Now returning for its sixth year, Raptor Academy is a free, three-month virtual program designed to support 18-24 year olds across the UK, US and Europe in taking their first steps into marketing and the creative industries.

Through bespoke workshops led by global industry experts, tailored mentorship, and a creative project curated to put learning into practice, participants gain first-hand exposure to how the marketing industry works. 

The program helps young people explore whether marketing is something they want to pursue, while offering tangible support for those facing barriers to entry or struggling to get their foot in the door.

At Raptor, our ongoing research with youth audiences has revealed a clear issue: access to opportunity in the marketing industry is far from equal. Many young people interested in pursuing a career in marketing struggle to know where to start, facing barriers such as a lack of industry connections, financial constraints, and limited awareness of the diverse career paths available. 

The Academy is designed to break down these barriers, providing every young person - regardless of their background, location, or experience - an accessible first step into the industry. By connecting them with the brands that they admire most, we’re ensuring that talent, not privilege, defines their future.

Participants take part in a series of interactive workshops led by global marketers, strategists and creatives from some of the brands youth audiences care about most. 

Rather than working through hypothetical scenarios, sessions unpack real campaigns and projects, giving participants a clear view of how ideas are developed and brought to life.

Support throughout the Academy is designed to benefit participants both during the program and after it has finished.

Participants have access to comprehensive guidance and are matched with the most appropriate member of the Raptor team based on their query or area of interest, ensuring advice is tailored and relevant.

Support includes:

The Creative Project is a central part of the Academy experience.

The Creative Project gives participants the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned by responding to a creative brief set by the Raptor team, producing a practical piece of work for their portfolio and receiving structured feedback on completion.

Cash prizes are awarded to winning and runner-up projects, and completion of the Creative Project is required for internship consideration.

We have a number of internship opportunities across June-September for standout cohort members who show a strong commitment to the program through workshop participation, use of the mentorship scheme, and excellence in the Creative Project.

Many of our current and former team members began their careers through the Academy, demonstrating the real opportunities that can come from completing the program.