Vega entered its 20th year this year. Whilst we have evolved and grown as a
brand, our commitment to graduating students able to produce strategic
creative work and creative strategies to real world problems remains as
strong as ever. This is never more evident than at our alumni trailblazer
gatherings, graduation ceremonies and through our graduate tracking
analysis.
A recent study of our class of 2016 cohort that graduated in 2017 revealed an
employment rate (including part-time/freelance work) of 95% six months after
graduating. One out of every two graduates was employed before they graduated,
testament to our applied teaching and learning approach and the impact of our industry
immersion programme.
Our students and navigators shone this semester. We celebrated close on 750
graduates at our four graduation ceremonies and saluted our D&AD Young Blood
and Black Pixel winners. We had senior academics presenting papers in the UK and
Holland and hosted a Design Thinking presentation by top US speaker, Tony Bynum
at our Durban campus.
We have kicked off semester 2 with international trend expert, Els Dragt, delivering
a national trend roadshow on each of our campuses to inspire our students as we
embark on our annual work integrated learning initiatives, Brand Activation and
Brand Challenge. We are now in the fourth year of our international exchange
programme with Fontys (Holland) and our most recent returnee had the following
to say on his experience: ‘I have never felt more confident in myself and my ability
as a designer, thinker and traveller’. We encourage our students to participate
in the international collaboration and exchange programmes that are available.
Kudos again to our students, navigators and alumni who we celebrate this
semester - Vega shines bright in the constellation of Lyra.
Shevon Lurie
Managing Director
The IIE’s Vega School