CHANGING the world, one word at a time

IT’S TIME TO RETHINK, CONNECT, BE CREATIVE, SHIFT PERSPECTIVES, CHANGE BEHAVIOUR AND SOLVE PROBLEMS FOR A BETTER TOMORROW.

The world is evolving every day. It is no longer about survival of the fittest but survival of the most agile. We are in the process of a major shift that is challenging us to rethink our old ways and envision a future that is better than we had ever imagined.

We are all inherently creative beings who are designed to make, fix, originate and create. While innovation makes what we do timeless, compassion and empathy make what we do desirable.

Empathy. What the world needs more of. What good copywriters have in order to communicate in a way that resonates with others. It is in this deep understanding of ourselves and the world around us that connections are made. English writer E.M. Forster says it best: Only Connect! When we connect words with emotion, we see true human love. We learn to walk in someone else’s shoes and truly walk. Sometimes even run.

At its core, copywriting is about creativity, analytical thinking, empathy and effective communication. These hallmark attributes are a few of the vital skills needed for the future of work. But it is more than just the words. Good copy sells ideas. Great copy changes perspectives and behaviour.

The first step to becoming a good copywriter is practising empathy. If you can do that, you are halfway there to changing the way the world thinks. A skill that holds great power and value, not only for prospective employers but for generations to come. Your creativity, with a little bit of empathy, can solve any problem you are faced with. And there you have it, a career (that can pay good money) based on two of the most important things in this world: people and passion.

So how do you know that copywriting is for you? Well, it’s not always something you inherently know. “I pretty much stumbled into copywriting by accident. Sometimes accidents are a redirection into something you are destined to do, and this was one of those instances,” says Zanele Biyela, third year IIE-Vega copywriting student.

The World Economic Forum has predicted that by 2030, over one billion people need to be reskilled. While this may not be surprising, as professions and jobs appear and disappear with time, we should aim to make ourselves indispensable. As copywriters, imagination and empathy are the superpowers that enable us to change the world.

From screenwriting, advertising and social media content creation to freelancing and being your own boss, being a copywriter means connecting with the world, one word at a time. Producing another great concept in making a significant difference. Our world needs more copywriters.

Parents need to support creative children, give them the freedom and liberty to become who they are meant to be. They have superpowers and abilities that can make a difference in our world; encourage them to do what they love to do, while knowing they can make a good buck from it. Isn’t that the ideal future aspiration?

Maybe writing isn’t just what you do, it’s who you are. And maybe, you should give yourself (or your child) the chance to be just that.

This article was cowritten by IIE-Vega third year copywriting students: Alexa Haasbroek, Sophie Ardé, Sonal Pema and Zanele Biyela. Photograph by Tiffany Crawford, an IIE-Higher Certificate in Photography alumnus and currently studying the IIE-BA in Strategic Brand Communication Degree at Vega.

IIE-Vega copywriting students: Sophie Ardé, Zanele Biyela, Alexa Haasbroek and Sonal Pema with Siobhan Gunning, copywriting lecturer.

OPEN DAY 30 JANUARY 2021

FOR MORE INFO Visit the IIE-Vega campus in La Lucia; dbn@vegaschool.com; 031 569 1415; or visit our website to learn dbn@vegaschool.com; more about the IIE-BA in Creative Brand Communication | Copywriting: www.vegaschool.com; Vega School is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education. Registration is open for 2021 intake.