Third-Year Marketing students treated to an industry visit
Third-Year Marketing students treated to an industry visit
Mr Stuart Sims speaking on strategy branding
Lungelo Magwaza
On Thursday, 15 March, third-year Marketing students from the Vaal University of Technology’s Ekurhuleni Campus were treated to an industry visit at FCB Africa, an advertising agency based in Sandton.
FCB (Foote, Cone & Belding) Africa represents over 40 brands with the aim of telling the stories that connect people with the brands. The agency is filled with a diverse and passionate group of thinkers, creators, technologists and storytellers devoted to creating buzzworthy ideas that change consumer behaviour.
The visit was meant to expose the students to industry practices and give a glimpse of the realities of the marketing and advertising industry as they prepare themselves for the workplace. FCB Africa General Manager Mrs Mariaan van Kaam gave the welcome opening remarks and MD of FCB Joburg, Mr Thabang Skwambane, enlightened the students about who FCB Africa is and what they do. Presentations were then held by various employees from the agency revealing more on Strategy Branding, Digital Branding and Media Branding.
Naledi and Shannon, 2017 Interns, shared their experiences from the Graduate Programme offered by FCB Africa, and Talent Manager Susan Botha explained the Graduate Programme process and how it helps interns understand the FCB Group. Katie Andrews, who works for the FCB Foundation and runs the CSI projects, also explained further that FCB is not just an ad agency, but also has a passion for uplifting communities through creativity and embarking on life-changing projects.
The visit was concluded by a walkabout around the agency conducted by Papi Seopa and Bokang Taoana. The students were shown how the different departments within FCB Africa – HelloComputer, 1886, Fuel content and Weber Shandwick – work with one another.
The students thoroughly enjoyed themselves as they learned, experienced and saw first-hand what their industry is all about.