Student Profile

Maegan Brown

Graduate 2011
Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design)

The reason why I decided to study at Curtin was because I got in touch with people who were already working in the creative design industry and asked them which institution they thought was the most impressive and would be most beneficial. They all said Curtin has the most outstanding graduates in design and found that they are better prepared for the working environment.

During my three years in the design course it has been an absolute ball. The course prepares students well for the working environment with industry relevant projects and teachers who have years of industry experience and knowledge.

My time at Curtin has been exciting, inspiring and encouraging, mostly due to the friendships I have formed along the way. I really think the group you graduate with has a big influence on determining how much you get out of the course, because we all influence and encourage each other to do well.

I have experienced some really great opportunities during my final year in design. During my first semester of second year, I made it my goal to seek work experience and start networking with other designers, studios and large agencies. By the time I entered my final year of design I had formed a nice little circle of talented designers that I could call on for advice and work experience at any time. I currently have an internship in which I spend one full day a week in a studio doing client work and I also spend one full day a week at an advertising agency working on Uni projects where I gain professional advice. I am now freelancing with them for the odd job. These experiences have helped me grow as a designer and have prepared me well for the industry; I have learnt so much from each of these designers.

The design course has been really great. My knowledge and thinking has expanded into areas I had never thought of, and has introduced me to many new things. I feel I am completely prepared to take on any project and feel very confident entering the industry.

What I find most helpful at Curtin is the genuine support from the teachers - they really get involved in all the projects we do and it is super encouraging for every student to keep pushing ourselves to do the very best we can. I really enjoy coming into class each week knowing my teachers will be interested and full of helpful advice to help me develop and improve each week. Lee Ingram (Head of Design) and Yolanda Stapleton in particular have been outstanding - they are more like friends than teachers and I feel they sincerely want the best for the students. Someone in the industry once mentioned to me that they found Curtin graduates much more confident in the way they communicate; I suppose this is to do with the way teachers communicate with the students as friends rather than coming across as unapproachable teachers.

I would highly recommend Curtin to anyone thinking about pursuing a design degree. The general practice at Curtin prepares students well for any working environment within design.