Your career opportunities await you here

WW: As one of the lecturers, how much interest do you see from professionals in going back to school?
Olaf PilleriThe interest of professionals is great, as this is the only training course of its kind in the whole of Switzerland. In this sense, it is also unique.

For whom is such a course suitable?
For all graphic designers who want to be more than that. For example, for those who are thinking of setting up their own agency or office, or for those who aspire to an art director job. Olaf Pilleri is one of the many lecturers at the SGV master class. His main occupation is co-owner of the Bern-based advertising agency Wapico.

What can you learn?
It's not a graphic design course! Instead, you learn to think, write and do math. No, joking aside: you learn what it takes to run your own business. And you learn to think and work conceptually.

The SGV's invitation to tender says "Step on the gas again?" - Does this invitation fall on open ears?
Yes, you have to step on the gas. Because training always takes place on Fridays and Saturdays. This is not without its challenges. For the final thesis after four semesters, you definitely have to step on the gas.

Which materials and subjects are the participants most interested in?
I'll answer the question very personally: all subjects taught by lecturers who have something to say.

What does a day at school actually look like - is there more practice or theory?
More theory. But taught by people who have both feet on the ground.

What has changed most in the graphic design profession in recent years?
The profession has become much more complex. There used to be photographers, typesetters, lithographers and retouchers. Today, in the worst case scenario, graphic designers have to combine all of these professions and do the corresponding work themselves. And things are also moving fast in the media world.

How is the industry reacting to the offer?
The industry has responded positively to the offer, which I can judge from my own perspective. However, better awareness and visibility of the training would certainly be good.

What do students expect from the diploma and what does it actually achieve?
You'll have to ask the graduates! From what I hear, the training brings all sorts of benefits.

What is your experience as a lecturer?
My experiences have been consistently positive. People really want to know, and this is extremely challenging for me. I'm not a teacher who knows how it works.

What do you want to convey?
For example, I want to teach graduates how to make a good presentation or how a budget is calculated and what it looks like. And then I also think it's important to talk about personal things from your professional life, including negative experiences.

Why do you teach these courses?
Nothing comes from nothing! I think it's important that advertising agencies not only complain about the lack of young talent, but also pass on their experience and knowledge.

Interview: Andreas Panzeri