Clara Schroeder

“I have always had a passion for great design for as long as I can remember. Although it was a hobby of mine, I never really thought it was a viable career to pursue and had no idea of all the different pathways it could lead me down.

“A year after starting at the University, I decided to change degrees and apply for the Design programme. I am so glad I did, and I haven’t looked back. I have since gotten into my creative groove and am excited about where the future will take me!”

“I love that design is everywhere. At any moment, any place and anytime, we are connected to something that someone designed for a purpose.”

“Design is a collective process that is constantly evolving with an endless number of collaborators, be they human or more than human. I look up to nature as the ultimate designer. She is a constant source of inspiration for my work and reminds me of what is most important.”

“My conjoint degree combines disciplines that are vital to fostering a better future. An essential role of the designer is to interweave diverse disciplines to create flexible solutions. Majoring in psychology allows me to predict and respond to future human needs as populations become increasingly urbanised and disconnected from the natural environment.

“Additionally, my electives in environmental science, sustainability, and social geography provide me with insights into eco-conscious design and fostering a sustainable future. I enjoy that my studies allow me to design for a future I wish to live in.”

“I had the amazing opportunity to do a Human Design Internship at PwC. It was inspiring to be surrounded by friendly, ambitious, and like-minded people. A highlight of the experience was coming first place in the summer internship competition and presenting my project to the PwC New Zealand leadership team."

“I have since been offered a graduate position with PwC’s Human-Centred Design team. I’m looking forward to honing my user experience design skills in the role. My long-term aspirations as a designer are to work in environmental governance and corporate citizenship sectors to nurture my vision of sustainability.”

“Reimagine the possible. Design is a field with no limits, so set yourself a goal, then dream bigger.”