The IUS Visual Arts and Visual Communications Design (VACD) study program recently held the first edition of VACD Alumni Talks, bringing together current students, alumni, and academic staff for an open and inspiring conversation about life after university and career paths in the creative industry.
The event created a valuable space for dialogue between former and current members of the VACD community, offering students the opportunity to hear first-hand how alumni have navigated the transition from academic life into the professional world. Through an honest and engaging discussion, the session highlighted the diverse opportunities available within the creative sector and the many directions a VACD education can lead.
The alumni guests - Rukiye Sündüz Gani, Customer Experience & Brand Communication Strategist at Turkish Airlines; Zehra Šarić, Product Designer at Fitify; Lea Leleta, Head of Communications and Events at Dedoc – Diabetes Online Community; and Amar Rahić, Graphic Designer at Viamedia - shared their personal and professional journeys after graduation. Speaking openly about their experiences, challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned, they offered students valuable insight into building careers across different areas of the creative industry.
A particularly meaningful part of the gathering was the presence of Prof. Kenan Zekić, former long-term coordinator of the VACD study program, Creative Director at Publishing House Vrijeme, and Founder of Association IND+E. His contribution to the development of the program and to generations of students continues to leave a lasting mark on the VACD community, making his participation especially significant.
The event once again demonstrated the importance of maintaining strong connections between alumni and current students, while also reinforcing the sense of community that defines the VACD program. More than just a professional exchange, the first VACD Alumni Talks offered encouragement, perspective, and inspiration to students as they begin shaping their own futures in the creative field.
The VACD study program extends its sincere thanks to all guests and students who joined the event and contributed to such a meaningful, inspiring, and enjoyable conversation.
