NextGen Leaders
NextGen Leaders is our 10-week virtual learning series for college students, recent graduates and those with 0-2 years of experience in any field. The first of its kind programme aims to provide learning, growth and professional development opportunities for early-career talent.
Registration for the Summer 2021 programme is now closed.
The series allows participants to hear from and connect with leaders across agency brands and functions at WPP, as well as clients, partners and others from our broader network.
It also provides a unique opportunity to experience WPP’s culture as a whole, build community and look “under the hood” of the world’s leading creative transformation company.
Executives from WPP’s brands and top clients will lead sessions covering everything from industry trends, marketing strategy and data science to experience design, emerging technology and culture. Participants will hear from a wide range of thought leaders and highly-regarded industry figures who will bring their perspectives on today’s key issues and how to use the power of creativity to build better futures. Participants will listen to prerecorded sessions and join live discussions, where they will have the opportunity to engage with one another.
In partnership with colleges, universities and organisations, the NextGen Leaders series aims to reach a diverse pool of early-career talent. Our Summer 2020 cohort included a group of 846 people, representing 54 different countries and 310 colleges and universities.
In addition to receiving a certificate of completion from Coursera, participants will come away from the programme with their own professional network within WPP and may have the opportunity to secure full-time offers from WPP brands. Participants will also be encouraged to stay engaged with their cohort via private networks, such as an invite-only NextGen Leaders alumni network.
Reach out to NextGenLeaders@wpp.com with any questions.
Speakers include:
Laurent Ezekiel
Chief Marketing and Growth Officer, WPP
Jane Geraghty
Chief Executive Officer, Landor
Judy Jackson
Global Head of Culture, WPP
Christina Mallon
Global Inclusive Design & Digital Accessibility Lead, Wunderman Thompson
Monique Nelson
Chief Executive Officer, UniWorld Group
Lindsay Pattison
Chief Client Officer, WPP
Mark Read
Chief Executive Officer
Sally Susman
EVP & Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Pfizer
The curriculum – 7 June-9 August 2021
| Live sessions with WPP leaders | On-demand learning through Coursera | |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Welcome to WPP | Introduction to WPP’s Capabilities, Agencies and Clients |
| Week 2 | Inclusive Marketing: The Business Imperative | Authenticity and Empathy in the Workplace |
| Week 3 | What Customers Want | The Different Roles within an Agency |
| Week 4 | What Clients Want | How Agencies Make Money |
| Week 5 | Creativity and Innovation | Exercising Your Creative Mind |
| Week 6 | Content, Culture and Partnerships | Understanding a Client Brief |
| Week 7 | Navigating the World of Media | Learning the World of Media |
| Week 8 | Tech, Entertainment and the New Virtual World | From Insights to Storytelling |
| Week 9 | Reaching Communities through Public Relations | Discovering the Power of PR, Branding and Design |
| Week 10 | Trust and Inclusion in the Workplace | Creating Your Path |