Monique Oyagawa

Campaign & Marketing Manager, Remix Magazine
Bachelor of Communication Studies in Advertising Creativity & Bachelor of Business in Marketing

There have been many pinch-me moments since she joined Remix Magazine in 2021 as part of her AUT business workplace experience, says Monique Oyagawa who is now the publication’s campaign and marketing manager.

“My first high-profile interview was interviewing Daisy Edgar Jones via Zoom from my bedroom on a random Tuesday night, which was amazing. Another highlight for me was producing and creative directing an advertorial for adidas Originals. As a long-time admirer of the adidas Originals brand, I was so excited to spearhead this campaign which involved a talent photoshoot and writing an article, which remains the top-viewed article on the Remix website from the past five years. I also loved attending Australian Fashion Week on behalf of Remix Magazine. I had always dreamt of attending my first international fashion week. New York next, I hope!”

She enjoys the diversity her role offers.

“My role is extremely diverse, working within a small team of six within the ever-evolving media landscape. My job includes everything from account management and client services to pitching clients with creative campaign concepts, editorial writing, campaign and editorial creative direction, photoshoot production, representing the Remix brand at events locally and overseas, content creation, leading marketing and PR campaigns for the Remix brand, and more!

“I work across different brands from luxury jewellery to FMCG brands, which means no day is the same. There’s always something new and exciting that I get to work on, and that keeps it interesting. I’m also very lucky that I get to do a lot of travel within my role. Whether I’m attending Australian Fashion Week or travelling to Japan for the weekend to review a new 5-star hotel, the opportunities I’ve had are truly incredible. Another element I enjoy is the content creation aspect. I love being able to dream up a concept for an advertorial, editorial photoshoot or video shoot, and watch it come to life.”

Sparking her passion
She always knew she wanted to have a career in communications, Monique says.

“I had originally wanted to explore journalism as it had always been a dream of mine to get into fashion journalism and work for a publication. I was looking for a degree that was able to combine my creativity with more theoretical knowledge, thus prompting my decision to choose communications and business degrees. I chose AUT because they taught more up-to-date theory, had incredible facilities that provide students with practical experience, and fostered real relationships between students and lecturers due to the small workshop classes. The employability rates post-uni were also a very enticing reason to study at AUT.”

It’s a decision she certainly hasn’t regretted and there were plenty of highlights throughout her time at AUT.

“I believe the AUT journey in itself was what sparked my passion to get me where I am today. I changed my mind about my future career many times throughout my uni experience, however, my advertising creativity lecturers – Matt Halliday, Daniel Fastnedge, Jo Page and Patrick Usmar – were a huge inspiration to me. Not only did they encourage me to dream big, but they also helped me get my foot in the door at companies like DDB and supported me as I tried my hand at the different roles within the advertising space. Also, a special shout out to my marketing lecturer Associate Professor Sommer Kapitan; her infectious energy always had me wanting to come to class.

“A highlight of my time at AUT was definitely my final year of my communications degree. I had built incredible relationships with other students, as well as my advertising lecturers. Having a dedicated space for likeminded individuals to get together and share ideas, hang out and ask questions made me feel part of one big family. I also loved that as part of my marketing major, we had a group project where we pitched a strategy for the reputation management of the Pullman Auckland in the post-COVID hotel era. My group won the award for the Best Reputation Pitch during this competition.”

Advice for other students
Monique’s advice for other students is simple: make the most of the AUT experience.

“There’s no need to stress if you don’t know exactly what you want to do in your first year. That’s what the lecturers are there for, to support and encourage you as you navigate your path.”

Build relationships with the people you meet at uni, she adds.

“Make the most of connecting with other students and lecturers – you never know who will call you up years later with an opportunity!”