Creative Media and Games Design students immerse themselves in advertising at London agency day

Students from Capital City College’s Creative Media, Games Design and A Level Media Studies courses spend a day at a London advertising agency as part of IPA Advertising Unlocked programme.

Capital City College (CCC) students visited London marketing agencies to learn more about the industry and discover a range of creative careers as part of IPA Advertising Unlocked 2024 on 13 November.  IPA Advertising Unlocked is a UK-wide programme which pairs schools and colleges with agencies to showcase the world of advertising to students and provide agencies with an audience of new and diverse talent.

A group of 30 Creative Media and Games Design students visited London marketing agency Elvis to learn more about the industry and discover a range of creative careers. Elvis is an integrated creative agency who has worked with a number of large international food and drink brands including Cadbury, Doritos, Orea, Walkers as well as entertainment group ODEON cinemas.

The students, who are studying Creative Media Production Level 3 Extended Diploma and Games Design and Animation Level 3 Extended Diploma courses, travelled to the agency in London. The event began with a tour of the Elvis offices, which gave students an overview of the agency’s workspace and culture. During the day, students took part in a speed-networking event across various departments which enabled them to learn more about different roles within the industry. They also participated in CV writing and interview workshops which were particularly relevant as many of the students will be finishing college at the end of the academic year. The visit also gave students the opportunity to improve their creative and collaborative skills as they were challenged to work on a live brief in groups and pitch their ideas to a team of experts.

Another group of 15 A Level Media Studies students visited the advertising agency Wavemaker, which has worked with global clients such as Tiffany & Co, Danone, L’Oreal Colgate-Palmolive and Netflix. During the visit, students learnt about how the agency carries out media planning, delivers brand messaging via social media or TV and builds brand experience for its clients. The students then had the opportunity to work on a live project during which they worked in groups to generate and pitch ideas for a Mission: Impossible film.

Joel Finletter-Mensah, an A Level Media Studies student, said: “It’s definitely inspired me to look into it more, maybe even consider getting an apprenticeship.”

Luis Alberto Ysabel Guzman, a student on the Creative Media Production Level 3 Extended Diploma course, said “Industry-related trips truly inspire me to think creatively and expand my perspective. Visiting the agency opened my eyes to the vast opportunities in the media field and helped me see how much more there is to explore. After learning about the variety of roles in advertising, I’m excited about the idea of pursuing a career in this dynamic industry.”

Nick Lawrie, A Level Business Lecturer, said: “Programmes like advertising unlocked are important because, as a teacher, we spend a lot of time in the classroom. It’s important for us to visit people in the real world or the real industry to get a better context and perspective about what we’re trying to learn in the classroom.”

Scarlett Squire, Lecturer in Creative Media and Games said: “Advertising Unlocked Day had a profound impact on our creative and media students, providing them with invaluable insights into the advertising industry. Activities like speed networking, hands-on work with example briefs, and practical sessions on CV writing and interviewing equipped students with real-world skills and inspiration for their future careers. The office tour and direct engagement with professionals made the industry feel accessible, leaving students motivated and excited to pursue opportunities in this field.”

If you’re interested in getting into advertising or other creative careers, take a look at our range of Digital Media and Creative Computing courses or our A Levels courses and apply today!

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