From Curiosity to a Career: How NJIT Shaped Megan Krutz's Path in Digital Design
For Digital Designer Megan Krutz, graduation from NJIT’s Hillier College of Architecture and Design isn’t just a milestone — it’s a full-circle moment that reflects years of growth, discovery and the kind of artistic transformation she never anticipated. As she looks ahead, Krutz can’t help but reflect on how much NJIT helped her grow into the designer and educator she’s today.
“When I came to NJIT, I didn’t think I wanted to do 3D animation or dark design at all,” said Krutz. “I was all about 2D animation, especially children’s television. That was my dream from middle school up until high school.”
But NJIT’s program surprised her. Though initially drawn by the idea of exploring both 2D and 3D art, it was the school's strong foundation in 3D design and animation that ultimately captured her imagination.
Within months, I landed my first internship.
“At first, 3D seemed really intimidating — like building clay models inside a computer,” she said. “But once I started learning, I realized how much I enjoyed it. I picked it up faster than I expected, and within months, I landed my first internship.”
That first opportunity was the beginning of a series of dynamic, real-world experiences. Krutz interned with companies like Neo Pangea and Foley Prep, where she helped design a VR-based employee training system and a virtual referral program. “It was so different from anything I’d done before. I collaborated with programmers, made 3D environments, created explainer videos… It was a great way to apply what I learned in class in a professional setting.”
In the summer of 2024, she even partnered with her former high school to design custom graduation cap toppers as a fundraiser for senior events. “That was something completely out of my usual scope,” she laughed, “but it felt amazing to contribute creatively while helping my sisters and their classmates.”
After graduation, Krutz joins Black Rocket, an educational organization that blends summer camp fun with STEM learning. “I’ll be teaching students animation, 3D modeling, 3D printing, game design,” she said. “I get to use what I've been studying at NJIT and teach that to these oncoming students.”
When asked what makes NJIT such a great place to study digital design, Krutz emphasized the wide array of options available post-graduation. “It’s the variety and flexibility,” she said. “The program is digital-first, which means your skills are applicable across so many industries — advertising, medical simulations, architecture, even car commercials. I had no idea that computer-generated imagery touched so many fields.”
Beyond the curriculum, Krutz credits her professors for their transformative role in her education. “Richard Thompson and Miguel Rodriguez really marked my time at NJIT,” she said. “They believed in us so much and always gave thoughtful, technical, and creative feedback. I owe so much of my confidence and growth to them.”
She also played a key role in the student organization SIGGRAPH. “It fostered creativity and collaboration among students,” she said. “And it led to amazing opportunities—like attending the SIGGRAPH Conference in Vancouver. Since being at NJIT, it's just been a complete gateway for a whole industry that I never thought I'd be a part of or find as much enjoyment in, and it's completely changed the trajectory of my life.”
As an Albert Dorman Honors College scholar, Krutz balanced rigorous coursework with service. She enhanced traditional courses for honors credit and engaged in volunteer work throughout Newark. “I was a Girl Scout for over a decade, so community service is something that I’ve been constantly doing, so it wasn’t a change of routine for me,” she said. “There's a lot of peace to be found in stepping outside of the library, stepping outside of your books and your computers and just engaging with the real world again because when you're a student, it's so easy to get so wrapped up in just your work and what's impacting you. Stepping outside and being like, how am I impacting others? How am I directly involved with others? It’s a good thing to just have it built in.”
Krutz has both short- and long-term goals in sight. “In the short term, I want to sharpen my motion graphics skills and update my portfolio,” she said. “Long term, I’d love to work on a creative team in advertising or maybe architectural visualization. I’m more open now to wherever design can take me.”
Her advice to incoming digital design students? “Be excited. Be open-minded,” she said. “Don’t limit yourself to one idea of what you think you’ll love. Be so excited about each individual project, even if it sounds like a lot. Or you think ‘I don't really want to do that, or I don't want to figure this out.’ Give it your best, honest try, because so many times I felt like that, and then I ended up really liking what I was doing.”
As the countdown to graduation winds down, Krutz’s excitement is matched only by her gratitude. “My family is thrilled. I’ve even applied for an extra ticket just so more of them can attend,” she said. “I'm very grateful. They're so excited to be a part of the ceremony, and I can't wait for it.”
