Adelle

Name: Adelle Cramer
Job title: Retail Coordinator
State: VIC

That old saying ‘third time’s a charm’, certainly rings true.

2024 was my third year applying to AWARD School (also applied in 2020 and 2021 and didn’t make the cut), but I applied this year simply to reignite the creative side of my brain.

Having studied advertising back at Uni a number of years ago, AWARD School was on my radar but I knew being accepted would be a whole different ball game. The intense, ‘pressure cooker’ environment suited me well and of course, tackling ten ad briefs in twelve weeks is an excellent agility test.

It wouldn’t be AWARD School without the people. From my fellow Team Pink pals to my two incredible tutor duos and of course the diverse range of AWARD School cohort-mates and industry professionals I was able to meet and interact with over the twelve weeks. There’s genuinely something quite special about this program’s tutors. Both duos always provided clear feedback and springboards to bounce ideas off, as well as always being up for quick questions at any time (even over weekends). ‘Open, honest but fair’ was the overarching policy around all of our feedback sessions and this never wavered once.

While it was a great feeling having that good idea, it was also quite fascinating watching everyone pick apart an idea. Sure, it made me feel quite inadequate for pitching something a bit meh, but to see where it could be pushed with a little extra brain power (power in numbers, genuinely) was easily one of the most memorable aspects of the program.

Though there were ups and downs aplenty, AWARD School has only solidified that advertising and communications is where I still want to be. After graduating, I started applying for junior roles again (something I haven’t done since completing Uni almost five years ago). Additionally, I’ve found myself being more courageous, confident and creative in my day-to-day decisions both in and out of work. And that’s only a good thing in my books.

Even if you’re on the fence about applying for AWARD School, all I can say is give it a shot and see what happens- you will definitely surprise yourself.