Are we commenting on the design of a desk or helping with career advice?!
Re. the desk - you need to consider the working circle that one person requires. You might be able to fit 3 or 4 keyboards on a desk, but think about elbow room, space for pads, coffee cups and creating a comfortable working area.
Curves don't require CNC machining...just a jigsaw and/or a router!
I'd also thrash this out using pen and paper before jumping into rendering. Measure your own working area.
There are also British Standards guides on correct working spaces for people.
In terms of product design, it's a tough world, but I'd advise working towards good rounded qualifications in sciences and art/design and then apply for a foundation course as well as applying for your engineering course.
Foundations aren't generally based on academic grades, just good folios. I wasn't academic in terms of grades, but did Foundation and then went on to do product design degree.
I now design graphics for packaging and retail (kind of a mix of 2 and 3D.)