IPG Joins Verizon in Expansion of adfellows Program

IPG is continuing its long-running partnership with Verizon to expand the adfellows program. This paid fellowship program, which began five years ago, is designed to address the diversity and inclusion talent gap in advertising and marketing by providing meaningful job experience and career acceleration opportunities to the next generation of diverse talent.

IPG joins other industry players to help scale the adfellows program to eight times its current size by 2026. The expansion of adfellows will open the program to an even broader pool of talent, and grow from supporting 30 fellows to 250 fellows per year. To date, the program has 136 adfellows alumni, a 98-percent placement rate into full-time positions, and 95-percent retention rate within the industry following program completion.

During the program, fellows cycle through a series of companies and marketing agencies over a nine-month period, trying out various roles in public relations, creative, media, and client-side brand marketing.

“Inclusion and equity are key elements of our culture, and we are proud to partner with Verizon and others across the industry on this expanded program, which can significantly broaden access and opportunity for young diverse talent. We also look forward to welcoming more adfellows and alumnae into our agencies, as an enhancement to all of the programs at IPG that support our talent and are delivering impact and positive change,” commented Philippe Krakowsky, Chief Executive Officer at IPG.

This year, Verizon is also providing an exciting experience to further accelerate the careers of outstanding adfellows alumni. Alumni can apply for the opportunity to attend the Cannes Lions festival in June 2022, to hear inspirational keynotes, shadow Verizon and partner executives, and network alongside some of the most influential leaders in today’s advertising and technology industries.

This partnership expands on IPG’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the advertising and marketing industry.