Meet our 2025 Clemenger BBDO Scholarship Recipient

Daniel Ware was awarded the prestigious 2025 Clemenger BBDO Scholarship to pursue a Master of Marketing.

Daniel Ware originally doubted he had a chance at receiving the Clemenger BBDO Scholarship but decided to apply anyway.

“It's a bit cheesy and corny but I often try to live my life asking the question ‘why not me?’” Daniel said.

With five years of professional experience under his belt, Daniel was working as Head of Marketing at Oakleigh Grammar and looking to expand his abilities to deliver more value in the role.

That led him to the Master of Marketing where he discovered the Clemenger BBDO Scholarship.

The Scholarship provides partial tuition to Master of Marketing applicants or MBA students with academic merit and a strong marketing background.

“I am not the type of person who is ever quite fully satisfied with my level of performance and ability, so it was a natural decision for me to undertake a Master's degree,” Daniel said.

Following in the footsteps of giants

Daniel was at work when he found out he had been awarded the 2025 Clemenger BBDO Scholarship.

“When I heard the good news at first, I was speechless and surprised, then a surge of pride and satisfaction came, followed by relief,” he said.

When it comes to advertising and media agencies, Daniel said Clemenger BBDO was one of the first names that came to mind.

“They've been influential in the industry for a long time, so to be receiving such a significant scholarship that bears their name means a lot.”

“It also carries with it quite a weight, I feel that I have even more to prove now that I was worthy of being chosen for the scholarship.”

A humbling experience

Daniel has already completed two terms of his degree while balancing studies around full-time work commitments.

He said so far it had been humbling to realise how much he still had to learn.

“Every single professor and instructor I've encountered has been incredible, especially in their ability to balance the incredible depth of their expertise with being able to teach it in an approachable way for people with different backgrounds.”

As well as course content that he found challenging and relevant, Daniel said he was enjoying meeting and studying with his classmates from a wide range of different industries.

“The diversity of work backgrounds at MBS makes it a truly special place. I can’t imagine having chosen anywhere else to study my Master’s.”

He said he hoped the degree would help him to more effectively lead marketing strategy and influence the future direction of the business.

Words of advice for future applicants

To anyone considering applying for the course or the scholarship, Daniel’s advice is to take the leap.

“If you're on the fence about applying for the course and the scholarship, or don't feel confident about your chances, just go for it,” he said.

“You have nothing to lose by throwing your hat in the ring and even if you are unsuccessful, view it as another chance to sharpen your skills. It may give you the edge in a future interview or work situation.”

Daniel said he tried to live his life by asking "why not me?" to bolster his self-belief and confidence.

“No one else is going to open doors for you in your life or your career, and even if someone leaves a door ajar for you, it's still up to you to take the initiative and push your way through.”

His practical advice for applicants was to be considered and intentional with how you present your CV.

“Marketing is ultimately about storytelling and what better way to show that you're worthy of a place in the course or the scholarship than using your CV to tell the story about yourself you want MBS to know.”

Applications are now open for the 2026 Clemenger BBDO Scholarship. Find out more about our full range of scholarships here.