James Clark
3rd-year student, Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa in Industrial Design
He chose to study industrial design because of his love of making things, says James Clark who is studying a Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa in Industrial Design.
“I’ve always wanted to grow up and have a job where I can look back and see what I’ve created, rather than just be surrounded by sheets of paper and spend years of sitting at a desk. I chose AUT because of how interactive the design degree is. None of the other universities I visited could compete with AUT’s design and making approach, or the facilities available to industrial design students.”
It's a decision he certainly hasn’t regretted.
“The thing I’ve enjoyed most about my studies at AUT is how rewarding it is. In industrial design, you get to design your own product and then make it, which is something other universities don’t offer. That hands-on, individual work supports my learning for my future career and helps me become a more well-rounded designer.
“My final project for my second-year strong wool project is something I’m particularly proud of. It came from identifying two problems: the lack of use of strong wool in New Zealand and the environmental waste created by foam safety earplugs. I designed 100% home-compostable earplugs using bioplastics and wool. With a lot of help and advice from my lecturers, Dan Collings and Dr Jyoti Kalyanji, I was able to create a strong outcome that I intend to continue developing after my studies at AUT.”
Collaborative and supportive
He wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT to other students, James says.
“I’d greatly recommend studying at AUT because of how experience-based the coursework is and how well it sets you up for real-life work. Every lab technician and lecturer I’ve come across during my degree has had a wealth of knowledge that has greatly impacted my learning and projects. Especially Matthew Davis and Joan Merced from the 3D lab have helped me with my endless CAD and printing questions, and are always happy to help. The layout of the class and coursework also makes it easy for me to talk to my classmates and create a collaborative space where we all help each other.”
He is also grateful for the support of a FUJIFILM Business Innovation Scholarship to help him achieve his dream of a design career.
“I applied for this scholarship because my lecturer encouraged me to, and I’m really glad I did. The scholarship will greatly support my studies at AUT as it gives me more freedom with my time. I’ll be able to spend less time working and more time on my projects, which will enable me to create stronger outcomes.”
Advice for other students
Now in the final year of his studies, James has some great advice for other students.
“Some advice I’d give other students is to build your network as much as you can during your studies. This includes lecturers, peers, technicians and even outside connections like real-world companies. They can have a big impact on your work and overall experience, and help you become better at what you do.”
His other piece of advice is simple: apply for scholarships.
“I’d encourage everyone to look at the scholarships page and apply. There are so many opportunities available, and there’s no harm in putting yourself forward.”
