Our 2025 Upstarts share their We Are Social experience
People & Culture
This summer, we welcomed a group of emerging creators into our London office as part of our Upstarts work experience programme, giving them the chance to gain valuable insights into the world of social media marketing and agency life. Read on to see what they had to say about their experience.
Amelia Spinks
Why did you join the We Are Social Upstarts programme? I joined because I wanted to experience life not just in a creative agency, but in one that genuinely strives to be inclusive. I first discovered the programme while using We Are Social’s resources for my MA dissertation on neurodiversity representation and communications, and it felt like a perfect fit.
What has your experience been like? It’s been amazing. From start to finish, we’ve been supported and guided by such a welcoming and talented team. I’ve learned so much and had the chance to refine my skills in ways I hadn’t expected.
How valuable has this experience been for you? Beyond shaping my career direction, the programme has also boosted my confidence and given me the belief that I can thrive in this industry.
Do you now want to pursue a career in social advertising? This experience has opened my eyes to social advertising as a clear and exciting career path, and I’m incredibly grateful for that clarity.
What was your favourite part of the programme? Learning from the incredible minds at the agency. In terms of hands-on experience, I’ve loved being part of the entire creative process—whether in the studio, brainstorming ideas, or bringing content to life.
Aarya Mane
Why did you join the We Are Social Upstarts programme?
My passion has always been at the intersection of creativity and strategy, and social advertising felt like a natural extension of that. I joined the programme because I wanted to gain an insider’s perspective on how agencies like We Are Social turn raw concepts into campaigns that resonate. Having studied luxury branding, I’ve always been curious about how brands use social platforms to build connections with their audiences. This programme felt like the perfect opportunity to learn directly from industry experts, explore new approaches to creative thinking, and experience how strategy shapes innovation.
What has your experience been like?
It’s been immersive and incredibly dynamic. From the very start, it was clear this wasn’t a typical learning programme; it was hands-on, collaborative, and designed to challenge how you think. Each session brought something different: one day we were brainstorming bold, out-of-the-box concepts, the next, we were refining them into actionable campaign strategies. The energy in the room was always inspiring, and being surrounded by such a talented group of peers and mentors made every step engaging. What stood out the most was the openness. Ideas were encouraged, questions were welcomed, and feedback was constructive yet encouraging. It gave me a genuine feel of what it’s like to work in a creative agency environment.
How valuable has this experience been for you?
It’s been incredibly valuable, both professionally and personally. On a professional level, it has deepened my understanding of how social advertising campaigns are conceptualised, structured, and executed from research and insights to final delivery. I now have a clearer sense of the nuances behind crafting content that doesn’t just look good, but also drives real engagement. On a personal level, it gave me the confidence to step up, share ideas freely, and trust my instincts. The mentorship I received was eye-opening and actionable, and it has left me better prepared to navigate this industry. It’s not just about the skills learned, but also about the mindset shift it has created.
Do you now want to pursue a career in social advertising?
Absolutely! Before this programme, I had a strong interest in the creative industries, but my exposure to the day-to-day workings of social advertising was limited. Now, having experienced how creativity, strategy, and storytelling come together to build impactful campaigns, I’m more certain than ever that this is a field I want to grow in. The Upstarts programme has not only given me the tools to understand this world better but also the drive to actively seek opportunities in it. I can now clearly see myself contributing to campaigns that shape conversations, influence perceptions, and connect brands with people in meaningful ways.
What was your favourite part of the programme?
Meeting the industry specialists, learning about their backgrounds, hearing their experiences, and receiving valuable advice on how we, as the Next Gen, can shape our careers and accomplish our goals in the industry. This was followed by the Q&A segment, where we had the chance to ask as many questions as we wanted, something I found incredibly insightful and engaging.
The brainstorming and campaign development stages were one of my favourite parts as well. There’s something so thrilling about walking into a room with just a spark of an idea and leaving with a fully formed concept that has real potential. Those sessions brought out the best kind of collaboration, every voice mattered, and every suggestion helped shape the bigger picture. It was in those moments that you could truly see how creativity thrives when diverse perspectives come together. Watching an idea evolve through feedback, iteration, and teamwork was incredibly rewarding, and it gave me a taste of the creative process in its most authentic form.
Tiya Nayee
Why did you join the We Are Social Upstarts programme? I wanted to gain a clearer understanding of how an agency operates. I was curious to see where I’d fit within agency life and how my skills could contribute in a fast-paced, creative environment.
What has your experience been like? It’s been everything I hoped for and more. From day one, it was smooth and inspiring — I met brilliant people who not only shared their knowledge but also gave me advice and perspectives that I’ll carry with me as I grow in this industry.
How valuable has this experience been for you? It gave me real insight into agency life and answered so many of the questions I had before joining. Working on the client brief was a highlight, as it gave me the chance to dive deeper into research & insight and creative strategy — two areas I discovered a genuine passion for after spending the previous week learning from different departments.
Do you now want to pursue a career in social advertising? This experience has solidified my interest in pursuing a career in social advertising. The variety, creativity, and collaboration that agency life offers excites me, and I now feel more confident about the path I want to take.
What was your favourite part of the programme?
Without a doubt, pitching and presenting a social-first concept to a global music streaming brand. It was fast-paced, challenging, and collaborative — the kind of experience that really pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible.
