Futures:Generation
What is it?
Futures: Generation is a global mentorship programme designed to support talent facing barriers entering or progressing in the Advertising Industry. Founded and run by Cult since July 2020, it now stands strong with a network of 100+ industry mentors and 400+ mentees- levelling the playing field one partnership at a time.
How we got started
F:Gen was born out of the pandemic and the need to keep the industry doors as open as possible for emerging talent. It was the most uncertain time for students about to graduate, and those just looking to understand what the F we do in advertising.
Who we have helped
We’ve helped over 400 mentees find their guiding voice in the industry and unlocked so many success stories. Over the last 2 years our mentees have transitioned from just newcomers to everyone at all levels. We found that our amazing mentors were looking to be mentored themselves and similarly needed someone to help guide them through the next phase of their career.
“You can spend years carving out a pathway for yourself but it only becomes valid if you're pulling others up behind you. We set up F:Gen because there is still not enough diversity and opportunity in our sector. And that sucks.”
Cat Turner
“I think mentoring is important because it’s so easy to go down the wrong path when you’re young and impressionable. We all need a little guidance at times!”
Peigh Asante
“Helping a mentee allows me to step out of the box, and gives me clarity to remember what really matters. Getting into the industry can be so hard and frustrating. I made a promise to open that door so others can have an easier time.”
Iman Siyad
“Creative graduates have it especially difficult this year, so this programme gives me the opportunity to help guide them in any way I can throughout this global glitch we are all experiencing”
Adam Conley
“I'd highly recommend anyone to join the next cohort! The Cult culture is phenomenal and it's such a great incentive for anyone seeking direction with their career.”
Robyn Miller
“Everyone is winging it and gaining their own experiences to pass on to the next wave of creatives. It can be a great reminder that you are not alone in this.”
Holly Boden
“I think it's amazing what you guys are doing by helping others. It gives me a sense of safety in such a difficult industry to crack.”
Marcos Febres
Want to be part of the nextGeneration?
Become a Mentor
We encourage creatives to mentor at all levels and from all sectors of the creative industry. Not only can mentoring be rewarding as you help to uplift and inspire emerging talent in the creative industry, but it can also inspire confidence in your own leadership skills, craft and creativity. This is also a two way process, we learn as much from our mentees as we teach them!
What Does Mentoring With F:Gen Involve?
As a mentor you will be that middle ground between a friend and a manager. You will be able to confidently share your learnings and cheer your mentee to success. We don’t expect you to be a therapist, a parent or a bff but we’d love you to listen, show compassion and help your mentee see a future for themselves in the industry you’re thriving in.
How Will This Partnership Work?
You’ll be partnered with the same mentee (or more) for 3 months where you will help guide them to realising their ambition. It’s completely casual and can remain virtual but we have a recommended time of 2 hours a month. That can be split however you like over the 3 months. The most popular has been 30 mins a week.
There is no pressure for you to offer your mentee a job or internship. The aim is for you to provide insight into how they can get to their dream role. However, If there is something you’d like to put your mentee forward for please do.
Can I Mentor?
We don’t cap our mentors at any level. We understand that mentoring is an important part of career development and if you don’t know something, you can make introductions to your wider networks. We encourage mentors of every level from junior to head of to sign up 🙂
What’s Next?
Once you’ve filled out the form below and we’ve found you your mentee, we will be in contact with you to arrange a 5 minute catch up. Once we’ve made the match, we will have our all Cohort kick off and then introduce you to your mentee to start your sessions.
It is up to you and your mentee to arrange your sessions and work comfortably around each other’s schedules.
Cohort VIII
Cohort VIII will commence later this year💫 Sign up to the waitlist if you want to be notified when sign ups open!
Any questions?
Contact generation@cultldn.com
Become a Mentee
Being mentored can help to grow your skills, confidence and help you to find your path when entering the creative industry. We encourage people at all stages of their career to sign up to be a mentee. Whether it’s needing help with finding your creative niche, advice with navigating a new job, or you’re looking to make a career change – we can pair you with someone who can uplift and inspire the next stage in your journey.
How Will This Partnership Work?
You’ll be partnered with the same mentor (or 2) for 3 months where they will help guide you to realising your ambition. It’s completely casual and can remain virtual but we have a recommended time of 2 hours a month. That can be split however you like over the 3 months. The most popular has been 30 mins a week but please arrange this with your mentor.
What Will I Get From My Mentor?
Your mentor will act as your guiding voice in the industry to help you realise your ambition and understand where that can take you in the advertising industry. They are your cheerleaders and confidant – a middle ground between a friend and a manager. A mentor is not a therapist, a parent or a bff or your personal hiring manager. A mentor inspires you, guides you and shares their knowledge to help you get to where you want to be.
Our mentors are from the best agencies and brands in the industry. They may not be from the exact department you’re looking for but will work with those people everyday and can introduce you to their wider network if needed. Be open to the process!
Can I Be Mentee?
Yes! We are open to finding everyone we can a mentor 🙂 In the application form below you will see questions that will help us make the perfect match for you.
What’s Next?
Once you’ve filled out the form below and we’ve found you your mentor, we will be in contact with you to arrange a 5 minute catch up. Once we’ve made the match, we will have our all Cohort kick off and then introduce you to your mentor via email to start your sessions.
It is up to you and your mentor to arrange your sessions and work comfortably around each other’s schedules.
Cohort VIII
Cohort VIII will commence later this year💫 Sign up to the waitlist if you want to be notified when sign ups open!
Any questions?
Contact generation@cultldn.com
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Facing the Future
Friday, 2 December 2022 - 14:00 21:00
Join us for a night of celebrations as we end our cohort with an in person event – yes that’s right…it’s happening IRL! We’ll wrap our Cohort with a session that gives us industry-led insight into the future of advertising. In an intimate panel and Q&A session, our Cult Futures team will chat with industry experts to discuss all things innovation, sustainable creation and networking in the age of the Metaverse.
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