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 eighteen-month early career programme at one of our offices around the APAC region, including China, Vietnam, Taiwan, India and Australia, you'll have the opportunity to work with some of the biggest brands in the world, including Coca-Cola, Unilever, Nestle, HSBC, and Tiktok. As a part of this program you will get in-depth experience across the breadth of VML's capabilities while being a 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 3rd June - 28th June!

The Catalyst Academy is like exploring a cave of hidden gems! As a catalyst a young and inexperienced person like me can also spread positive influence.

Kazuhide Yamauchi

Japan Catalyst from The Catalyst Academy 2023

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
18 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.

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 2023 Catalysts

Kazhide Catalyst Microsite My Top 3 Tips

Kazuhide Yamauchi

Kazuhide is based in VML Japan and his top 3 tips are:

1. Be observant

2. Always have a point of view

3. Set aside time to reflect back on your aspiration

Hear from Kazuhide
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Natalie Fang

Natalie is based in VML China and her top 3 tips are:

1. Be proactive

2. Be bold

3. Be patient

Hear from Natalie

Explore our locations (go on, have a scroll)

Our Catalyst Academy continues to expand and is now available in 5 locations across the APAC 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):

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China

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Vietnam

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Taiwan

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India

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Australia

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Being a catalyst for me means being a marketing professional with wider exposure with extensive opportunities while gaining global perspectives

Jennifer Ni, China Catalyst 2023

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
Experiencegained natalie

Natalie

Natalie, from our Shanghai office shares her biggest learning from the academy.

Hear from Natalie
Experience at the Academy

Taran

From being in accounts, creative and strategy, Taran shares how the different mindset has helped her in her career journey.

Hear from Taran

Our Leaders

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Hear from Yi-Chung, co-CEO APAC

I am excited that we are launching the next round of the Catalyst Academy in APAC. Last year’s programme was a resounding success, our participating offices benefiting with an infusion of fresh energy, and all our Catalysts given permanent offers. I am glad that so many offices are participating this time round to increase our talent pipeline for the future and am confident that this year’s program will be as good if not better!

My Bio Photo

Hear from Audrey, co-CEO APAC

The Catalyst Academy is perfect for nurturing new talent, connecting our capabilities and practices and bringing fresh perspectives to our clients. We're very excited to bring the academy back to APAC this year as we continue to bring diverse voices to VML.

Bernadette Chan Side

Hear from Bernadette, CPO APAC

The Catalyst Program has truly been a game changer for our previous cohorts, offering unparalleled exposure through hands-on experience, mentorship from industry-leading marketers, and access to cutting-edge tools and technologies essential for today's top global brands. Designed for early career entrants, the program provides comprehensive learning, real-world experience, and invaluable professional networking opportunities. At VML, we are committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. I am thrilled to welcome the new cohort and provide them with a connected employee experience, empowering them to make their mark as future leaders in the industry.

Our Talent Team

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Supria, Head Of Talent APAC

It has been inspiring to watch the first cohort of Catalysts grow and develop through rotations and flourish at VML. I can't wait to welcome Catalysts 2024 and support them through the eighteen months journey packed with exciting opportunities for learning and thriving at VML.

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Celeste, Talent Executive APAC

Celeste's top tips for applying to the Catalyst Academy:

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

• Think about why you'd like this role

• Understand the role you applied for

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

Application Process

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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.

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 catalystacademyapac@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 take accessibility seriously. If there are any accommodations requirements, please email us at catalystacademyapac@vml.com

Please provide your contact information to continue.

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