Since graduating from CIS in 2022, former students Jonas Smith and Caspian Mesbahi have taken very different routes, showing just how many directions life after CIS can lead.

Jonas moved to Savannah, Georgia, to study graphic design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. He describes how his passion for the arts was shaped during CIS art classes, where he was challenged to explore new techniques and ways of thinking. What began as a nervous step into university became an exciting journey filled with international internships in Denmark, Switzerland, and London, as well as collaborative projects with companies such as Deloitte, La Mer, and EA. Looking back, he credits the IB programme with building the discipline and work ethic that carried him forward, and encourages current students to slow down and enjoy the moment.

FUN FACT:

Caspian and Jonas actually go way back. The two attended preschool together at Sunrise in Hellerup before going their separate ways. Years later, they unexpectedly reunited at CIS, where they eventually graduated together. A small world, and a fun full-circle moment.

At the same time, Caspian’s path took a very different direction. After graduation, he explored several options before joining the Civil Defence and training in firefighting and rescue. Today, he works at Novo Nordisk as a Coordinating Leader for Falck and serves as a Crew Commander at local fire stations. He also founded Valcorv, a software company developing systems for emergency services, built directly from his hands-on experience in the field. Alongside this work, he has studied engineering at DTU. He reflects that leadership, responsibility, and variety have shaped his path, and encourages students to try something challenging to discover what fits.

Together, their stories highlight a shared message: there is no single path after CIS. Whether through creativity, engineering, leadership, or entrepreneurship, graduates go on to shape their own directions in very different ways.