When Sandra Vaagen started at Noroff, she was unsure of her next step. What began as an uncertain choice became a journey that took her to Australia – and straight into a relevant job.
A Safe Start at Noroff
After upper secondary school, Sandra initially considered taking a gap year, but then discovered the opportunity for a two-year, practical education with the option to continue studying abroad. That became decisive for her choice. She therefore applied for Graphic Design at Noroff Vocational School.
– I had always dreamed of studying abroad, and when I realised that Noroff could be a gateway to exactly that, it really hit me. Hearing how many people actually got a job after just two years at Noroff made the decision even easier, Sandra explains.
Her time as a student gave her a solid academic foundation, especially in graphic design – a field she had no prior experience with.
– The teachers were engaged, approachable, and highly skilled. I received a solid introduction to both the creative and technical aspects, and learned how to work in a structured and professional way. The social environment was also very rewarding, with many different people and perspectives.
📷: Sandra Vaagen.
The 2+1 Pathway Opened the Door to Australia
The opportunity to build on her education through Noroff’s 2+1 pathway was an important motivation from the very beginning. Sandra didn’t just want to study abroad – she wanted to complete a full bachelor’s degree.
– What set this apart from other options was that I didn’t just get my courses approved, but actually ended up with a bachelor’s degree from Deakin University. It felt complete and gave me clear proof that I had completed an international education.
The transition to studying at Deakin University in Australia was made easier thanks to her experience from Noroff.
– I brought with me a practical toolbox within visual communication, design processes, and presentation of ideas. That made me feel well prepared when I started my bachelor year, she says.
📷: Sandra Vaagen.
A Year That Provided Both Professional and Personal Growth
Moving alone to the other side of the world felt more exciting than intimidating.
– I knew early on that if I was going to study abroad, I wanted to go far. I lived with three Australians, which made the transition much easier. The experience made me more independent and confident in new situations.
Student life at Deakin was in many ways similar to what she was used to in Norway, but the setting was different. Campus life was vibrant, and the days often continued long after the lectures were over.
– Melbourne is a city with an incredible amount to see and do. I almost feel like I experienced more during that one year than I have during the rest of my life – everything from road trips and surfing to everyday life with both Norwegian and Australian friends.
📷: Sandra Vaagen.
An International Education That Led Straight to Employment
The combination of an education from Noroff and a bachelor year abroad proved to be a clear competitive advantage when Sandra later applied for jobs.
– Many employers were familiar with Noroff, especially within design and marketing, and they were very curious about my year in Australia. The entire study pathway was seen as a major plus.
Shortly after returning home, she landed a job as a graphic designer at Recharge Health – a technology-driven health company within red light therapy, with ambassadors such as Martin Ødegaard.
– When I saw the position, I immediately felt that this was absolutely right for me. Less than a week after the interview, they called to tell me I got the job. It felt incredibly big, Sandra says.
Today, she works broadly with visual communication, brand building, UX design, and content production, and gets to use the full range of skills she has developed through her studies.
– If you have the opportunity to study abroad through Noroff, do it. For me, it was absolutely crucial. That extra year gave me both professional confidence and personal growth, and I felt completely ready for working life when I finished.
📷: Sandra Vaagen.
Study options at Noroff
Two-year programme
Graphic Design
The programme offers hands-on training that develops both creative and strategic visual communication skills. Through real-world projects, you'll gain practical experience that equips you for immediate entry into the workplace.
Online
Oslo, Kristiansand
Read more
One-year programme
Video Marketing in Social Media
Hands-on education that teaches you how to create engaging video content for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Today, there is a high demand for marketers with video production skills.
Online
Read more
One-year programme
Digital Marketing
Become a digital marketer and create measurable results through online ads, content marketing, SEO and AI tools. The programme focuses on strategic online marketing, analytics and social media.
Online
Oslo, Bergen
Read more
Two-year programme
Film Production
A hands-on programme for individuals aiming to work in the film industry, with a focus on in-depth training in professional equipment. Learn to use AI tools to streamline student productions and prepare for technological innovations.
Oslo, Bergen
Read more
