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