THE ACADEMY
Co-founder of The Academy, a week-long work experience programme working toward a more diverse and inclusive industry.
Whilst we’re busy solve client problems, it’s easy to ignore ones that exist in the industry itself. Despite recent progress, advertising has always had a diversity problem.
Alongside my former creative partner, we thought it was time to do something about it.
Partnering with local schools we founded The Academy, a week-long work experience programme at R/GA London. From uncovering insights to pitching presentations, we set out to teach each intake what it takes to be a creative. Overall our ambition was to find kids with raw talent, encourage them to learn about creativity and, hopefully, consider advertising as a future career.
Inspiring the rest of the industry in the process.
Despite running the programme alongside our busy day-to-day schedules we are immensely proud to have had a positive effect on so many young lives.
This entirely self-initiated programme was conceived, developed and run by ourselves. Our close relationships with departments across the agency meant colleagues effectively donated their time, as they became valued tutors within the programme. Additionally, with no initial budget we were later able to secure funding for student expenses.
3 LOCAL SCHOOLS
4 INTAKES
16 STUDENTS
4 WEEKS
16 RISING CREATIVES
Creative team and programme founders.
This entirely self-initiated programme was conceived, developed and run by myself alongside my former creative partner.
ROLE & Responsibilities
AGENCY
R/GA London