An Interview with Parisa Mehta, B.Des Student at BITS Design School

BITS Design School Mumbai established in 2024 is a private institution under the aegis of BITS, Pilani. Bachelors of Design in various disciplines are offered under the BITS Design School Mumbai courses. These courses are offered for 4 years. Candidates having a valid score in NID‑DAT/UCEED/ BITSAT entrance exam and good performance in PI will be offered BITS Design School Mumbai admissions.

Careers360 brings you an interview with Parisa Mehta, a B.Des Design Research and Insights Pathway student. She shares her personal experience with the BITS Design School Mumbai campus, its facilities, challenges faced, and daily routine. Refer to the interview below to gain a much better understanding.

Careers360: Tell us something about yourself.

Parisa Mehta: Hi, I’m Parisa, I’ve always been a curious mix of art and science, where creativity meets logic. My passion for design blossomed early on with my love for architecture, and I’m fortunate to have had the chance to showcase my artwork in a solo exhibition that went on to be recognised by leaders, including the Chief Minister of Gujarat and the Prime Minister of India. This experience gave me a sense of the power of design in influencing people and the world around us. Over time, my journey evolved—merging my creative instincts with a growing fascination for problem-solving and user-centric design. Now, at BITS Design School, I’m able to explore this intersection fully, where my love for design can not only be expressed but also applied in real, impactful ways.

Careers360: What were the different factors that made you choose BITS Design School?

Parisa Mehta: When I first looked into BITS Design School, it felt different from any other institution I had applied to. The holistic application process, coupled with the interdisciplinary approach to design, caught my attention. What sealed the deal was the conversations I had with the faculty. They spoke about a strong technology focus and emphasized the school’s connection to the industry. In today’s fast-evolving world, this combination of innovation and industry exposure felt like the right place for me to grow.

Careers360: What is the specialisation that you have chosen to study and why?

Parisa Mehta: I’m drawn to the design research and insights pathway. Through our coursework, I’ve discovered how much I enjoy the process of thinking deeply, executing with intention, and learning about user behavior. It’s a way of thinking that feels very natural to me, and I find immense satisfaction in turning insights into actionable design strategies. I can see myself pursuing this specialization in the long run, as it’s where my strengths lie, and it’s something I truly enjoy.

Careers360: What was your initial impression of the campus when you started your classes?

Parisa Mehta: The campus at Powai was impressive from day one—well-equipped and ready for design work. The collaborative spaces, labs, and studios sparked excitement for the journey ahead. But it wasn’t home just yet. Over time, though, the campus came alive with energy. Now, walking through the halls, and seeing people work on projects, some finished and others in progress, constantly reminds me of why I love being here. It’s become a place of inspiration and growth.

Careers360: What challenges did you face during your initial days of settling down at the campus?

Parisa Mehta: Adapting to the fast-paced schedule, balancing multiple projects, and working in teams were initial challenges. Additionally, I had to adjust to a new social environment, meeting so many new people at once. But what helped me through those transitions was the incredible support system around me—from the faculty to the academic fellows, and of course, my peers. Everyone was genuinely helpful, making the process much smoother than I expected.

Careers360: What made the most impression on you among the BITS Design School amenities and facilities?

Parisa Mehta: The maker spaces and labs at BITSDES left a lasting impression on me. Having access to state-of-the-art equipment from day one was a privilege I didn’t take for granted. It’s not just about the tools themselves but the environment they create for hands-on experimentation. And I can’t forget about the vending machine—every BITSDES student’s best friend during those long workdays!

Careers360: What is your daily routine like?

Parisa Mehta: My daily routine usually starts with breakfast, followed by my first class of the day. After lunch, it’s the second class, and then evenings are reserved for extracurricular activities or club meetings. On heavy work weeks, I stay back on campus to get everything done, or sometimes, I take work home. But when things aren’t as busy, I love exploring Mumbai. Whether it’s grabbing coffee with friends, seeing a movie, going to the beach, or just walking around, there’s always something new to discover in the city, and I make sure to make time for that.

Careers360: What is your favorite thing at the BITS Design School campus?

Parisa Mehta: What truly excites me about BITSDES is the culture of collaboration. It’s not just about the coursework but the opportunity to work on real-world projects with diverse teams. The best part is meeting design leaders and experts—one day, we’re reading from a design book, and the next day, we’re meeting the person who wrote it. It’s a unique learning experience that constantly inspires me to think bigger.

Careers360: What about extracurriculars? Could you describe some?

Parisa Mehta: BITS Design School offers a vibrant extracurricular culture. I’m part of the podcast club, Design Darshan, where we film episodes with design leaders and delve into deep conversations with them. In addition to that, we have the Communications and Media Club, the Photography and Film Analysis Club, the Cultural Club, the Innovation and Making Club, and more. There’s always something happening, whether it’s a sports event, a social initiative like a beach cleanup, or a gaming tournament. The clubs are all student-run, providing endless opportunities to learn, connect, and grow outside of the classroom.

Careers360: What are the fun factors at the campus?

Parisa Mehta: For me, the best part of BITSDES is the people. We’re a small group of 140 students, and that has created a strong sense of camaraderie. Everyone knows each other, and it’s like a big family. We have so many inside jokes and shared experiences that make everyday fun. I often find myself having spontaneous, interesting conversations with random people around campus. These conversations have sparked some of the best ideas, and we’ve turned them into projects together. There’s never a dull moment here—there’s always something exciting happening, whether it’s preparing for an exhibition or just enjoying campus life with friends.

Careers360: Every campus has some mix-and-mingle orientation. What was yours like?

Parisa Mehta: The orientation at BITSDES was a great way to start my journey. We had a week-long orientation with breakout rooms, speed-dating-style introductions to meet everyone, and group activities where we answered prompts that gave us a vision for the next four years. One of the highlights was Mumbai Darshan Day, where we explored the city, learning about its history and getting familiar with its culture. I made so many friends during that week, and those relationships have only grown stronger over time.

Careers360: If you had to describe the BITS Design campus to anyone in a line, what would that be?

Parisa Mehta: BITSDES is a creative haven where innovation, collaboration, and exploration come alive, empowering students to reimagine their futures.

Disclaimer: This content was distributed by BITS Design School Mumbai and has been published as part of Careers360’s marketing initiative.