Tailoring a career in Fashion Design Technology at the School of Design Innovation
Sudha Kandarpa, a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Design Innovation majoring in Fashion Design Technology from Te Kura Hoahoa—School of Design Innovation, reflects on her journey from science to the creative industries and the university experience.
After completing high school at St Mary’s College in Wellington, Sudha was daunted by the prospect of deciding what career pathway to choose when enrolling at university. She initially enrolled in a science degree at another university but the search for creativity led her to Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
“I took some time off to decide what I wanted to do.
"While I was sitting at a bus stop one day, I saw the Bachelor of Design Innovation programme on every bus that passed me—it felt like a sign. I ended up looking up the degree online and found the missing piece of the puzzle!”
Sudha chose the Bachelor of Design Innovation at the School of Design Innovation as graduates become well-rounded designers who can become whatever designer they want to be.
“I didn’t want to constraint myself as a creative or designer and I liked the autonomy and decision making you have in tailoring the Bachelor of Design Innovation to your specific interests. It is something I think you don’t get at other universities.”
The programme gave her a thorough grounding in design principles and introduced her to career opportunities in the real world.
“I experienced life drawing, virtual reality, industrial design, graphic and animation design, communication design, and all sorts of creative pathways at Te Aro Campus."
“I knew I was creative, but I had no idea where to start in that journey. Being able to experience the full gambit of design and be taught design fundamentals has enabled and encouraged me to know myself as a designer.”
Her lecturers in the School of Design Innovation brought industry knowledge and connections to the classroom.
“It was super awesome to have guest lecturers from around the world and within the design and fashion community in New Zealand.”
“We went on trips, such as to the British High Commission for morning tea and to fashion design houses. I was also extremely fortunate to start working as a designer in my second year, where I applied my skills straight into the industry.”
The sense of community in Wellington enhanced her university experience.
“I was able to meet my friend every morning on a bench near our flats and walk to class together. Wellington is just one of those cities where it’s quite easy to meet up with your friends.”
Sudha recently moved to Melbourne, Australia to start her design career.
“I have high hopes that I will be able to kick start my design career thanks to my Bachelor of Design Innovation from Te Kura Hoahoa—School of Design Innovation.”
Explore the Bachelor of Design Innovation majoring in Fashion Design Technology
If you love good design—whether it be of objects, computer graphics, systems, or experiences—and want to learn from a leading-edge university, then this is the right degree for you.
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