Armand Rautenbach
About Writer
Hi there!
My name’s Armand, and I’ve always loved telling stories. Ever since I was a kid, writing has been my thing. Whether it was scribbling poems to make sense of my feelings or writing essays when everyone else couldn’t stand it. There’s just something magical about using words to create pictures in someone’s mind, and it’s that magic that keeps me hooked.
My work experience has been pretty varied. I’ve done everything from hospitality and teaching to media, advertising, editing, and proofreading. All these different roles have helped me see things from new angles, and they’ve definitely added some unique layers to my writing.
Now, I’m ready to put all my focus into what I love most: creative writing. I want to bring stories to life, make ideas impactful, and turn messages into something people remember. Whether it’s poetry, copywriting, or creating content to tell a great story, I’m excited to explore new projects and keep growing as a writer, one word at a time.
Education
From 2018 to 2021, I pursued a BA degree in TESOL at The TESOL University in the UK. Balancing full-time teaching with my studies, I focused on enhancing my understanding of language, communication, and effective teaching methodologies. This experience not only deepened my skills as an educator but also taught me valuable time management and adaptability; crucial abilities for juggling professional and academic commitments.
While managing two full-time roles simultaneously, I took a short course on Project Management to support my career growth and strengthen my managerial skills. The course provided a solid foundation in planning, coordination, and execution, which helped me effectively oversee projects across both companies. It was a challenging period that enhanced my resilience, multitasking, and leadership abilities. That ensured that I could deliver on responsibilities under demanding conditions.
In 2018, while growing as a writer, I recognized that success in modern times meant being multidimensional. Companies increasingly sought individuals who could combine writing with visual storytelling, rather than hiring separate writers and graphic designers. To meet this demand, I took a short course on Adobe Photoshop CC to develop my graphic design skills. This experience not only allowed me to enhance my creative versatility but also to produce more impactful content, bridging the gap between words and visuals.
In 2018, I earned a TEFL Certificate from Northwest University, inspired by the idea of moving to Asia to teach English (a suggestion from my girlfriend at the time). I took this course to better prepare myself for the challenges of teaching abroad and to learn effective teaching techniques. The program gave me a solid foundation in ESL methodologies, classroom management, and cultural adaptability, all of which proved essential during my years teaching in Asia.
In 2019, just before moving abroad to teach English, I completed a Practical TEFL Certificate at Knysna English School. While I was already studying for my BA in TESOL, I wanted to gain as much hands-on experience as possible before relocating. This course focused on practical classroom skills, helping me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world teaching situations. It further strengthened my confidence and readiness for teaching English abroad.
n 2018, while working as a DJ and Club Manager at Club MVG, I completed a Music Production Course at RISE Academy. My goal was to expand my skill set by learning to produce my own music, which not only enhanced my creative capabilities but also demanded discipline and effective time management. Balancing the course with my work commitments helped me refine my ability to structure creative projects from start to finish, pushing both my musical and professional growth.
Work & Experience
Broke into the hospitality industry, starting as a copywriter for a 5-star resort, where I honed my skills in crafting engaging and effective content. I was then promoted to Marketing Communications Manager, where I took charge of the resort and resort's restaurant's communication strategies, enhancing brand presence and guest engagement. I quickly advanced to Cluster Communications Manager, overseeing all communications for the resort, beach club, restaurant, and the launch of a new hotel, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging across all properties.
Worked as an ESL teacher, where I developed strong communication and presentation skills. My experience in tailoring content to diverse audiences and creating engaging learning materials laid the foundation for my transition into hospitality, where clear communication and audience connection are key.
During my year as an ESL teacher in Central Vietnam, I honed my English language skills and developed a deep understanding of cross-cultural communication. Teaching students from diverse linguistic backgrounds enhanced my ability to tailor messages and adapt content to different audiences. This role strengthened my communication skills and taught me how to effectively engage with non-native speakers, laying a strong foundation for my career in communications and beyond.
As the Studio & Production Manager at PUKfm 93.6, I was responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of the studio and ensuring the quality of all content produced for broadcast. My role involved managing the production of jingles, advertisements, and other audio elements, as well as maintaining the technical infrastructure to ensure smooth operations. I also supervised the production of pre-recorded content, ensuring it met the station’s high standards. This experience honed my ability to manage complex technical systems, produce high-quality content, and maintain brand consistency across all audio outputs.
Initially hired as a DJ, I was promoted to the management team, where I oversaw the scheduling, coordination, and performance quality of the DJ team. My responsibilities included managing the music programming, ensuring smooth operations during events, and enhancing the overall guest experience. This role developed my leadership, event management, and team coordination skills, which have been instrumental in my career growth.
