Levi McMillan
Social Content Creator, DDB
Bachelor of Communication Studies in Advertising and Brand Creativity with a minor in Digital Communication
He truly enjoys the dynamic nature of his work, says Levi McMillan who studied advertising and now works as a social content creator for DDB.
“I specialise in the end-to-end creation and production of dynamic social media content, working closely with a wide range of clients to craft visually compelling and strategically aligned campaign elements. From conceptualising and filming captivating videos to meticulously editing and optimising for various platforms, I ensure that every piece of content not only resonates with target audiences but also drives engagement and enhances brand visibility.
“No two days are ever the same, and the constant variety ensures that my role remains exciting and fresh. Whether it's tackling new creative challenges or adapting to evolving client needs, the ever-changing pace of my job keeps me engaged and inspired, making each week a new and rewarding experience.”
Highlights and achievements
Levi says he always wanted to be creative and work with people, and he chose to study a Bachelor of Communication Studies because it aligned with this goal. It’s a decision he certainly hasn’t regretted, and he had plenty of highlights throughout his studies.
“The practical elements of my degree, and the relationships I built with my lecturers and people I’m now working with in the advertising industry were highlights for me. Throughout my degree, I gained valuable experience working on group projects and participating in our Friday Smash classes, where we focused on effective teamwork. These experiences have been crucial in helping me thrive in the industry. They've not only taught me how to collaborate and learn from others but also how to actively contribute to projects in ways that drive progress and innovation.”
One of his favourite memories was being able to participate in the 2024 Advertising Capstone Challenge, where he and his team competed against other advertising students from New Zealand and Australia – and managed to win first place.
“The biggest achievement for me was the Advertising Capstone Challenge, where my team and I got the chance to travel to Melbourne and compete against other universities in a creative campaign challenge. We had to pitch our creative ideas and strategies to live clients, which gave us real-world experience of what it’s like in the industry. On top of that, we got to take a trip overseas! And the best part? We ended up winning the Advertising Capstone Challenge for 2024!”
Advice for other students
Levi, who graduated from AUT in 2024, has some great advice for other students.
“My advice is to always reconnect with the reason behind what you're doing. Whether it's a passion for helping others, a desire to create impactful work or simply finding joy in the process – never lose sight of your 'why.' Keeping that purpose in mind will help you stay motivated and focused, even when challenges arise.”
There is plenty of support if you need it, he adds and says he is grateful to the whole School of Communication Studies at AUT for all their support.
“I just want to give a huge thanks to all the communication studies staff for all the support they’ve given me throughout my time at AUT. They were always there when things got tough, whether it was life outside uni or struggling with the degree itself. A massive shoutout to Dan Fastnedge, Jo Page and Matt Halliday for helping me figure out the opportunities that match my passions and showing me how I can find my place in the industry doing what I love.”
