Latest news: More students join The Marketing Academy

The Marketing Academy, the coaching and marketing scheme to educate business leaders of the future, has unveiled its latest intake of marketers. 16/05/2012

This was the third intake for the academy and includes its biggest quota of entrepreneurs yet. Candidates were put through their paces and had to display their prospective leadership, innovation and creative skills in a difficult interview process.

Backed fully by the industry, the scheme was set up by The Marketing Academy  CEO, Sherilyn Shackell in order to nurture British talent.

‘The new intake of scholars for 2012 will certainly have to prove their leadership skills in their chosen jobs, given the challenges of fast-paced technological change and the tough economic backdrop. With the help of experienced and inspirational mentors we’re sure they’ll be well-equipped to demonstrate how vital marketing is to successful business strategies,’ says Shackell.

The 30 scholars involved are from a mix of companies including drink brands, media owners, agencies, telecoms and FMCG (fast moving consumer goods).

This year will see new mentors join an extensive list of CEOs (chief executive officers), CMOs (chief managing officers) and marketing chiefs. They include, Sarah Warby, marketing director at Sainsbury’s; Martin Moll, marketing director at Honda UK and Troy Warfield, vice president of family care Europe for Kimberly Clark. 

The scheme hopes to equip young professionals and graduates with industry-level skills and will be welcome news to some corners of the marketing industry. Online marketing firm, I-COM suggested that graduates need to up their game and lower their expectations if they are to secure entry-level roles in the industry.

‘Graduates need to demonstrate usefulness and willingness from day one. Those who are willing to work hard and actively pursue knowledge and growth will advance very quickly,’ says Mindy Gofton, head of search at I-COM .