Ian
Gilbert

First year BSc (Hons) Product Design student, Ian Gilbert was awarded the overall sponsor prize at the 2022 Starpack Students Competition in the category of 'Sustainable Solutions With Corrugated Cardboard'. Here we learn more about his experience at NTU so far.

Congratulations on winning the Sponsorship Award at the 2022 Starpack Awards. Can you tell us more about your experience and how you got involved with the project?

We undertook The Starpack project as one of our modules and it was personally my favourite of all the assignments that we undertook this year. Being able to pick from 8 briefs, I chose the one that fit my personal goals of removing plastic and replacing it with corrugated cardboard packaging. The tutors support throughout was fantastic - they set up group tutorials to allow everyone to have their say and encouraged us to support each other during the project.

I was lucky enough to be chosen with a handful of my year group to be entered into the competition. I was delighted to come away with the Sponsor Award and Gold prize, and NTU also won the overall award for the first time!

Overall, the event was fantastic - being able to meet and network with design professionals and ask about their experiences working in product design.

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

Coming in as a mature student from a similar role in my last career, Product Design seemed to fit best with my experiences as well as my passions for getting hands on, designing and building products.

I chose NTU specifically due to the excellent facilities they have on campus with the studio and the workshop. It also has a fantastic location being in Nottingham City Centre.

Does NTU match what you’d imagined? How does it compare with your friends’ experience at other universities?

NTU has surpassed my expectation, the teaching quality and the course quality is unmatched.

In regard to my friends experiences from other universities, they have all said they do not receive the level of support and feedback that I get on a daily basis.

What do you think about the course staff? How do they support your learning and university experience?

All the staff that have taught me during my first year have been outstanding. They are very approachable for support and guidance; they will also always give you their honest opinion. They can always be contacted, not just during the weekday during term times, but all the time. Whether it's course related or personal, they're always there to help.

Has the employability team helped you plan for life beyond NTU?

The employability team have already given us multiple lectures on how to best present ourselves to potential employers, and also with setting up a LinkedIn, Instagram, as well as CV support. They have allowed me to promote myself in the best way to be offered a placement for my third year.

Where are you hoping your studies take you after finishing at NTU?

Once I finish my degree, I hope to have a job in the design industry that makes a positive impact on the world - a company where sustainability is key.

How would you promote NTU to potential students in 10 words or fewer?

NTU is a place to grow and succeed.