What Comes Next? Stories from HAMK Design Graduates

Studying is very exciting—it’s a time for experimenting and finding yourself. But it can also feel overwhelming at times. When it comes to thinking about the future and where graduates will end up, that’s when fear and uncertainty appear. The most “beloved” question, and a hot topic of discussion, is: What will happen after graduation? What will my future look like? 

In this article, two HAMK alumni—Maija Mero, a fashion designer now working at Acne Studios, and Laura Havanto, a glass and ceramics designer who works with minimalistic design and contrasting materials—share their journeys after graduation. 

Their stories show that there’s not one right path, and that the future can be full of surprises and unexpected opportunities.

How did your journey continue after graduating from HAMK, and how did you get to your current position? 

Maija: After graduating, I worked part-time as a design assistant for Ivana Helsinki. HAMK gave me strong technical skills, but I felt the need to deepen my understanding of fashion and design and find my designer identity.  That’s why I applied to Aalto University’s fashion department. 

During my studies there, I got an internship with the Kenzo womenswear design team in Paris and ended up joining the brand as a full-time designer afterward. A few years later, I moved to Acne Studios, where I currently work as a Senior Womenswear Designer. 

Laura: I have always been interested in both design and visual arts. That’s why I also wanted to study to be a visual artist. I thought that the degrees would complement each other as an artist. 

What were the most surprising things you faced throughout your career? 

Maija: While not exactly surprising, getting your first job in fashion is incredibly difficult — it really requires stamina and persistence. Another tough reality is that the fashion industry can still be very hierarchical, with crazy long working hours and many unpaid positions. 

Coming from Finland, where work conditions are more regulated and fair, it can be shocking. 

Laura: If you are in the right place in the right time, things can happen. 

What is the biggest learning experience you have had? 

Maija: Every work and internship experience! Six months internship taught me more than several years of school. To name one specific learning experience: learning to work spontaneously with fabric and patterns. In Finland, we mostly learned pattern-making in 2D, but during my internship, I discovered draping as a more intuitive and faster approach, without any base pattern. Creating a pattern out of nothing without any pattern lacking rules. It really changed how I understand and work with garment construction – it doesn’t have to be so difficult. 

Laura: Sometimes people make mistakes. It’s better to learn mistakes than to fall into despair. 

What do you see in the future for your career? 

Maija: I’ve always followed my intuition, and every time I move toward something that excites me, it seems to lead me in the right direction. I’m currently happy and fulfilled both creatively and aesthetically in my role at Acne Studios. But in fashion it is typical to change the brand quite quickly so who knows about the future! 

Laura: I hope and believe that I will be able to make art in the future. 

Is there any advice you would like to give to the current design students? 

Maija: To focus on what is possible and not get stuck on impossibilities. Work hard and trust your own vision. Stay humble and diligent but also be aware your limits. Be open-minded and curious about everything– not just design. Collaborate and find interesting internships. 

Laura: Trust yourself and your way of doing things. Follow your own path. Artistic work can easily take up all your time, remember to take breaks from time to time. 

To conclude, there is no clear guideline on how to succeed or which path to follow. Both Maija and Laura have emphasized the importance of not getting stuck on what seems impossible. Stay true to your own vision, work hard, and follow your own path. Be open-minded and curious—it’s key to growth. 

It’s important to remember that the road ahead can be challenging, but that’s the path we’ve chosen. And sometimes, all it takes is one pleasant coincidence to set you on the track you’ve long dreamed of.