Fostering learning and development is a core tenet of GALE, as illustrated by our investment in career coaches, internal training platforms, and more. One expression of this commitment is the GALE Development Program (GDP), a full-time, year-long paid opportunity offered to new graduates and career-changers. Designed to, among other benefits, cultivate talent, encourage continuous learning, and support career advancement within the organization, the GDP provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at a global, integrated agency. By collaborating with a team of mentors and exposing them to real, client-facing work, our GDP Associates develop the personal and professional skills needed to excel across Client Services, Paid Media, or Strategy.
In 2024, we welcomed eight GDP Associates, all of whom represented an array of backgrounds and were placed at several of our global offices. Unlike many introductory programs that train members with hypothetical assignments, the GDP places Associates on real clients teams. There, they dive into client work and learn from tenured mentors, building a foundation for a successful career in marketing.
As we gear up for our next class of GDP Associates, here’s a look at some of the experiences our current Associates have had and how the program set them up for success.
Opportunity to Experience a Business Agency
One of the biggest draws of the GDP is the opportunity to experience life inside a Business Agency. For many, it’s the first step in their career or an opportunity to pivot into a new one. For Marya, a Client Partner GDP Associate in Toronto, the program “provided an opportunity to leverage my skills in relationship-building, strategic thinking, and communication while expanding my expertise in marketing,” enabling her transition from a business development role to a marketing role. Similarly, Mahsa, a Strategy GDP Associate in Toronto, shared that she transitioned into a strategic role because the program enabled her to “gain exposure to high-level marketing strategy and decision-making.”
Hands-On Guidance & Working with Mentors
Mentorship is a cornerstone of the GDP–and life at GALE more broadly. Each Associate is paired with a mentor and career coach to help them navigate their roles and make meaningful contributions. Shizelle, a Client Partner GDP Associate in New York, noted “working closely with my mentors gave me the opportunity to experience the duality of interacting with clients and internal teams while helping me identify the skills I want to learn to be a great Client Partner.” In Toronto, Nick, a Strategy GDP Associate, emphasized how mentorship helped fuel his growth: “Through regular one-on-one meetings, my mentor has helped me identify my strengths and areas for development, offering strategies to enhance my skills and highlight my strengths.”
For mentors, the experience is just as rewarding. “As a GDP mentor, my role is to guide and support Associates in their professional development, helping them set career goals and build a strong portfolio,” shared Daniela, a mentor in New York. “The best part is watching their growth firsthand and learning from their fresh perspectives.”
Career-Development Opportunities
Beyond skill-building, the GDP helps Associates jump-start their careers by exposing them to the skills needed to succeed in a global agency like GALE. Raymond, a Client Partner GDP Associate in New York, shared that he’s “been able to delve into different parts of the advertising world and benefit from mentors who encourage me to explore as much as I can to shape my career path.” Olivia, a Paid Media GDP Associate in New York, echoed this sentiment: “I’ve been constantly learning, producing work I’m proud of, and growing into a role in Paid Media. I was encouraged to voice my interests and pursue growth both professionally and personally.”
Building a Robust Skillset
The GDP doesn’t just prepare Associates for their current roles, but for long-term success. By working with their client teams and mentors, Associates develop technical know-how while honing soft skills like communication and personal branding. Jenny, a Strategy GDP Associate in Toronto, highlighted the importance of self-advocacy and how the program has helped her grow her self-confidence: “Building relationships, establishing personal branding, and advocating for my growth and learning is just as important. Advocating for myself has led me to the projects and opportunities I wished for and has also helped me grow in self-awareness and confidence.” Alex, a Paid Media GDP Associate in Toronto, spoke to the importance of developing a well-rounded technical skillset: “The program provided a comprehensive understanding of paid media through an integrated approach, exposing me to various media domains, including SEO, search, social, and programmatic. This experience has equipped me with a well-rounded skillset, preparing me for a successful future in the field.”
