Bachelor's degree and Wagemut

Foreword

There are moments in life that make you realize how far you have come. Graduation is undoubtedly one of them - a day full of pride, gratitude and a little melancholy. For me, it was not only the end of my dual study program, but also the beginning of a new chapter.

A look back at this special day and the people who accompanied me shows how formative this time was. But just like the past, the future is now also exciting: where will the journey take us? There is uncertainty, but also the feeling that anything is possible.

September 12

Dress is on, hat is on, shoes are tied. Everyone starts to walk forward and I follow, step by step with my heart in my throat, just don't fall down! My gaze wanders straight through the rows, looking for my companions. Almost everyone had family with them, but only a few had their practice partner by their side. It meant all the more to me that Sebbo was there with my family and celebrated this moment with us.

The day felt totally surreal, and when we got our American-style robes and hats, it was a crazy feeling - just like in a movie (we got to keep the robe and sash - jackpot!). Although we had already received the certificates in the post, putting on the gowns together and seeing the others - me - in them was the absolute highlight. An indescribable feeling!

Walking onto the "stage" was the moment I was least looking forward to - I don't like attention. But when I walked back and saw the proud faces of my family, I knew: "I really did it." It was not only a proud moment for my family and friends, but especially for myself. As a child of divorce and with a father from a migrant background who grew up with - well - not so good preconditions, I never thought that I and my brother would be the first two with a Bachelor's degree. As I said, simply surreal but also very real, proud and relieving. Every single person on our course worked hard to achieve this degree and we celebrated it together.

Let's travel through time

When I think back to my studies, I immediately remember the highs and lows that got me to this point. There were late nights, crazy presentations and that special moment when you see old designs of yours and just think to yourself: "Yikes, I really handed that in?"

However, starting my studies was anything but normal. Thanks to Covid, everything was digital. Instead of parties or face-to-face meetings, I was happy to get to know a few fellow students in person. It was a pretty weird time when the world felt like it was standing still. Many of my fellow students had difficulties finding a practice partner, and after the first semester there were only around 25 of us instead of the original 60 or so.

Despite everything, I look back fondly on the lectures and the creative freedom. It was always exciting to develop ideas for projects that no customer would ever have asked for - just go crazy and let your imagination run wild. This creative freedom has reached a new dimension, especially at Wagemut . Changing my practice partner was definitely not easy, but the decision to go to Wagemut was the best ever! From the moment I started there, I realized what it means to really grow in a creative environment. The projects we realize, the ideas that are created there and the team that has always supported me - all of this has helped me develop as a designer.

Even though there were tough days when I wondered whether I could cope with the pressure, I was always motivated again. Especially the goosebump moments when a project went live or a presentation went really well showed me that all the effort was worth it. And it was precisely these experiences that made my time at Wagemut so special.

I won't say much more about the dual study program. I would just be repeating myself. Hence the recommendation to read another blog article: Dual studies with Wagemut on hand (Spoiler: Dual studies at Wagemut? 10/10 would recommend!)

Yeah cool... Bachelor and now what?

And now? After all the stress, the constant back and forth, the big question arises: What now? Master's degree? Work? Become self-employed? Or do something completely new? It's exciting to think about what the next steps could be. Because now that the pressure of studying is finally over, there's time to think about the future. Don't get me wrong - I love my job at Wagemut. But there's always this thought: is there anything else I want to try? What are my next steps?

For myself, I know that I would love to teach at a vocational college or be a lecturer one day when I'm ready. Maybe I'll end up going in a completely different direction at some point. But whatever the future holds, I know one thing for sure: I've arrived at Wagemut and want to stay here for the time being. It's great that I've not only received so much support from my practice partner during my studies, but that I'm now continuing to work as part of the team. Wagemut gives me the space to look ahead and find out what's next.