the core fundamentals every solid designer needs and showed me how to take a concept from initial idea to execution using CAD software.
Loughborough reached out with check-ins every couple of months to see how I was getting on and if I needed any help. It was really reassuring knowing the University had my back throughout the experience and was keeping an eye on things to make sure everything stayed on track.
While most people immediately associate Loughborough with sport, I think of the Design School and the opportunities it offered, particularly the chance to live and work abroad, had a huge impact on my personal growth.
The BA Design course gave me the freedom to explore and develop my focus as a designer, while also opening doors to global opportunities and ultimately leading me to a career in fintech.
My advice for someone considering studying at Loughborough is to make the most of the resources and freedom available to you early on. Explore different design disciplines, apply for international opportunities and build relationships with your tutors and peers. The network you build here will support you long after you leave.
Since finishing my degree, I have been working as an AI product designer/engineer at a fintech company. In this role, I’ve designed and launched a new front-end product for clients and developed features for internal users. The course provided a solid technical and design foundation, allowing me to bring a fresh, user-focused perspective to complex software.
Nathan graduated from Loughborough University in 2025.