Mentoring Programme
About STEPS:
The STEPS Mentor Programme in collaboration with IAPI Futureheads and the Marketing Society’s Future Council exists to help industry talent, either new to or looking to join the industry, thrive.
We believe that with the right infrastructure of support in place a new generation of talent can come through, bringing with them enormous value, diversity and creativity to the industry.
To enable us to create the best mentoring programme that we can we believe that the focus must first be on the Mentors. We want to recruit those that wish to enhance their management skills, improve their empathy, share their experiences, and develop their own career further by giving back as a mentor.
The programme’s mentors will be industry experts, senior-leaders with a wealth of knowledge, and will include a mix of Agency and Client side.
All mentors and mentees chosen for the program will take part in training workshops held by IAPI x Marketing Society, please see below to check dates and learn more.
The STEPS mentoring programme runs over a 9-month period, beginning in September 2025 to May 2026 and you can expect anywhere between 9-12 sessions with your partner.
To apply to take part as either a mentor or mentee, please complete the relevant application form. Once you've done that we will review the information you've shared to make sure you're matched as best as possible to compliment each other's skills and ambitions.
Who can apply?
Mentors:
If you have been working in the industry for 8+ years, are in a senior position, and would like to provide your experience, support and guidance, then please apply to become one of our mentors.
Mentor Criteria – Who Should Apply?
Professional Requirements
- Minimum of 8-10 years’ experience in the marketing, advertising, or related industries
- Currently in a senior or leadership role (agency or client side)
- Able to commit to the 9-month programme (approx. 1-2 meetings/month)
- Available to attend mandatory mentor training on August 21st
Qualities We Look For
- A strong desire to give back to the industry and support emerging talent
- Experience managing or coaching individuals or teams
- Willingness to share real-world insight with humility and openness
- Strong listening and communication skills
- A collaborative mindset with a belief in mutual learning
- Empathy, patience, and emotional intelligence
- Ability to set boundaries and respect confidentiality
Bonus Points If You…
- Enjoy deep conversations about career growth, challenges, and change
- Have lived experience navigating underrepresented paths in the industry
- Want to strengthen your own leadership and coaching muscles
Mentees:
If you have been working in the industry for less than five years and would like to apply to be a mentee, we'd love to hear from you.
Mentee Criteria – Who Should Apply?
Professional Requirements
- 2–5 years’ experience in marketing, advertising, or related creative industries
- Currently working in the sector
- Available to commit to a 9-month relationship, meeting once per month at minimum
- Open to feedback and committed to personal growth
Qualities We Look For
- A hunger to learn and develop in your role or career direction
- Curiosity, humility, and willingness to be challenged
- Prepared to drive the relationship – setting goals, following through on actions
- Self-awareness and a desire to build confidence, clarity, or connection
- Respectful of your mentor’s time, boundaries, and lived experience
- Comfortable sharing your goals, setbacks, and career questions honestly
Bonus Points If You…
- Feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step and want perspective
- Are passionate about shaping the future of the industry
- Bring a diverse background, experience, or point of view that enriches the community
How to apply:
All applications are now open and will close on Friday 13th June. Once applications have closed we'll be in touch to invite successful applicants to your introduction to the programme – this involves mandatory training workshops, one for Mentors taking place on August 21st and another for mentees on August 28th. Please ensure you’re available at time of application.
