Alumni

Patrycja Göncziné

Name

Patrycja Göncziné

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

Recommendations.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

Challenging but also fulfilling and rewarding.

What impressed you most about our academic staff?

Dedication and a variety of skills.

How connected was your course with industry?

There were plenty of guest speakers from the industry which would visit and present in person and online.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/give your career an edge?

Studying at Northumbria helped to nurture my creativity and passion for design by giving me the confidence to pursue my dreams and turn those dreams into a reality.

What was the best thing about your course?

It opened my eyes to other possibilities. Before I decided to study at Northumbria University, I was adamant that I wanted to pursue residential design and nothing more. As there was no course available in the area with such a focus, I decided to study commercial interior design at Northumbria. In the past 3 years, I have gained a deeper understanding of commercial interior design, its principles, and its importance. This has resulted in my new passion and widening horizons.

What aspects of your degree course best prepared you for the transition from a student to a professional designer?

Presenting work in front of the tutors. Potential employers know that graduates still have a lot to learn, but presence and communication are key. Designers must be able to stay calm under pressure and present or discuss topics with their employer, client, supplier, etc. They also have to be able to show their personalities while doing so.

If you had to give a first year student one piece of advice what would it be?

Please don't underestimate the importance of first year. The knowledge and abilities you acquire throughout your first year serve as a foundation for the next two years. Without these basic skills, it is challenging to succeed in the future.