OMD New Zealand invests in future talent with ten new grads; part of its Graduate Media Programme

OMD has welcomed ten new recruits this week to both its Auckland and Wellington offices as part of its pioneering Graduate Media Programme.

The scheme was developed to address the nationwide skills shortage agencies face when recruiting for media planning and buying roles. OMD partners with universities across New Zealand and the initiative complements the existing CAANZ programme by encouraging degree graduates to consider advertising as a career.

In 2015, OMD’s Graduate Programme was significantly restructured to incorporate emerging global developments in HR. These include the introduction of casual assessment centres and psychometric testing.

Getting through the selection process is not easy. This year, 360 qualifying applicants competed for ten opportunities. In line with OMD’s emphasis on employing for culture first, recruits are drawn from diverse backgrounds and degrees.

Says Kath Watson, CEO, OMD: “We’re looking for people with smarts, passion and impressive powers of persuasion and influence.

“We want people who have skills in planning, organisation and initiative; people who are dynamic, motivated and who go the extra mile as a matter of course. The 2017 intake are an impressive bunch who I hope will contribute greatly to our industry in years to come.”

Graduates benefit from the programme through OMD’s in-house media school, and the opportunity to progress through their careers faster.

Says Zac Stephenson, general manager, OMD Auckland: “We are delighted in how our graduate programme has developed over the years. Our programme is now the most comprehensive in New Zealand and we are thrilled with the quality of our recruits.

“It helps us build efficiencies across the business by ensuring our people have the best training. We welcome the 2017 graduates and hope that they meet the high standards set by our 2015 and 2016 intakes.”