AWARD School announce the launch of the Award School Alumni, a group aimed at helping the transition from the intense 12-week course to a career in creativity. The initiative will assist recent graduates to establish and maintain connections, develop mentor relationships and to continue to foster their own creativity.
Remaining connected beyond the formal course requirements was a big impetus for the program’s national development, which is led by AWARD School graduates copywriters, Cyndall McInerney of The Monkeys and Celia Mortlock of Clemenger BBDO Sydney.
“AWARD School is an extremely intense three months. We wanted a forum to keep the creativity flowing and connections alive beyond it,” said Celia.
Cyndall continued: “We are excited those already established in the industry are willing to offer their expertise and co-design this program with us.”
Kicking things off is a speaker series in Sydney, which will bring relevant and exciting industry topics to life in new and interesting ways.
‘You Can’t Ask An ECD That’, is the first event in the series and will encourage AWARD School Alumni to ask questions ranging from the bizarre to outrageous, that perhaps they previously were too timid to ask an ECD.
Chaired by Wilf Sweetland, managing director, The Sweetshop, the event features a speaker panel of some of Australia’s leading creative minds:
- Ben Coulson, CCO, Clemenger BBDO Sydney
- Tara Ford, ECD, DDB Sydney
- Mike Spirkovski, CCO Saatchi & Saatchi Australia
- Rebecca Carrasco, former head Facebook Creative Shop ANZ
Brendan Willenberg, NSW AWARD School head, and creative director at Clemenger BBDO Sydney stated: “Keeping students engaged and connected with peers and the industry will play a big role in ensuring our past students can crack that all important first job.”
Ben Coulson, chief creative officer, Clemenger BBDO Sydney added: “The Alumni is such an important initiative. Cracking the industry is tough and even tougher for a fresh-faced grad. Being able to help out and keep creative minds interested in our industry will be in all of our best interests.”