Thrive - Future Talent Scheme in London

About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale.

Thrive – Future Talent Scheme

A first for WPP Media, we are launching our 24-month entry-level talent programme: Thrive. Thrive at WPP Media is designed specifically for those who are brand new to the media industry. We care about your potential, your hunger to learn, and your unique perspective. Whether you are a fresh school leaver, a university graduate, or looking to completely change your career path, if you are New to Media, this is the place for you to build a future.

Role & Impact

The Thrive Programme is a 24-month launchpad designed to take you from a motivated beginner to a confident media professional. We will have you diving into big brands, insightful projects, and famous client accounts right from the off. It won't be easy—you will be challenged and stretched—but we promise that this will be the absolute best kickstart to a career in media you could hope for. You don’t need prior experience in advertising or marketing to apply. We set you up for success with an onboarding programme, on-the-job training and continuous learning throughout the entire two-year programme. Throughout the programme you will be studying an apprenticeship qualification in either; Data Technician, Project Management, Data Analyst. You will be placed into one of the following roles that complement your natural strengths:

• Media Planning & Strategy: Mapping out how and where brands should show up.
• Data Analysis: Unlocking insights and navigating tech-driven marketing.
• Digital Activation: Specialise in the forever growing digital landscape in a digital channel covering paid search, paid social, programmatic and commerce.
• OOH Media: Shape the visual landscape of your city and launch your creative career by bringing big, bold ideas to life in the real world with Out-of-Home media.
• Research & Insights: Take a deep dive into understanding the audiences to connect our brands.

Please note we will try to take your preferred role into consideration, however, the role will be decided by your skills matching the role and business needs.

Skills and Experience

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values:

• Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity.
• Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust.
• Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise.

Analytical Skills: Confident interpreting data, identifying trends, and presenting actionable insights. Effective communication: Provides accurate information and learns how to simplify complex information to multiple stakeholders and clients. Have a basic understanding and competence in MS Office – PowerPoint and Excel. Collaboration: Build relationships across teams and clients, with excellent communication and presentation skills. Curiosity: Passionate about learning and solving challenges. Organisational Skills: Manage diverse tasks and prioritise effectively.

Application Process

APPLICATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY 14TH AUGUST AT 12PM (MIDDAY). Open to new school leavers, a university graduate, or looking to completely change your career path, if you are New to Media, this is the place for you to build a future.

Step One: We want to see your interest in media... Upload a cover letter answering the following question (maximum 300 words). Choose one brand-to-consumer marketing campaign (it could be for a product, a service, or even a specific brand initiative) that you've seen recently, or at any point, that genuinely inspired you, caught your attention, or that you simply loved. It could be a TV ad, social post, billboard, anything. What was it, where did you see it, and who do you think it was trying to reach? Most importantly, why did it stick with you? Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Step Two: You’ll be invited to complete a SOVA online assessment. If you require any adjustments for this, please let us know at the point of application.

Assessment Days: Successful applicants will be invited to attend an assessment day early September at our offices in London Bridge.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location. While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.