At a glance

If you’re ready to take your skills to the next level and build a career at the world’s largest creative agency? Look no further than VML's Catalyst Academy!

During this exciting twelve-month programme at one of our campuses around the world, including the UK, Germany, Portugal and other great locations, you'll have the opportunity to work with some of the biggest brands in the world, including Coca-Cola, Unilever, Nestle, HSBC, and IKEA. You'll be part of a team that creates connected brands to drive growth, delivering ground-breaking solutions across platforms from creative content to data-driven experiences.

But it's not just about work - The Catalyst Academy is also about developing new skills, building camaraderie and having fun with fellow Catalysts. Plus, we'll help you craft a personal branding framework, so you’ll be primed for a purpose-driven career within VML and beyond.

So, if you're a tech-savvy data whiz or a creative idea generator looking to build a dynamic career in marketing, apply now to join The Catalyst Academy at VML. We can't wait to see what you can do!

The programme starts in September 2024, with applications open between 1st April – 26th April. 

The Catalyst Academy is like exploring a cave of hidden gems

Kazuhide Yamauchi

A video containing multiple user-generated content from our 2024 Catalysts, they share pictures and videos of them working, learning and collaborating as part of the Catalyst Academy. The video features Catalysts across all our participating offices

What's in it for you?

Be part of an exceptional industry-leading entry level programme that combines training modules with practical work experience.

  • Competitive salary
  • Real work and responsibilities
  • In-depth training curriculum
  • 2 week onboarding including training, eLearning and group projects
  • Bespoke client briefs throughout the 18 months
  • Industry qualifications like the IPA Global Certification
  • Access to the wider WPP network
  • Multitude of groups and communities you can be part of
  • The opportunity to make your mark
At a Glance
12 Months

Spent in unique departments across our business

At a Glance
Global network

Access to our clients, experts and network from day 1

At a Glance
Training and Mentorship

Bespoke training for your personal development and an established Catalyst Academy Alumni network

Ready for a challenge?

Join the Catalyst Academy to dive into the world of marketing with hands-on experience and tools needed for today's top global brands. We seek ambitious, creative, collaborative, and curious individuals to join our team.

Whether you're starting your career, shifting gears, or exploring new avenues, we welcome you. Bring your creativity, problem-solving skills, and passion for connection, and let's drive growth together.

We believe in the power of differences and all backgrounds and passions are welcome. Apply now and ignite your marketing journey!

Top 3 tips from our Catalysts

Video of Christina, a current Catalyst, telling potential candidates to 1. Be authentic 2. Willing to cooperate 3. Ready to learn a lot

Christina

Christina is based in VML Greece and her top 3 tips are:

1. Be authentic

2. Willing to cooperate

3. Ready to learn a lot

Hear from Christina
Video of Melissa, a current Catalyst, advising potential candidates to 1. Have cool ideas 2. Fresh perspectives 3. A knack for problem solving

Melissa

Melissa is based in VML UK and her top 3 tips are:

1. Having cool ideas

2. Fresh perspectives

3. A knack for problem solving

Hear from Melissa
Video of Nothemba, a Catalyst in South Africa advising people to 1. Be adaptable 2. Be inquisitive 3. Be teachable

Nothemba

Nothemba is based in VML South Africa and her top 3 tips are:

1. Be adaptable

2. Be inquisitive

3. Be teachable

Hear from Nothemba
A video featuring Saskia, a current Catalyst in Italy. Saskia speaks of her top 3 tips to enter the industry including, being bold, creative and showing your personality

Saskia

Saskia is based in VML Italy and her top 3 tips are:

1. Be bold

2. Think outside the box

3. Show your personality

Hear from Saskia

Explore our locations (go on, have a scroll)

Our Catalyst Academy continues to expand and is now available in 7 locations across the EMEA region. You'll have the opportunity to build your international network and work with experts across our capabilities including data, strategy, marketing, creative and more (we don’t expect you to know what all this means right now - that’s where the Catalyst Academy delivers!)

To get started, choose the office location that's right for you from the list below.

(Please note: You must have Right to Work in the location you choose without Visa or future sponsorship):

A modern take of our Berlin office, looking up towards a skylight and the staircase is visible around the margins of the photo

Germany

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Picture of stairs coming up to a big sign saying "VML MAP" which is the centre of excellence you would be working in, in Copenhagen

Denmark

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Our colorful reception area in the Greek office

Greece

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Our Portuguese colleagues enjoying the sun on the office rooftop

Portugal

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The iconic cat statues outside the London office

United Kingdom

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Our modern office in Dubai, with screens showing our latest work

United Arab Emirates

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Imagine looking up to the Olaya Tower, where our KSA offices are

Saudi Arabia

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It’s a launchpad for a career in the industry - it’s nice going through the stages of career development together

Elle and Luke, Catalysts 2021

The experience of a lifetime

Video of Kazuhide, a current Catalyst speaking of his experience, describing it as a 'cave full of hidden gems'

Kazuhide

From being a little scared, to getting the whole picture, Kazuhide from our Tokyo office shares his experience.

Hear from Kazuhide
A self-shot video of Patrick Kane, Catalyst from cohort 1. He describes his experience in the Catalyst Academy and the opportunities it has opened for him

Patrick

Patrick was part of the first Catalyst Academy and is now a Senior New Business Manager in the UK.

Hear from Patrick

Our Recruitment Process

Image of TK from the Talent Acquisition team smiling and holding a cup of coffee. This was taken in a very sunny Amsterdam

TK's top tips and tricks to help you get a feel for what we’re looking for:

• Don't be shy -let us see the real you!

• Do your research on VML and our industry!

• Plan your journey & let us know if you'll be late

• Go for smart casual, it's not the Ivy...

• Think about why you'd like this role

• Have a few questions for us!

Image of Lisandra Radu, the lead on the Catalyst Academy. Lisandra is holding a very large iced coffee and the image was taken in Toronto, recently after dying her hair bright orange

Lisandra's top tips for interviewing:

• Bring your whole self - we want to know about your interests and passions

• Understand the role you applied for and why

• All experience is relevant - volunteering, part-time jobs, clubs and communities you're part of

• If you don't know, ask! It's important that VML is right for you and vice versa

Recruitment process 24 final PNG

Our Core Values

Careers Connect

Connect meaningfully

Foster purposeful relationships among colleagues and client partners.

Careers Insipre

Inspire creatively

Encourage inventiveness and infuse creativity into every aspect of our offering.

Careers Purpose

Include purposefully

Strive to ensure everyone feels included, valued and a true sense of belonging.

Careers Positively

Approach Positively

Contribute optimism to every situation to discover the best way forward together.

FAQs

Each of the locations has a unique Application link. Scroll back up to 'Our Locations', select where you want to work and you will find the link there.

We recommend you apply to your preferred location and preferred stream (if multiple are available in that location). This ensures your application is prioritised for that stream, increasing your chances of success.

You must have the right to work in the location without the need for visa sponsorship.

If you're not sure and would like more information, reach out to us at Catalyst.Academy@vml.com and we will be happy to help you.

Yes, you can apply to a location outside of the country you are based however, you must have the right to work in that location and be in a position to cover any relocation costs.

No. A degree or work experience are not required and will not affect your application.

As we are a global organisation, a B2+ level of English is required to ensure you are comfortable and can perform to the best of your ability.

We pride ourselves on being flexible and making work, work for you. Hybrid working is available across our offices.

We take accessibility seriously. If there are any accommodations requirements, please email us @catalyst.academy@vml.com

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