Crossing the Stage, Shaping Her Path: Zaireena Graduates
- AICREATIVV
- Sep 3
- 3 min read
On the morning of 23rd August 2025, our former creative design intern Zaireena Osman walked into Kolej International Graduate Studies in her black robe with golden songket details, baju kurung beneath, and mortar board perfectly in place. By the end of the day, her tassel had shifted from right to left — the symbolic close of one chapter and the beginning of another, as she officially received her Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Professional Design (Visual Communication) from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.
For Zaireena Osman (or just Zai, as we know her), the day wasn’t simply about a certificate. It was a moment of pride and relief after years of pushing through, especially during times when she felt like giving up. “I’m proud of myself for not dropping out,” she shared. “Despite the setbacks, I kept going — and finally graduating means everything.”
A Celebration of Support
When asked about the most memorable part of her graduation day, Zaireena Osman didn’t hesitate. “Seeing all the people who came to congratulate me — my family, my friends, and even those I met during my internship. To see them all in one place made me happy. It was like a visual reminder of how much support I’ve had throughout this journey.”
Her gratitude extended to her lecturers, especially those who guided her through the daunting transition from a social sciences background into the creative field. “I barely knew the basics compared to my peers who had prior diplomas in design. But my lecturers took the time to teach me everything from scratch. That made the transition smoother, and I’ll always be thankful for that.”
AICREATIVV and the Transition to Creative Work
Her time at AICREATIVV played a key role in bridging her studies and the working world. Interning under the creative team gave her the chance to apply classroom lessons to real projects, from branding exercises to blogs and client work. “It was a good transition between doing personal assignments and professional work,” Zaireena Osman explained. “I got to refresh and relearn what I studied, especially typography and the basics of graphic design.”
She still recalls the mock branding project she created — “Nyaakohi,” a concept for a cat café — as one of her proudest portfolio pieces.
Aside from the creativity she portrays on a digital screen, she recalls the fond memories of the occasional ‘dress up days’ at the office where the team would show up in themed outfits; which became a reminder for her that even in a professional setting, it’s important to keep things fun.
Freelancing, Flexibility, and the Future
After graduation, Zaireena Osman embraced freelancing, crediting AICREATIVV for preparing her to handle clients and navigate the professional world. “I realised I enjoyed working one-on-one with clients, helping bring their vision to life and seeing businesses flourish through branding or marketing,” she said.
Freelancing offered her the flexibility she valued most. “Working at my own pace, from the comfort of home; that’s what I enjoy. But what AICREATIVV prepared me for was interacting with people professionally. I learned the difference between corporate and casual language just by sitting in meetings.”
Advice and Gratitude
If she could speak to her younger self at the start of her studies, Zaireena Osman would say: “Don’t stress out too much. Your perfectionism is your biggest downfall. You will always have people to guide you.”
Today, she’s exploring two paths: pursuing her career in the creative field, perhaps in marketing, or continuing her studies toward teaching, inspired by her mentors during her internship. “The thought of sharing my creative knowledge and seeing how others apply it excites me,” she admitted.
Her final message to the AICREATIVV team was filled with gratitude: “Thank you for helping me believe in myself and guiding me through this big transition in life. Words aren’t enough, but I’ll continue to prove myself and show what I’ve learned from my time with you guys.”
Closing the Chapter, Opening the Next
Zaireena Osman’s journey is one of courage and growth — from stepping into design with a social sciences background to completing her degree with resilience. Her graduation stands as both a personal milestone and a testament to the support system that carried her along the way: family, lecturers, friends, and the AICREATIVV team who witnessed her evolution first-hand.
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