M-DES in Design Management at Manipal University Jaipur
Jaipur, Rajasthan
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About the Specialization
What is Design Management at Manipal University Jaipur Jaipur?
This Design Management program at Manipal University Jaipur focuses on integrating design thinking with strategic business acumen. It prepares professionals to lead design initiatives, manage innovation, and drive organizational growth. Given India''''s burgeoning design industry, this specialization equips students with unique skills to navigate complex market demands, making them invaluable assets to companies striving for user-centric excellence and competitive advantage.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for design graduates seeking to transition into leadership roles, architects keen on strategic planning, and engineering professionals looking to integrate design principles into product development. It also suits working professionals from creative fields who aim to upskill in design strategy and management, enabling them to lead teams and projects effectively in dynamic Indian and global markets.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding career paths as Design Managers, Strategic Design Consultants, Brand Strategists, and Innovation Leads in various Indian industries. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, growing significantly with experience. They will contribute to design-driven innovation, shaping products, services, and experiences for leading Indian companies and multinational corporations operating within the country.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Design Thinking Portfolio- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in early design projects and workshops to document your design process and outcomes. Focus on showcasing problem identification, ideation, prototyping, and testing phases. This builds a robust portfolio essential for future internships and job applications.
Tools & Resources
Behance, Dribbble, Miro, Figma
Career Connection
A strong portfolio is the primary credential for designers, directly influencing internship selections and entry-level placements in design management roles.
Network with Design Industry Professionals- (Semester 1-2)
Attend webinars, industry talks, and local design events. Connect with alumni and design leaders on platforms like LinkedIn. Seek informational interviews to understand industry trends and potential career paths in design management within India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Design India events, Alumni network portal
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, internship opportunities, and valuable insights, providing a competitive edge in securing placements with top Indian design firms or corporate design teams.
Master Core Business and Design Software- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond theoretical knowledge, gain proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch) and business tools (e.g., project management software, data visualization tools). Practice regularly on personal projects or academic assignments.
Tools & Resources
Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma, Asana, Tableau
Career Connection
Practical software skills are non-negotiable for design management roles, enhancing efficiency and making you a more versatile and attractive candidate for employers.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Industry-Relevant Internships- (Semester 3)
Actively seek and complete internships with design consultancies, corporate innovation departments, or product management teams. Focus on applying strategic design thinking and business principles to real-world challenges within an Indian company context.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Internshala, Naukri.com
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable practical experience, industry contacts, and often lead to pre-placement offers or strong references crucial for securing full-time roles.
Participate in Design Challenges & Competitions- (Semester 3)
Engage in national or international design competitions (e.g., India Design Mark, CII Design Excellence Awards). These platforms offer opportunities to test skills, gain recognition, and build a competitive portfolio of problem-solving abilities.
Tools & Resources
Design hackathons, MDes design contests, Student design awards
Career Connection
Winning or even participating in competitions enhances your resume, demonstrates initiative, and provides unique projects to discuss during placement interviews, especially for innovation-focused roles.
Develop Leadership & Communication Skills- (Semester 3)
Take on leadership roles in student organizations or group projects, focusing on effective communication, team management, and presentation skills. Practice articulating design strategies and their business impact clearly and concisely.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters International, College clubs, Presentation workshops
Career Connection
Strong leadership and communication are critical for design management positions, enabling you to lead teams, present concepts to stakeholders, and influence business decisions.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Specialization in Dissertation/Major Project- (Semester 4)
Align your final dissertation or major project with your career aspirations within design management, exploring a specific industry or a contemporary design challenge relevant to the Indian market. Aim for a publishable-quality output.
Tools & Resources
Research journals, Industry reports, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
A well-executed, specialized project demonstrates expertise and deep understanding, setting you apart for roles requiring specific industry knowledge or advanced problem-solving capabilities.
Prepare for Placements with Mock Interviews- (Semester 4)
Engage in rigorous mock interview sessions, focusing on behavioral questions, case studies relevant to design management, and articulating your project experiences. Refine your resume and cover letter to highlight strategic and leadership competencies.
Tools & Resources
Career services department, Alumni mentors, Online interview platforms
Career Connection
Thorough placement preparation significantly increases your chances of securing desirable job offers in leading design and innovation roles within Indian companies and MNCs.
Build a Personal Brand and Online Presence- (Semester 4)
Curate a professional online presence through your LinkedIn profile, personal website/portfolio, and potentially a blog. Share insights, project updates, and industry perspectives to establish yourself as a thought leader in design management.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Portfolio websites (e.g., Notion, Webflow), Medium
Career Connection
A strong personal brand attracts recruiters and collaborators, showcases your expertise beyond formal qualifications, and contributes to long-term career growth and visibility in the competitive design industry.