Vega Octant 2017 Octant_2017_Semester_2_finalc | Page 13

week period to find solutions to complex challenges and deliver agency-worthy results. All funds raised from the Brand Challenge goes towards the Vega Grant Fund, giving young people from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to attend Vega and enjoy life-changing opportunities. “If I had to describe Brand Challenge in a few words, I would say that it’s an interesting, tough, and stressful experience - but it’s an experience of a lifetime,” says Cassi Matthews, a third-year BA Strategic Brand Communication student at Vega. “From the learnings to the challenges, including late nights, conceptualisation, building team relationships, and learning to listen to others, Brand Challenge is an experience that has helped me grow as an individual.” “Our students have established a reputation for producing exceptional work for Brand Challenge clients, and are often rewarded with clients deciding to implement their work within wider brand communications strategies,” says Francois Barnardo, Johannesburg Campus Navigator. “In addition, Brand Challenges are a great way for talented young students to earn recognition for their work and get noticed by industry leaders, potentially leading to employment opportunities on graduation.” Projects like the Brand Challenge, along with the myriad of other career-building programmes run by Vega, equip students with the skills, insight and experience they need to succeed in fast-paced, high-stress agency environments. This offers a huge leg up when it comes to not only surviving but thriving in the real world. “The Brand Challenge gave me the opportunity to take 13