Recently, one of our founders had the privilege of taking part in the Creative Mentor Network programme, in partnership with Soho House. Over the course of 16 weeks, she was paired with Daisy, a marketing student at Oxford Brookes with a clear ambition to gain hands-on experience, build her network and better understand her future career path.
What stood out immediately was Daisy’s energy - curious, proactive and refreshingly self-aware. But what followed was a powerful reminder that mentorship is far from a one-way street.
Mentorship isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about providing a framework, sharing perspective, and showing up with a genuine willingness to help. In reality, it’s not just a “feel-good” initiative, it’s a leadership tool. One that challenges your own thinking just as much as it supports someone else’s growth.
Alongside this, we were delighted to host Daisy for in-office work experience at Bain and Gray, giving her a real insight into the day-to-day of marketing within a fast-paced, creative environment.
Her reflections say it best:
“My time at Bain & Gray showed me how creativity, strategy and communication work together to build a strong brand and connect people with opportunities.”
During her time with us, Daisy immersed herself in everything from content creation and social media strategy to trend research and campaign planning. She captured and created visual content, developed ideas for reels and templates, and explored how brands build engagement across platforms. More importantly, she experienced first-hand how ideas evolve, from concept to execution.
“I developed practical skills using creative tools while also learning how strategy and planning play an important role in digital marketing.”
It’s this combination of exposure and experience that can make all the difference early in a career.
And here’s the part many businesses overlook, in the UK, students are able to undertake up to two weeks of unpaid work experience each year. It’s a simple, accessible way to offer real-world insight, build confidence, and help young people strengthen their CVs at a time when it matters most.
For businesses, the investment is small. The impact is not.
The programme concluded with an inspiring showcase, where mentees shared their journeys, progress and ambitions. It was a powerful moment, not just for them, but for everyone involved. If you’re in a position to offer guidance, experience or even just a glimpse into your world of work, it’s worth doing.
You may be shaping someone’s future, and, unexpectedly, your own perspective too.
