Hey there, I'm Jacob! |
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Dream jobFreelance Designer or Studio Manager |
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What might surprise you to knowI worked as a Model in Tokyo |
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You’ll usually find meBouldering, taking photos (I love photography) or hanging out with friends |
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First day at UTS CollegeI probably looked confident, but really, I was just trying to find my place. |
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One thing “Year 12 Me” wouldn’t believeStudying in the creative fields and being so passionate about it as I thought I was destined to be a physio. |
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My path
Year 12
(Saint Gregory’s College)
Gap year abroad
Diploma of Design &
Architecture
(UTS College)
Bachelor of Product
Design
(UTS)
Moments that made me


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Setting up studio for an interview projectMy UTS College story
My turning point
My first day at UTS College. Feeling nervous at the start, then quickly realising I was exactly where I needed to be. I felt comfortable and ready to focus. I found the motivation I was missing in high school.
How I got here
I didn’t get the ATAR I needed for UTS, so I went to another university instead. I dropped out during COVID, lived and worked in Japan and it was there that I discovered my passion for design.
When I found UTS College and the direct path into UTS design, I went all in.
The year that changed everything for me
I got opportunities at UTS College I genuinely don't think I would have found elsewhere. Looking back, this wasn't just the year I prepared for university. It was the year I became a leader, a trailblazer and a much more motivated student.
How UTS College was the year that changed me
The support is real
I was surprised by how much support was available from both staff and students. No matter what challenge came up, I always knew where to go for help.
3 things I didn't expect
My ATAR wasn’t what I hoped for.
Looking back, I wish I’d known in Year 12 there are other ways to get where you want to go.
I expected to be responsible for figuring things out on my own.
What surprised me most was how support was available from staff and students whenever I needed it.
Some of my best experiences came from saying yes — joining societies, running events and stepping into leadership opportunities.
First year really is what you make of it.
My ATAR wasn’t what I hoped for.
Looking back, I wish I’d known in Year 12 there are other ways to get where you want to go.
People often ask me about
Yes. Building 5 (where your first year classes are) is on the UTS campus – a short walk from the main precinct. From day one I felt part of the university community and had access to all the opportunities that come with it.
Absolutely. Classes are close-knit (like high school) and you’re studying something your classmates are also passionate about, so it’s easy to find things in common. There's also lots of group work, so you naturally get to know people.
Not getting the ATAR you expected doesn’t mean giving up on your goals. There are different ways to get where you want to go. Starting at UTS College gave me much more than another way to UTS - it gave me a great first-year experience, lifelong friendships and the confidence to back myself. It was the year that changed everything for me.




