As the global economy continues to recover from the downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, many uncertainties arise, especially when it comes to the availability of job opportunities.

As businesses everywhere start adopting technological solutions to cope with the “new normal”, so too must future graduates start acquainting themselves with aspects of Industrial Revolution 4.0 in order to maximise their job prospects.

Fortunately, design students can place their trust in First City University College’s solid and ever relevant study programmes provided by the Faculty of Design & Built Environment (FDBE). Furthermore, First City UC possesses a stellar record of producing industry-relevant graduates for the past 30 years, notably during the daunting 1997 and 2009 global economic downturns.

Upon entering the job market, First City UC graduates not only possess sufficient theoretical knowledge, they are also capable of demonstrating competent workplace soft skills. Above all, many have secured promising careers in leading companies or have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs.

One such person is Alex Loo, an Interior Architecture & Design graduate who ended up co-founding a leading design with his college mates. As of now, his firm taken on projects with a diverse set of industries which include Hospitality, Food & Beverage, Fitness, Education, Electronics and many more.

“Personally, I believe that my degree programme has provided me a solid foundation in the design field. I have interviewed graduates from First City UC and realized that they have better design sense and are more knowledgeable about conceptual design,” explains Loo.

FDBE Student Benefits

Each design student who enrols at First City UC will stand to enjoy a number of benefits. Firstly, students are encouraged to make use of FDBE’s industry partnerships with various professional design bodies such as the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers, Malaysian Design Council and wREGA.

Secondly, students are provided ample opportunity to participate (and even win prizes) in high profile competitions, collaborate with prominent brands, attend talks and even participate in industry site visits.

Thirdly, students are granted access to state-of-the-art learning facilities such the Mac Lab, Drawing Studio, White Canvas Gallery, Photography Studio, Material Library and many more.

FDBE’s Bachelor Degree Programmes

One of FDBE’s esteemed Bachelor Degree programmes is the three-year BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing which empowers fashion enthusiasts to market and brand their own fashion products. Students will be given the opportunity to explore all aspects of fashion marketing and branding, which will prepare them for careers such as Fashion Designer, Sales Designer, Brand Designer, Exhibition Designer, Clothing Designer, Retail Manager, Fashion Merchandiser, Visual Merchandiser, Stylist and many more.

Meanwhile, the three and half year BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design teaches future interior architects to create interior spaces in a rational, sensitive and articulate manner which contributes to a sustainable environment and society. IAD students are taught this through classes which impart a theoretical and critical perspective of design within its cultural, social, political and economic context. Graduates may pursue a career in areas such as Interior Design, Lighting Design, Exhibition Design or even Set and Retail Design.

On the other hand, by mastering the ability to communicate verbal and visual ideas effectively, graduates of the BA (Hons) Graphic Design programme may consider careers in a variety of fields such as Advertising and Illustration, Design Consultancy, Post-Production, Packaging Design or even Motion Graphics. Moreover, those graduating from the BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design programme will possess an in-depth theoretical knowledge in order to fit in to the ever evolving needs of the industry. They may opt for careers as Furniture Design Makers, Product Designers, Computer-Aided Designers or even Business Managers