The Catalyst Academy

At a glance

Our mission at Wunderman Thompson is inspiring growth for ambitious brands and we know it’s ambitious people that make this happen. Could this be you?

If you’re tech savvy, a data whiz, an idea generator or a keen creative, you can build a dynamic career at Wunderman Thompson.

Today, with the proliferation of platforms and channels, brands need experts who can deliver everything from creative content and data science to impactful digital experiences. Think Coca-Cola, Unilever, Nestle, HSBC and IKEA and the possibilities to inspire consumers in new ways and drive growth for these world-famous brands.

That’s where you come in.

Wunderman Thompson’s Catalyst Academy develops future marketers and equips them with the experience and skills to thrive in a competitive industry. During an exciting eighteen-month rotational programme at one of our Catalyst campuses around the world, including the UK, Germany, Italy, South Africa and other great locations, our Catalysts train together, develop a range of important new skills, build camaraderie and have fun doing so. As well, we apply the same branding expertise we use with some of the world’s most recognizable organizations to help each of you know, grow, and project an authentic personal brand, one that will help you accelerate your career.

What is more, at the end of the programme, they'll be eligible to land a role within our agency and be prepared for a purpose-driven, rewarding career.

Applications for April 2023 are now CLOSED

Spreading inspiration through connection

CATALYST THE INSPIRATION ANTHEM v18 FINAL JOIN US ENDING 1

Have you got what it takes?

The Catalyst Academy inspires and equips future marketeers with the experience and tools to meet the challenges of today’s biggest global brands.

We’re looking for ambitious, creative, collaborative and curious candidates to join our team.

Whether this is your first job, your next job, or you’re transitioning to the industry, we’ve got a place for you. Bring your creative spark, your affinity for problem solving and passion for connecting with others, because we believe diversity of experience is what inspires growth for great brands and an exciting career growth for you.

No matter your background or passion, we welcome your application.

Be prepared to get out of your comfort zone

Gerald, Catalyst

What's in it for you?

One of our current Catalysts dancing in the Disco Showers in the London office

Wunderman Thompson offers an exceptional industry-leading entry level programme that combines training modules with practical work experience.

To prepare you for the challenges of today and what’s next in our industry, our Catalyst Academy takes charge of your career development, engaging you with clients and responsibilities from day 1.

Each location offers a unique combination of four rotations during the 18 months of the program.

In addition to our in-depth training curriculum, you’ll gain essential industry qualifications from the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) and other WPP Academies to accelerate your professional development. Catalysts have access to a wide range of personal development opportunities and can join our Business Employee Resource Groups (B-ERG’s) including Women’s Network, Unite, Roots, Wellbeing and Green Team.

No need to worry about finances either – we offer a competitive salary and bespoke benefits!

At a Glance

18 months

4 unique rotations

At a Glance

Global network

Access to our clients, experts and network

At a Glance

Catalyst Mentorship

Our well established Catalyst network is here to guide and mentor you

Explore our locations (go on, have a scroll)

Our Catalyst Academy continues to expand and is now available in nine locations across the EMEA region. You'll have the opportunity to build your international network and work with experts across our capabilities including commerce, data, technology, consulting, Web3 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 qualifications in the location you choose):

Birds eye view of our colleagues from the Belgian office arranged in the Inspiration Mark shape

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

Inclusion, Equity and Diversity - more than buzz words

Prioritising inclusion, equity, and diversity, we deliver exceptional work for clients and inspire personal and professional growth for all our employees. Wunderman Thompson’s B+ERGs provide a space of community, fellowship and partnership for individuals with common self-identities, interests or goals to inspire our work at Wunderman Thompson.

Our quarterly “Spot the Difference” zine showcases and celebrates diversity and inclusive projects across our regions.

We’re committed to actively fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and heard because people are our greatest asset.

Curious? Wunderman Thompson Intelligence presents “Inclusion’s Next Wave,” a global trend report outlining the driving forces propelling the next wave of inclusion.

Read the report

Sufia Parkar, our EMEA Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Director who is a sponsor of the Catalyst Academy

Hear from Sufia

Sufia Parkar, our EMEA Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Director is a passionate sponsor of the program.

"The Catalyst Academy brings a unique opportunity to us at Wunderman Thompson by giving us access to talent we would otherwise have not seen. They’re a great example of showcasing how representation matters at every single level."

Patrick Kane, one of our Catalysts and Disability Champion

Hear from Pat

At Wunderman Thompson, we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work. One of our current Catalysts, Patrick Kane, founded Access All Areas, a B+ERG for people with disabilities. Patrick felt it was essential to have a space for the disabled community to be heard and to amplify their voices internally while removing any pressure to be responsible for their community.

Wunderman Thompson is proudly the first agency to have an Inclusive Experience Practice to help clients design inclusive experiences and products for people with disabilities and underserved communities and our B+ERG community reflects this community within our own organisation.

For Instant Inspiration

Discover the work we do, our clients and latest projects

Click here

Our Recruitment Process

Visual representation of the Recruitment process, starting with CV Submission, Creative Video Brief, Phone interview and finally a face-to-face interview.

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 WT 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!

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.

If you're not sure and would like more information, reach out to us at Catalyst.Academy@wundermanthompson.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@wundermanthompson.com