KADK Outreach: newly qualified designers and companies in industry event

This year’s KADK graduates were busy in the period leading up to their graduation. The final exams came just a few days before they had to construct the degree show. Then, in the midst of all the nervous excitement, the day before the official opening, members of the industry were invited to an exclusive preview of the summer’s degree projects as part of KADK Outreach. This was a chance for the newly qualified designers, in the midst of work gloves, sandwiches and pre-opening preparations, to meet and chat to representatives of various companies.

Malene Sihm Vejlsgaard, CEO of Boblr and Chair of the Design School’s Advisory Board, opened the event: “As graduates you should make use of the fact that you are privileged. But you must not confuse that expression with being spoiled. Now is the time! You are standing on your own two feet, and each one of you should get out there and create your brand. It takes time and it’s hard work.

“There are plenty of graduates from all over the world, who are wooing the employers who are here today and the companies where you want to work. And these graduates have a more aggressive and competitive approach, which is a challenge to our new graduates. There’s no time for a summer holiday. It’s time for work. Even though I know you have been slaving away on your final major academic project.”

Malene Sihm Vejlsgaard ended her opening speech by encouraging clients and newly qualified designers to meet up again and again: “I hope that you newly qualified graduates and you companies will really enjoy meeting each other on the shop floor this evening – and that both of you will embrace the opportunities.”