After an eventful semester, the BCom Honours (Marketing Management) Class of 2021 had one last milestone to reach before enjoying a well-deserved winter recess. Their exam assignment was for a unique client – PPS, the only financial services company in South Africa operating under the ethos of mutuality, that provides tailor-made life- and short-term insurance, investments and healthcare solutions, exclusively for graduate professionals with at least an honours equivalent qualification or higher. Founded in 1941, PPS is proudly celebrating 80 years of serving professionals this year. What’s more, the Marketing honours students are eligible to become part of PPS, so it was a wonderful opportunity for them to learn more about what PPS has to offer.

 

The students were introduced to their exam client via Zoom on 19 May 2021. Pierre Coetzee, Graduate Marketing Specialist at PPS, began the presentation by explaining the company’s current recruitment model. Next, FP Aldrich (Segment Head: Graduate and Early Professionals) challenged the students to develop an inbound marketing strategy that appeals to working Millennials that meet the PPS eligibility criteria.

 

 

FP Aldrich (PPS) presenting the exam client brief to the honours students, via Zoom

 

The students had two weeks to conduct desk research and brainstorm their recommendations, before pitching the first draft of their strategy to the PPS panel. A “soundboard session” was held via Zoom, which gave the PPS panel the opportunity to assist the students in refining their ideas. The panel was very excited after hearing the initial strategy suggestions, and grew eager for exam day to arrive.