Learnership pays off

For the past three years, SMG (Starcom MediaVest Group) has partnered with AMASA in laying down the fundamentals of the media education process that ultimately culminates in the full time employment of selected students. According to Gordon Patterson, Group MD of SMG, the fact that agencies select an individual alongside AMASA, results in a greater development and ensures that the student not only has the ability and skills sought, but the right chemistry. The importance of chemistry is often undervalued.

In 2009, Prince Ndlovo joined the ALP programme with SMG, after studying marketing at the University of Johannesburg. "The opportunity was extended to me to enrol at the AAA School of Advertising for a media studies course, which helped me develop my skills from an analyst to a junior strategist. I then joined the Starcom MediaVest Group," says Ndlovo.

"Life changing opportunity"

"Through this opportunity I've gained experience as a junior strategist and worked on some of the biggest brands in the country, such as Avon, Nestlé, Renault and BlackBerry. Joining this global company also provided me with the opportunity to network with some of the best strategists and leaders in the world, who are constantly encouraging and challenging me to 'think outside the box', to produce more, and become a great strategist. Without AMASA, this life changing opportunity would never have been possible."

He has the following advice to future students of the ALP programme, "Grab the opportunity with both hands. It provides you with the opportunity to enter into an industry that is dynamic and always challenging the way you view media, products and advertising. You will have fun, sleepless nights and days where you will want to cry or quit, but at the end of the day, seeing your first campaign on TV, billboards or hearing it on radio brings joy and the satisfaction that 'I made that happen'."

Applications for 2012 open in October.