FAQs

My application

I only completed 2 years of my degree yet have other valuable work/ life experience. Can I still apply?

The lack of a completed degree doesn’t matter to us. You just need to be able to start working from mid-November should you be selected onto the Account Management and Planning Fellowship schemes. We’re more interested in your potential. So why not apply?

Is it possible to defer entries?

I'm afraid we can't take deferred entry. You should definitely apply next year though. It will probably be around the same time so just check out the site in a year and there should be more details up there. Sorry!

Do you keep previous applications on file?

Sorry, but we are unable to reinstate your application as you've got to answer the new qualifying questions. Good luck this time round.

How formal does my application need to be? I mean, I don’t want to come across as neither too stuffy nor too relaxed.

This is always a tough one to make a call on but the best advice is to get your personality across. Remember that we’ll be reading quite a few and will be looking out for people who can make us sit up and take notice. That doesn’t necessarily mean making your CV neon pink though…Check out the tips in the 'Getting into Advertising' section of the site.

How much work experience do I need to have had in an agency in order to be successful?

Prior work experience just shows you're keen to get into the industry, but is by no means a prerequisite - interesting life experiences of any kind give us some insight into your motivations and creativity - so definitely apply either way!

Since graduating two months ago, I have been working for a marketing company. Will this count against me?

Your experience won't count against you at all! You have nothing to worry about, and it doesn't matter which year you graduated, and you don't even have to have been to uni to apply. Aren't we flexible?! Good luck!

The scheme sounds great but I was wondering if there’s an age limit?

There's no age limit on applying to the Fellowships but it's worth bearing in mind that the salaries are set no matter how old or experienced you are.

For those who apply before the deadline, do you notify us on a rolling basis about first interviews? Or will I have to wait like everyone else?

We notify everyone around the same time so hopefully the wait isn't too agonising!

Will you be providing feedback to us on our applications?

Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive we are unable to provide feedback on individual applications.

Can I apply for the Fellowship if I do not have a working visa?

Unfortunately, due to recent visa allocation restrictions in the UK, we can only consider applications from candidates who have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the scheme they want to apply to.

What do I do if I have problems uploading my application form?

Our server can be a tad temperamental at times. Please ensure the file name of your application isn't too long and doesn't include punctuation marks or symbols.

If you still have difficulties or receive an error message please email your application to fellowship@ogilvy.com (for those who want to apply to the Account Management and Summer Fellowships) and planningfellowship@ogilvy.com (for those who wish to apply for the Planning Fellowship).

Interviews

If I manage to get through, will Ogilvy pay for my transport to and from interviews?

Unfortunately, we can’t pay for you to travel down to see us and head back again.

What format will the interviews take?

You’ll have two interviews. They’ll be with people from different parts of the agency. If you're successful at these then you'll be invited back for an assessment day, where you'll participate in group activities with other candidates.

Assessment Day

If I manage to get through, will Ogilvy pay for my transport to and from the assessment day?

Unfortunately, we can’t pay for you to travel down to see us and head back again.

What will happen on the assessment day?

We will provide details about the assessment day itself when we invite people to attend.

Will I need to prepare anything for the assessment day?

You may need to. Details will be given with the invites to the assessment day. Don't worry you will have plenty of time to prepare.

How should I dress?

Obviously this is a formal assessment day so you should dress appropriately for the occasion. Dress smart, but make sure you’re comfortable

What if I can’t make the assessment day?

If you are unable to make it to the assessment day we will unfortunately be unable to consider you for a place on the Fellowships.

How soon will I hear the result?

We would hope to be in touch within a working week of the assessment day. You will be notified of the decision by email.

The Summer Fellowship

If I have holiday booked during the 8-week Internship am I still OK to take it?

We are afraid not. We need people who can attend for the full Summer Fellowship... your teams will need you, trust us!

Do I have to take part in the Summer Fellowship to be considered for the longer Fellowship schemes?

No. The Summer Fellowship is separate to the Account Management and Planning Fellowship schemes.

The Account Management and Planning Fellowships

I saw that the programmes start in November. Is it possible to start in December?

Unfortunately, the first six weeks training is pretty crucial, not just in terms of understanding the industry but also allowing you to integrate into agency life. Also, you'll be missing out on all the fun...

Just wondering how many people generally apply for these schemes and how many places there are available?

Collectively, around a thousand people apply. However, that just proves that it’s worthwhile and don’t forget that 9 will get a job; why can’t it be you?

Can I apply to both the Account Management and Planning Fellowship schemes?

Errr, no. Imagine how that looks to us… Indecisiveness is not a quality we’re after. But if we read your application and think you’re better suited to the other scheme we’ll let you know, and if you’re up for it we’ll recommend you for that one instead.

Do you look to recruit individuals only in the marketing and advertising sector or do you have potential vacancies in other areas?

An agency as large as Ogilvy needs a large support function of HR, finance and legal professionals - so if you're interested, send your CV direct to ukcareers@ogilvy.com, together with a cover letter outlining what you are looking for and they should let you know if anything comes up.