Product Designers

The completion of an internship or other experiential educational opportunity at a firm that employs product designers is required for entry-level positions. Several years of experience in product design are needed for higher-level positions.

To be successful in this career, product designers must be comfortable using design software and prototyping tools; have knowledge of industrial processes, techniques, and standards; have a user-centric mindset; and be able to conduct research using a computer and by talking to potential users via focus groups. Key soft skills include leadership, project management, and problem solving ability; creativity; flexibility; and a detail-oriented personality. Product designers also need strong interpersonal and communication skills because they often write reports, make presentations to company executives and clients, conduct market research, and act as liaisons between engineers, lower-level designers, executives, researchers, and production workers.