Gabriel (Gabe) Mathieson landed his dream first job as a Creative Strategist at Wellington and Amsterdam based digital agency 'Resn' after completing an Otago Diploma for Graduates focused on strategic and creative advertising.
Prior to his DipGrad, Gabe had completed an Otago Economics degree with a minor in Music Industry. He says he was inspired to do the additional course after a visit to Otago's careers advisors.
As useful and enjoyable as my Otago Economics undergrad degree was, it wasn't my passion to be an economist. I wanted to bolster my career options, but more importantly, find something I was truly inspired by.
“As useful and enjoyable as my Otago Economics undergrad degree was, it wasn't my passion to be an economist. I wanted to bolster my career options, but more importantly, find something I was truly inspired by. The careers advisor recommended the DipGrad in Advertising, saying it was a great course, and more valuable than adding another major.”
Gabriel thought the course sounded like a perfect balance between practical work, interesting discussion and theory, fitting with his fascination for people and the way we live. The coordinator Dr Roel Wijland came highly recommended, too.
“Roel inspired me a lot. His hunger to stay up with the latest and best in the global fields of creativity and insight-based thinking meant the course was never stagnant and was always fresh.
Gabe's course included practical elements such as creative communications, modern and classic advertising campaigning, strategic planning and peer critique. Entry into industry competitions gave the course content an added edge.
“We entered a number of competitions, most notably the NZDM Student Marketer of The Year which our team of three ended up winning. It opened up a huge amount of opportunities, including being able to approach Resn.”