Setting sights on a creative future at Victoria University

Maddie Pfahlert (Year 13 2024) is preparing to embark on an exciting new chapter as she moves to Wellington to study for a Bachelor of Design Innovation at Victoria University. Having joined St Margaret’s College midway through Year 6, Maddie credits her time here with fostering her love of art and design, interests she has pursued enthusiastically throughout her school years.

“I have always enjoyed painting and being creative,” she says. “I’ve taken art throughout high school and picked up design in Year 13, which I’ve loved. The teachers I’ve had have been fantastic, and the standard of work produced by students here is really high.”

This foundation has prepared her well for the challenges of tertiary education. After researching her options and hearing glowing recommendations from family and friends, Maddie chose the Bachelor of Design Innovation program at Victoria University. The degree’s interdisciplinary structure was a significant factor in her decision.

“In the first year, you’re introduced to a wide range of areas, such as communication design, social innovation, and product design. At the moment, I think I’ll major in communication design, but I’m open to exploring other areas as well,” she explains.

One of the course’s major attractions is the option to pursue a minor in marketing. This combination of creative and business-focused studies is designed to broaden students’ skill sets and enhance their employability in the competitive design industry.

“The ability to combine design with marketing really appealed to me. I think it will make it easier to find a job and give me a more diverse skill set,” she adds.

Although excited about the opportunities ahead, Maddie admits to feeling mixed emotions as she prepares to move from Christchurch to Wellington. The shift from her familiar surroundings will undoubtedly be an adjustment, but she is pleased that several of her SMC friends are making the same move.