Justė Dumčiūtė is a multifaceted talent – a singer with over 15 years of experience and a student with a deep appreciation for the interplay between fashion and performance. Currently, in her third year of the Fashion Industry bachelor’s programme at Kazimieras Simonavicus University (KSU), she says she’s thrilled to have found a course in Lithuania that allows her to balance her two great passions: singing and studying. Justė shared her insights on her connection to fashion and her experiences at university.

You’re an accomplished singer with many musical achievements. How do you balance your studies and singing?

I try to stick to strict discipline. Singing is one of my greatest loves, and it demands a lot of time and effort. I’d say the more I have on my plate, the happier I am!

What does the stage mean to you?
The stage feels like my second home. It’s a battleground where I push myself to outdo others, but also a sanctuary of peace. For me, it’s a magical space that fills me with energy, grounds me, and reminds me how beautiful life truly is. The emotions I experience on stage are irreplaceable.

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is a way to express my freedom, challenge myself, and escape the monotony of everyday life. It’s a constant pursuit of creativity and individuality.

Why did you choose to study Fashion Industry?

I’ve always been drawn to the creative world – the stage, fashion, and visual storytelling have fascinated me for as long as I can remember. The Fashion Industry programme integrates all these elements, making it the perfect fit for me.

What subjects are part of the Fashion Industry programme at KSU?

The programme is diverse and covers everything from fashion psychology, art history, and creative industries to marketing, fashion technologies, and communication. We also explore topics like luxury brand management, fashion innovation, and emerging technologies.

Do you think the fashion industry has good prospects?

Absolutely. The fashion industry is one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors, constantly adapting to challenges and offering innovative solutions. The future of fashion depends on sustainability, and we all share the responsibility to contribute to it.

What personal qualities are essential for success in the fashion industry?

In my view, responsibility, drive, confidence, and creativity are key. Responsibility ensures thorough work, drive pushes you to stand out, confidence helps you find your path, and creativity fuels innovation – an essential element in this field.KSU offers a modern approach, with courses led by professionals who provide individual attention to students. It’s a vibrant, forward-thinking university that attracts those seeking innovation and creativity. Like anywhere else, success requires hard work, but KSU offers incredible opportunities for passionate and dedicated students. It’s a fantastic place to study fashion!

What are your career plans?

My plans often evolve, but my immediate goals are tied to my studies. I’d also like to volunteer and become more involved in university life. Beyond that, I dream of travelling the world, creating music, and infusing even more creativity into everything I do.

What stands out most from your time at KSU?

In autumn 2023, I participated in the Erasmus+ exchange programme in Spain. It was a transformative experience, enriching me both academically and personally. Those six months are among the most memorable and valuable periods of my life, and I’ll treasure them for years to come.

Vilma Butrimaitė-Mikšionė is a successful entrepreneur, co-owner, and managing partner at Academia Dominorum. Her daily work involves business development tasks such as sales, marketing, customer service, and communication. Currently, Vilma is pursuing a Master’s degree in Integrated Communication at Kazimieras Simonavicius University (KSU). In this interview, she shares insights about her career and experience at KSU.

What influenced your decision to pursue a Master’s degree in Integrated Communication at KSU?

Academia Dominorum is celebrating its fifth year in business. Through this venture, I’ve grown personally, expanded my knowledge, and met many new people. My extensive leadership experience in aviation industry has allowed me to share the competencies I’ve gained, such as leadership skills, planning, process improvement, and team development. I’ve always wanted to share my expertise and knowledge, which is why I continually pursue learning. For me, lifelong learning is the “engine” that drives me forward. In today’s dynamic world, I can’t imagine myself progressing without self-improvement and new knowledge.”

Why did you choose to study Integrated Communication at KSU?

Communication is essential in life, whether viewed through an organizational or personal lens. It’s the core that connects other areas like leadership, communication, collaboration, processes, and project management. This realization led me to pursue a Master degree in Integrated Communication at KSU.
I chose KSU based on a recommendation from a colleague who had studied there. He spoke highly of the quality of education and the lecturers.

Is it possible to balance studies and business? How do you manage it?

I like the saying, ‘If you want and can’t, it means you don’t want enough.’ There’s a lot of truth to it. When you have a clear goal, set your direction, and focus on it, anything is possible. It’s just a matter of prioritization. The flexible study schedule, accommodating lecturers, and small class sizes make it easier to balance studies with my other responsibilities.

What has been your biggest discovery while studying for your Master’s?

I’ve realized that when you have practical work experience, studying becomes even more interesting and beneficial. Some lecturers have also shared that classes with students who have work experience are more engaging and valuable. It creates a reciprocal learning environment where both students and lecturers gain insights.

What are the Integrated Communication studies like at KSU?

The studies are incredibly diverse in terms of subjects. They cover a wide range of communication areas, from personal branding to legal communication regulation, as well as strategic planning and management. One key takeaway is that it’s not just about what we communicate, but also how we communicate. Communication is a dynamic, ever-evolving process that adapts to changes in the environment, audience, and technology.”
How would you describe the lecturers in the programme?
For me, the greatest value comes from the lecturers who are practitioners in their fields, and the majority of KSU’s lecturers are just that. It’s been extremely beneficial and interesting to learn not only theoretical concepts but also to hear about their personal and professional experiences.

Are you applying the knowledge you’ve gained at KSU in your work?

Absolutely, yes.

What would you say to colleagues who are unsure about starting their studies?

I would share this interview because it highlights only the best aspects of studying at KSU! But seriously, the best investment you can make is in yourself. I would encourage anyone to start studying without delay.

What three words best describe KSU?

– Modern/innovative
– Compact (small student groups)
– Flexible (flexible study schedule)

What is your life motto?

Everything starts with the ability to understand yourself. Once you understand yourself, you can better understand those around you and encourage their growth as well.