The Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast recently interviewed Amy Carton, Associate Director of Early Talent Development at Ogilvy, to dive into the 2025 Ogilvy Residency Program. Amy shared exclusive insights about the application process, her own journey through the program, and advice for aspiring advertisers. With thousands of submissions expected, this podcast might help you gain a competitive edge.
What is the Ogilvy Residency Program?
The Ogilvy Residency is a 12-15 month rotational career accelerator for individuals with 0-1 years of professional experience. The program offers participants full-time, salaried roles and exposure to two tracks:
Business Track: Areas include account management, project management, PR, and new business.
Strategy Track: Focuses on brand planning, CRM strategy, social strategy, and media connections.
Participants rotate across disciplines, gaining hands-on experience and building industry knowledge. While a job placement isn’t guaranteed, Ogilvy boasts a 90%+ conversion rate for residents moving into full-time roles.
Applications close January 3, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. With offices in New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Denver, residents must live within commuting distance of their chosen location.
Why Listen to Amy Carton?
Amy’s experience is a masterclass in breaking into advertising. As a graduate of the Ogilvy Associates Program (now the Residency), she climbed the ranks to lead Ogilvy’s early talent development initiatives across North America. Amy has spent her career designing and managing programs to nurture the next generation of advertising professionals.
With her unique perspective as both a former participant and current program leader, Amy’s advice is essential for anyone looking to stand out in this competitive process.
A Note for Creatives
The residency program isn't for you if you’re an aspiring copywriter or art director. Instead, consider applying for Ogilvy’s summer internship program or entry-level creative positions, which are designed specifically for those looking to break into creative roles. The residency focuses on business and strategy tracks, not creative disciplines.
Secrets Unlocked: How to Ace the Application
1. Key Advice
Invest in the Creative Prompts
Ogilvy’s reviewers care most about the essay and creative prompts. Geno recommends leveraging your campus resources to add production value if you choose to submit a video for the second prompt. Cameras, lights, mics, etc.
“Find a team to help. Your campus library probably has film equipment or editing software you can use to take your submission to the next level.”
Strategic Preparation is Key
Geno invoked Abraham Lincoln’s advice:
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
Plan your application strategy and execution meticulously. Since Ogilvy doesn’t review applications on a rolling basis, take all the time you need to refine your submission and submit only when it’s polished.
2. Nail the Creative Prompts
The application features two prompts designed to reveal your creativity and personality:
Prompt 1: “If your working style had a soundtrack, what would it be? Describe it in 500 words or less.”
Prompt 2: “You’re tasked with creating a time capsule that captures the essence of you. What three objects, ideas, or artifacts do you include and why?”
Tips from Amy :
Be authentic and personal.
For Prompt 2, consider using a creative medium like a video or collage to stand out.
Amy emphasized, “There’s no right answer. Just show us you.”
3. Don’t Submit a Cover Letter
Amy advised against submitting a cover letter. Focus your energy on crafting compelling responses to the prompts instead. They don’t have the time to read all those cover letters.
4. Proofread Everything
Typos or grammar mistakes can undermine your application. Double-check every detail before hitting submit.
5. Be Strategic About Networking
While reaching out to Ogilvy employees on LinkedIn can provide insights, Geno suggests limiting your outreach:
Send 1-3 intentional emails to connections you’ve already established.
Avoid mass networking efforts. As Amy noted, Ogilvy’s process is designed to minimize bias, so referrals won’t necessarily boost your chances.
6. Understand Super Saturday
If you advance in the application process, you’ll attend Super Saturday, a final in-person assessment day in New York.
The day kicks off with a Friday dinner hosted by Ogilvy executives and involves group activities and unconventional interview scenarios.
Amy’s tips for Super Saturday:
Dress business casual.
Showcase your collaboration and presentation skills.
“There’s no way to prepare — just lean in and trust the process.”
One Step at a Time
With thousands of applications expected, Amy and Geno agree: Focus on what you can control.
Craft a thoughtful, creative application.
Take your time. Use the full window before the January 3rd deadline to sharpen your submission.
Once submitted, trust the process.
As Geno said, “All you can do now is focus on your initial application. The rest is likely out of your control.”
Ready to apply? Visit Ogilvy Early Careers for more information. Best of luck!
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