I have fond memories of Ernie Ciaschetti in my Digital Design class back in 2014. He was a talented student and for a time there I thought he’d make a good Art Director but his love of writing won him over and I spoke with him recently about his new role as Copywriter for Saatchi & Saatchi.

Can you describe your new role at Saatchi & Saatchi?
I am a copywriter, so my day to day is either ideating or writing copy for a range of different clients.

What have been some of your career highlights since graduating from Macleay?
Some highlights include hearing a script I’d written on the radio for the first time, winning a pitch with my partner and getting a job at Saatchi and Saatchi.

What are your future career goals?
Win some awards and get a job in New York. We can all dream right?

Why did you decide to study at Macleay and how has it helped you get to where you are now?
To cut a long story short, I was working in construction with my mate Luke, he was studying his Diploma of Advertising at Macleay. He was about one semester in and was really enjoying it. I was over working in construction and Luke recommended I join him at Macleay. So I did. What attracted me to Macleay was the opportunity to learn about all different aspects of the industry from people who have been there and done it. It was their industry insights that not only helped me decide what position best suited me (copywriting), but also prepared me for the crazy world that is advertising.

What are some of your best memories of your time at Macleay?
We went on an excursion to a printing factory- seeing all that machinery in action was something I’ll never forget. Also, working on a TVC for the National Indigenous Culinary Institute, being involved from the initial concept to the final TVC was really rewarding.

Jason Gemenis is a Digital Ninja and teaches Digital Design and Advanced Digital Design for Macleay College’s Diploma of Advertising and Bachelor of Advertising and Media.