“When starting out as a creative in advertising, you need a chance to prove yourself. LaunchPad's one of those chances. And it's a great one at that.”

Guy Rooke, Associate Creative Director. (Currently employed by Clemenger BBDO Sydney)

“LaunchPad was my first real break in the ad industry. It taught me how the industry works and gave me the opportunity to work on great briefs for the real clients. The whole program was challenging, well planned and lot of fun. You can build a great portfolio throughout the program, hence you get a better chance to land in a full time position.

I strongly recommend any hungry students to take on this program. It's well worth it!

Derrick Kim, Art Director 2002 (Currently employed by 303 Sydney)

“When I started LaunchPad, I was told that it would be “a three month audition” and that was a very accurate description. I was doing an internship at a tiny Sydney agency prior to this and the difference has been phenomenal. DDB Sydney is a dynamic, creative environment and opportunity is everywhere. You have to work harder than anyone else and give it everything that you’ve got but the results are worth it. We have pitched ideas for major clients, presented, sold them in, met with directors, shot our first TV spot and more… We are launched.”

Alexander Stainton, Copywriter 2006 (Currently employed by DDB Sydney)

“LaunchPad is an opportunity to work on live briefs for the world’s biggest brands. With the guidance of this country’s brightest thinkers, you’ll gain experience that distinguishes you from the annual torrent of AWARD School grads. Your book will make the leap from ‘spec’ to reality. You might even build your first TV reel, though it’ll probably come on a DVD.
Acquaint yourself with the local Thai take away place. They do a $4 lunch that will be your main source of nutrition for at least three months. However, it is said there’s a steak in every beer. So believe me you won’t starve. Oh, and they have foosball tables. 'Nuff said.”

Jon Pickersgill, Writer 2006 (Currently employed by Clemenger BBDO, Wellington)

“LaunchPad is a taste of the real world. It's everything you'll love about the business and everything you'll hate. It's going from drawing black and white sketches to choosing directors. You'll experience how hard it is to get your ideas through which makes it even more rewarding when they do. It's the only program of its kind and the only one that establishes you as a working and dependable junior creative. Forget that the money is not good, forget that it's only for 3 months. Just grab the opportunity and run with it.

Andres Fabian, Art Director 2006 (Currently employed by Banjo, Sydney)

“Having spent the last 6 months in the trenches of one of the biggest most creative agencies in Australia, I would have to say DDB LaunchPad is a unique, inspiring experience. Where else can you have the opportunity to walk out of an internship with 10 TVC’s, a few print Ads and a couple of radio spots under your belt, not to mention the chance to work alongside some of Australia’s best creatives on some of the countries biggest accounts, from Volkswagen right through to McDonald’s. It’s all here.
LaunchPad is not easy to get in to and the money isn’t great, but with 90% of creatives finding jobs upon completion, it lives up to its name”.

Jason Woelf, Art Director 2005 (Currently employed by M&C Saatchi, Sydney)