Bonfire partners with Edith Cowan University to bring industry experience to campus
In a Gruen-style pitch process, 44 Edith Cowan University master’s students presented their creative and strategic thinking to digital performance agency, Bonfire.
ECU called on Bonfire to give their Master of Marketing and Innovation Management students the kind of industry experience you can’t get from a textbook.
The students – currently carving out their pathways into the industry – pitched marketing and promotional plans to a panel of Bonfire’s senior leaders.
Michelle Delina took out the top spot, with Justin Macatangay and Priscilla Ah-Shung close runners up. All three students walked away with a cash prize and face-to-face time with Bonfire’s senior leaders.
“Conceptualising the whole campaign was a huge challenge,” said Delina. “We had to analyse the organisation, competition, and stakeholders. And don’t get me started on the timelines and financial aspect of the plan!”
The learnings didn’t stop after the pitch. For Delina and the other winners, their time at Bonfire delivered passionate conversations and advice that they will take with them into their careers.
Delina said: “It was an honour to meet the faces behind the brilliant company and spend some valuable time with industry leaders that I can hopefully work alongside someday.”
“Bonfire’s Marketing Manager, Hayley Boneham, noted the importance of real-world experience to prepare graduates for life after study. “This is the kind of initiative that has the power to translate lectures into industry pathways,” says Boneham. “And, with a cohort of dynamic thinkers – like those who pitched to us – we’ll be lucky to have them.”
Dr Martin MacCarthy, senior lecturer at ECU said the project gives up and coming professionals a step into the industry. “Our partnership with Bonfire enabled students to work on a real project and learn about the digital world from the experts.”
Pictured above L-R: Michelle Delina, Justin Macatangay, Priscilla Ah-Shung, and Hayley Boneham.
