This week marks DYW Careers Week, a celebration of the employers, educators and students helping young people build the skills and confidence to thrive in the world of work.
As proud DYW Pledge Partners, we’ve always believed in improving future outlooks, not just for our clients, but for the next generation too. From hosting placement students and volunteers to delivering workshops at schools and universities, we’ve opened our doors to help young people see what a career in marketing really looks like.
We asked Cerri, Annie, and Lexie to share their thoughts on why supporting young talent matters, what they’ve learned along the way, and how real experience can shape a career.
Cerri McDonald, Founder & Managing Director
Why do you think it’s important for businesses to support initiatives like DYW?
I think initiatives like DYW matter because all businesses have a responsibility to help build future talent. Organisations like DYW support employers to take action by providing tools and guidance on how to make connections with young people so you can offer real exposure that translates into life skills and confidence. This can only ever be a positive thing for young people, industry and, frankly, it’s also good for growth.
What do you hope young people take away from their time with Prospect 13?
What I like to share with the young people that have worked with us is that every professional you meet is just a person doing their job. Don’t be intimidated, be curious. The magic is in connection and building relationships. Skills and expertise can be taught, but confidence comes from relationships, listening and showing up. If you can build trust, you can learn the rest.
Looking back, what would you tell your younger self about finding your place in the working world?
To my younger self, I wish I had built emotional intelligence earlier. Not every look or comment is about you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and get clarity before you catastrophise. Always protect your focus with boundaries, seek feedback from people you trust, and let the rest pass.
Annie Buchan, Digital Marketing & Events Enthusiast
How has your experience at Prospect 13 shaped your career so far?
Since leaving university, I can honestly say I’ve come on leaps and bounds, and I don’t mean that in a big-headed way. Working in a marketing agency has thrown me into so many fast-paced, high-pressure situations that have pushed me to think on my feet. I’ve completed projects I never imagined I’d be doing just a year after graduating, from building and writing websites to creating email marketing campaigns and detailed digital reports to shape clients’ strategies. It’s boosted my confidence in both my skills and myself more than I ever imagined.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in marketing or thinking about a creative career?
Do it. Every day is different. Yes, it can be stressful, but it’s also fun, creative and genuinely interesting. I’ve always loved learning, and this job gives me that every single day. Even the challenging moments are rewarding. If you love learning, being creative and seeing your ideas make a difference, marketing is such a good fit.
Why do you think opportunities like placements make such a difference early on?
They give you a chance to take everything you’ve learned at university and actually put it into practice. It’s where the theory starts to make sense. Getting that experience early on helps build knowledge and confidence at the same time. After my three-month placement, I felt so much surer of marketing because I’d seen how it all plays out in real life.
Lexie Murray, Marketing Placement Student
What’s one thing you’ve enjoyed most from your placement experience at Prospect 13?
I’ve loved getting to try such a wide variety of roles within marketing, everything from planning and content creation to events. A standout moment for me was Offshore Europe, watching all the preparation come together and seeing the final output in action.
What’s been the biggest surprise about working in a real agency environment?
Definitely how many different roles and responsibilities there are within an agency. I didn’t realise how much collaboration happens behind the scenes and how every person’s input shapes the final result. It’s fast-paced and busy, but seeing how everything connects is what makes it so exciting.
What would you say to other students thinking about getting hands-on experience through DYW or placements like this?
I’d say 100% go for it. Put yourself out there and get as much real experience as you can. It’s the best way to figure out what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and what your future path might look like. There’s such a big difference between what you learn in school and what it’s like in the real working world, so getting that early insight is invaluable.
Improving Future Outlooks
For us, DYW Careers Week is a reminder that helping young people isn’t a box-ticking exercise, it’s a chance to build confidence, unlock potential and shape futures. Whether it’s through mentoring, placements or simply sharing what we’ve learned, every experience makes a difference.
If you’re a business thinking about getting involved, or a student keen to learn more, take a look at Developing the Young Workforce, or find out how Prospect 13 continues to support career growth and opportunity here.
