Why did you decide to study at Eduvos?
When I was in Grade 11, Eduvos came to my high school and I felt that the team presenting had a really compelling pitch. I had first applied to a bunch of public institutions, but at the time my results weren’t so great. I wanted to pursue a creative field and I felt that if I wanted to specialise in something, a private institution would be the perfect fit for me. I also had friends who studied at Eduvos, and they were really happy with their experience, so that reaffirmed my decision.
Tell us more about your experience at Eduvos.
I really enjoyed learning how to use the relevant design programmes and build on my design knowledge. It was nice to meet new people and spend time with friends while pursuing my dream of design. Because Bedfordview was a small campus, it felt like a community where everybody knew each other. There was always someone to help you out in some way. My lecturers were very hands-on, they took the time to help me, and often even stayed late to assist and answer questions. They really encouraged me to push myself. I took a little longer than 3 years to complete my degree, at some points I felt academically challenged, but my lecturers never gave up on me, they helped me push through. When the pandemic hit, things were quite tough and made it harder to connect with our lecturers in person, however, we got to connect online which was really helpful and appreciated.
How did you find the campus facilities?
The campus was very accommodating and with our design lab, you felt like you were in a creative environment. What I really loved about my campus was that each year, you moved to a new lab with incredible facilities and computers. Even during the pandemic, I would come to campus to work in the design labs, especially when we worked on 3D projects. The computers were really powerful, and I’d spend weeks on campus with other friends, rendering our assignments. That was great for me as I didn’t have a laptop at the time.
Were you in any clubs or societies?
Studying Graphic Design, your schedule is quite tight with briefs coming in and deadlines fast approaching. However, I was part of the campus newspaper for a while. I attended soccer tournaments between campuses as the photographer. I wouldn’t officially call it mentoring, but in my final year, I had a few modules, so I often helped my lecturers out with assisting the first years. I remember when I was in my first year, trying to understand the technology, programmes and modules was quite overwhelming. So, I would come to campus to use the facilities and then during my breaks or after class, I'd go to the first-year lab, to socialise a little, teach them a few things, and then go back to my daily routine.
You’re a first-generation graduate, how does it feel?
Yes, I am. It’s really great and I do feel so honoured. But at the same time, it was a huge responsibility. I started studying straight out of school and then went from graduating straight into a job. I felt like I had to try and keep up a lot of the time, but it’s so worthwhile. I feel fulfilled.
Are you currently employed?
I am currently a Junior Designer in a well-known advertising agency, TBWA\ South Africa. I heard about the job through friends of mine whom I studied with and had graduated just before me. They mentioned the agency they worked for, I did a little research and they told me there were open positions at the agency. I took my shot and shared my portfolio, which I believe did all the work for me, because of all the hard work I put in and my lecturers’ reviews.
Do you have any advice for students looking to study at Eduvos?
Always ask questions! Ask as many as you can, your student advisors are there to help you. I feel that choosing to study at a private institution helped me so much in the long run, I’ve had a few friends who studied graphic design in public institutions, and I can see a vast difference in their work and attention to detail. I feel our lecturers really gave us the attention we deserved, and our work deserved. Things were explained better, they checked in on you and walked your academic journey with you.
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