Students strive for industry success

Students strive for industry success

This semester 14 RMIT Vietnam students got a head start in the marketing and advertising industry through the Ogilvy Fellowship Program.

Selected from an initial 80 applicants, the students received three months of valuable industry experience in a world-leading agency.

“Having a chance to work for one of the most famous agencies is a life changing moment," said Bui Nguyen Thieu Mai, a Bachelor of Communication (Professional Communication) student.

Mai has been working at Ogilvy & Mather since May 2016, learning new skills from industry mentors and contributing to various projects.

"This fellowship program not only gives me the opportunity to work in a professional environment but also to experience a diversity of aspects in the industry, from traditional tools to digital and even activation," Mai said.

A prime example of RMIT Vietnam's Work Integrated Learning (WIL) – the fellowship program is one of the many opportunities available to students to prepare for life after studying.

The 13 RMIT Vietnam students currently working at Ogilvy & Mather in Ho Chi Minh City. The 13 RMIT Vietnam students currently working at Ogilvy & Mather in Ho Chi Minh City.

"A key focus of WIL is industry-linked practice," said Tran Thi Ngoc Thanh, Senior Educator from the Centre of Communication and Design and current leader of internship programs for Professional Communication.

"The goal of WIL is to give students opportunities for experience and reflection. They can also explore different options," Thanh added.

The first of its kind in Vietnam, the Ogilvy fellowship is a three-month program designed for students to experience different disciplines in a leading integrated communication group, helping them gain a deeper understanding of what is required to work effectively in a modern marketing environment. 

"They have to complete three disciplines which all have evaluations. The feedback has been very positive," said Thanh.

The fellowship has posed various difficulties for the participants, such as applying past studies to reality and building relationships in a professional environment. 

The students have had to find ways to overcome these challenges, aiding their growth and strengthening their mindset.

"Even as a Professional Communication soon-to-be-graduate, having read and heard extensively about the industry, I was still taken aback by its diversity and sophistication when I joined the fellowship," said Nguyen Vu Huong Mai, another Professional Communication student involved in the program.  

"I gained decent insight into different disciplines and a clearer idea of what I liked and what I am suited for.

"It was a journey of self-discovery too, with highs and lows, but sure to be worthwhile."

Story: Daniel Eslick

  • Industry
  • Career development

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