Zaki
Bin Razak

Tell us a bit about yourself

Hi, my name is Zaki Bin Razak, I’m from Malaysia, and I'm in the final year of BA Product Design here at NTU.

Did you do a work placement as part of the degree?

Yes.  As part of the degree, I succeeded in getting a work placement at a design consultancy down in London. One cool thing about my placement company is that I get to work in 2D and 3D and am able to present my work directly to the clients.

It was such a great experience in working with a very well-known brand and a real-world brief. The Employability team were very helpful and supportive as they helped me to prepare for my interviews as well as helping with paperwork for my application.

My placement supervisor from the course kept in touch with me throughout my placement. He even came to visit me toward the final few months to check on my progress. He also held a meeting with Native Ltd to get feedback from their side.  All sides were happy with my progress, and I'm happy to say that I've been offered to return back to the company once I graduate later this year.

What have been the other highlights of this course?

Outside of the main course, there are additional opportunities for projects. One of them was the ‘International Design Studio’ where we had the chance to collaborate with other universities around the world and to work with international brands like Sky and Map Project.

We are encouraged by our lecturers to work on real-life briefs as well as take part in briefs that involve big clients, for example Unilever, and work on their iconic product range.

In the middle of the second year, the course leaders invited several organisations and alumni to review our course work.  This is where I first met the company I did my placement with, Native Ltd.

I feel so much more confident now for my career – I’m able to present solutions to real-life problems as the course has helped me to prepare for it. After several months I've gained the confidence to present my work and also justify my designs.

Do you have any advice for future international students?

My advice for other international students is to take part in the many events and projects hosted by the University and also to work hard to make sure that your projects are meaningful.