“Many disadvantaged black students don't know what advertising is, nor are many guidance councillors well informed of the opportunities that exist in the advertising world. As such children are not learning about this very exciting career option,” says Ludi Koekemoer, principal and managing director of AAA School of Advertising.
Another problem seems to be that many schools don't teach art and as a result there is no artistic stimulation. The consequence of which is that scholars do not consider advertising careers, regardless of how creative they may be with the correct stimulation.
“Interestingly, we are finding our marketing courses fill up quickly compared to our creative courses,” Koekemoer said. There is more emphasis on studying marketing as a career as opposed to Art Direction, Copywriting or Graphic Design. “No wonder there is a shortage of creatives in the advertising industry in South Africa,” concludes Koekemoer.
The AAA School offers three streams of education. Firstly a BA degree or diploma in the creative field; called Creative Brand Communication, which is a three-year course with career options in Art Direction or Graphic Design. Secondly, the marketing stream offers a BA qualification or diploma in Marketing Communication with specialisation in Account, Brand, or Media Management. These qualifications are three-year courses with career options that include Account Management, Brand Management and Media Management. Thirdly a two-year Copywriting Diploma is offered. Graduates in languages can do the one-year option to complete a post-graduate in Copywriting.
Anyone interested in advertising as a career, is invited to the annual Student Showcase on 26-28 November, between 09h00-17h00. Potential students should come and see what a career in advertising is all about.
