Students in Focus
GRADS 2024: Jannis Heinzmann
This September, Jannis Heinzmann has graduated with a Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design).
Throughout his studies, Jannis was able to make a lasting impact on the student experience across the University of Canberra through his extracurricular roles.
“I’ve always thought that university can be so much more than a degree – it’s also an opportunity to gain new experiences that can help you grow as a person. That's why I chose to take on a lot of extracurriculars,” Jannis says.
Notably, he served on the Student Representative Council(SRC) as Vice-President, Media Officer and Faculty of Arts and Design (FAD) Student Representative, where he advocated for the needs of his peers at some of the highest levels of university decision-making.
As Vice-President, Jannis led 15 representatives, encompassing all areas of study at UC, from undergraduate to post-graduate, Health and Education to Science and Technology. It was his role to ensure that UC makes every effort within its policies and procedures to address student concerns raised by the representatives.
As the FAD student rep, he sat on the Faculty board to ensure that their direction was aligned with the interests of students.
“That meant going through Student Experience Surveys and the Interface Student Experience Questionnaire (SES & ISEQ) results, looking at what students were saying, and making sure that the course conveners were addressing those concerns,” Jannis says.
I was probably the first Faculty of Arts and Design student to ever get passionate about policy and procedure!
He also held roles as a Student Mentor, Student Services Officer and Student Ambassador, where he supported other students in finding their way through university.
While he’s now racked up an impressive resume of achievements during his time at UC – including taking home two awards for his major works at the annual Faculty of Arts and Design graduate exhibition, FADx – his future in higher education wasn’t always a sure thing.
In primary school, Jannis was diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects the ability to read and write.
“Throughout my schooling, teachers often doubted if I would finish Year 12. I was never seen as the brightest student,” Jannis reflects.
It was at college that Jannis discovered a talent for design. So, when it came to choosing his path after Year 12, his design teacher recommended enrolling in a course at the University of Canberra.
“My teacher in college was a really big inspiration to me. He recommended the design course at UC because he had done it as well,” Jannis says. “The culture at UC really spoke to me. It felt like an inclusive environment.”
Jannis received an early acceptance offer via the Schools Recommendation Scheme. When he started the degree, Jannis connected with InclusionUC, who helped him develop a Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP), to provide the support he would need to manage his studies. This included adjustments such as extra time during exams and assignments.
Jannis found the lecturers, tutors, and student support systems at UC were always in his corner throughout his journey.
“I heard another person say that at UC, you're not just a number, which I couldn't agree with more,” Jannis says.
My lecturers and tutors were always willing to sit down and talk through whatever I was struggling with.
Although Jannis has now officially graduated, this doesn’t mark the end of his journey with UC.
A highlight of Jannis’ university experience has been the connections he’s forged with his peers. It makes sense, then, that on the horizon, he hopes to find a role where he can continue to guide, encourage and support other students in their university journey.
“I would love a job where I help students, because I really enjoyed that aspect of being a Student Ambassador,” Jannis says.
While Jannis is exploring various career opportunities, he is also looking into further study, where he can investigate creative risk-taking and unconventional solutions in design.
“I’m also considering an honours year – I would love to research creative risks, and the barriers that prevent people from taking creative risks in industry,” he says.
Jannis’ story is a powerful reminder that university is not just about earning a degree, but also about personal growth, building connections, and the betterment of community.
He hopes his story shows that success isn’t defined by how well you perform at school, but by embodying characteristics of innovation, leadership, perseverance and a willingness to learn.
“I think that was kind of a driving factor for me to get into university – to show that kids who struggle in school can go to university and finish a degree,” Jannis says.
“UC gave me an experience that I don’t think any other university would have given me.
“They saw my potential and gave me an opportunity to try.”
Words by Kelly White, photos by Liam Budge.
This September, we celebrate the graduating class of 2024.
Many have overcome challenges with grace and resilience, and all have grown in remarkable ways. We congratulate them on achieving this milestone.
We celebrate those who are already making an impact in their chosen fields, those who have changed careers, and others who have embarked on their postgraduate study path – we look forward to seeing what you achieve as alumni of the University of Canberra.