GABISILE MABASO
Meet Gabisile, she’s a 23-year-old graduate from the University of Johannesburg with a degree in Strategic Communications: Corporate Communications. She’s an honest, fun-loving and witty Grad from Soweto, who easily adapts to any environment.
Q: What’s a common misconception people have about you?
A: That I am mean and a bit sassy.
Q: What’s the one thing most people don’t know about you?
A: I’m very shy and suffer from anxiety; so much so I bite my own skin sometimes. *Facepalm*
Q: Why did you choose advertising?
A: With my maths and physics skills, I couldn’t be a doctor; so I thought, why not choose something I would actually enjoy. I’ve always been fascinated by the world of advertising.
Q: Why did you apply for this grad program instead of any other?
A: What would be better than starting your career at South Africa’s number one agency? It’s also great that Ogilvy works together with brands that I consider myself an advocate for. For example: DStv, KFC and my favourite, FNB.
Q: Go back to your first week at Ogilvy, how did you feel?
A: Let’s just say, if I could bite any deeper into my skin, then you would see my teeth from under my lip line.
Q: What has been the biggest surprise about working at Ogilvy
A: I didn’t know I could down so many tequila shots in one go. Also, Ogilvy is such a free environment, where one can fully express themselves without fear.
Q: What is the best and worst thing about agency life?
The Worst:
The work load and working hours can be quite taxing.
The Best:
As an O25 graduate, the best part is the immersion into the different departments and seeing what goes on in them.
Q: What have you been up to in Digital Strategy?
A: I was initially placed in Digital Strategy, which went well, but then I was introduced to Data Analytics – which I love. I’m hoping to stay there when everyone else rotates to other departments.
Q: What has been your biggest accomplishment at Ogilvy so far?
A: Firstly, being given my own reports to see through for FNB on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis on the Data Analytics side. I thought I would only be contacting and talking to clients directly when I had finished the Grad program.
Q: What are you hoping to achieve at Ogilvy?
A: For now, just getting my name out there, so I can come back next year as a permanent employee, and have more Job Numbers to work with.
Q: What is the most embarrassing that has happened to you?
A: I fell quite badly at bar night trying to run after some guy who wanted to throw my bunny ears on the roof. He won.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met?
A: Her Name is Naledi. She works for DStv on the Client Service side. There’s never a dull moment with her.
Q: If you could be anyone at Ogilvy for a day, who would you be?
A: Abey, on his most chilled day. I just wanna sit in his chair without the drama.
Q: Do you have an office crush?
A: I do, his name is Anything Expensive, as in “nice shirt, is it made of boyfriend material?” You get it, right?
Q: How has Ogilvy affected your relationship with caffeine?
A: It made it stronger, we’re practically inseparable.