So you’re curious about working in strategy but don’t know where to start. What does it mean to be a strategist in the creative industry? What roles are available for entry-level talent, and what kinds of skills might you need to work in this area? If you’d like to know the answer to any of these questions, you’ll want to register for our next networking event, Meet & Greet.

From associates to senior and head strategists, we’re inviting ten industry professionals to shed light on the opportunities out there, share insight into their roles and offer advice for anyone looking to follow a similar path.

So whether you’re a student, a grad or simply in the first year of your career journey, this is a chance to meet industry professionals, connect with fellow emerging attendees and ultimately learn more about what it’s like to work in strategy in the creative industry.

The session will take place over Zoom on Thursday 30th November, from 5pm to 8pm GMT. There are only a limited number of places available, so make sure you sign up to register your interest.

After a short panel discussion with our industry experts, you’ll be put into breakout rooms of three attendees and one industry expert, where you’ll get the chance to ask questions, receive advice and find out more about their role. This will then rotate, so you get to meet several industry experts throughout the evening.

Please note that while you do not need a portfolio to register, we do ask that you submit a question for our industry experts when you apply, along with a short line about why you’d like to attend. Simply register your interest by 11:59pm on 20th November via the link below.

Roland Beckley, strategist, AKQA
Roland studied computer science at university and uses his technical insight to improve the way companies use technology to engage with consumers. Previously working at Apple and TBWA/Media Arts Lab, Roland is now at advertising agency AKQA, where he combines art and science to create a lasting impact with clients.

Nwla Tonkin Wells, senior associate, Prophet
After graduating from university in 2019 with a degree in biological anthropology, Nwla began an internship at digital consultancy firm Prophet. Having since risen to become a senior associate, she has developed a breadth of knowledge about strategy as a generalist across a range of different projects, content areas and industries.

Sabrina Poustis, client and creative services consultant, Represent
After navigating the worlds of architecture, design and retail at Aesop and design agency Why, Sabrina now leads client and creative services at design specialist recruitment company Represent. Guided by her own experience as a project manager, she’s passionate about helping prospective strategists enter the industry.

Raj Thambirajah, strategy director, Anomaly
Raj started his career in account management at agency DDB UK before moving to Malaysia, where he switched to strategy at advertising agency BBDO. Since returning to London in 2016, he has worked at Publicis and Iris, with clients including Nestlé, Pizza Hut, Barclays and Starbucks. He now leads strategy on BMW Mini at Anomaly.

Claire Langer, senior strategist, DixonBaxi
Claire studied graphic design at university and, after four years at Bond & Coyne, made her way to the DixonBaxi team. Outside of work, she volunteers for Age UK and mentors through Arts Emergency, which has enabled her to approach branding with a greater understanding of the breadth of people brands need to speak to and work for.

Yusuf Ntahilaja, junior creative strategist, Amplify
Yusuf specialises in brand and experiential strategy, with a goal of helping brands authentically position themselves in culture by connecting with their niche audiences. Though Amplify is his first desk job, Yusuf has had experience in influencer marketing and creative work in fashion and music, and also founded two creative businesses.

Josh Akapo, co-founder and head of strategy, Archtype
Josh is an award-winning strategist and researcher, as well as co-founder and head of strategy at creative agency Archtype, where his work focuses primarily on young people, marginalised groups and radical social purpose. Josh has worked with eBay, Pinterest, NHS, Converse and the Mental Health Foundation, amongst others.

Paul Ralphs, senior strategist, Jones Knowles Ritchie
While working on his marketing and management degree, Paul spent a year in industry at Samsung Electronics as a strategy executive. Upon graduating in 2016, he joined the account management department of Jones Knowles Ritchie and now works as a senior strategist across key clients including Mars, Coca Cola, Danone and AB InBev.

Caroline Whittaker, senior strategist, Uniform
Caroline began her career in marketing at Bafta in Los Angeles, followed by brand and client services and strategy roles with independent creative agencies. At Uniform’s brand consultancy Continuous, she leads the strategy team with a focus on brand building and campaigns. She’s worked with clients including Primark, Fever-Tree and PlayStation.

Alex Ostrowski, founder and creative director, Lovers
Alex has been advising brands on communication for nearly 15 years, from record labels to tech companies, funeral directors to mochi makers. He thinks up creative, original strategies for brands to express ideas that get audiences emotional. He’s worked with brands including Nike, Greenpeace, Google, the Museum of Sex, Tate and Warner Music.

This session is open to students, grads, or those within the first year of a creative career. You’re only eligible to register if you are:

• Within the first year of your career
• Based in the UK
• Aged 18 and over

Please note that while you do not need a portfolio to register, we do ask that you submit a question for our industry experts when you apply, along with a short line about why you’d like to attend. Simply register your interest by 11:59pm on 20th November via the link below.

Registering for this event does not guarantee a place. Those invited to attend will be emailed a week before the event, and will be asked to pay a £5 deposit. This is to confirm your attendance, and will be refunded after the session.

We hope to see you there!