Author: Linda

We might be talking about it a lot but we believe investing in the future of media talent is the best way to stay on top of a changing media landscape. Our Entry to Media Programme is officially in full swing, and we are loving every minute! 

So, here’s a reminder of what it is! 

Think of this programme as the ultimate bridge. We connect ambitious, entry-level talent, from fresh graduates to bold career-changers from all backgrounds with top-tier organisations across media, marketing and advertising. 

It’s not just about filling a seat. Candidates land real, paid roles and receive a year of structured training and mentorship to ensure they don’t just “start” a job, they thrive in it and learn more about the industry as a whole. 

So, what have we been up to?

Our latest cohort has been busy soaking up wisdom from some of the best in the business. 

Masterclass with Mairéad Kearns: The legendary Mairéad shared her 25+ years of leadership experience, teaching our group that trust and reputation are the real “secret sauce” of a long-term media career. 

Masterclass with David Cochrane: David (Business Intelligence & AI Director at The Business Post) took us on a deep dive into how Data and AI is reshaping journalism and audience trust. 

Winning Words with Des Doris: We got the inside track on how to craft a media award entry that actually stands out from the pile

Coming Up Next: We are buzzing for a Masterclass session with with Core’s Group Strategy Director, Andy Pierce. Our wonderful mentors are working away too!

Every person in the programme is matched with an industry mentor for their first year. These legends provide a “safe space” for career advice and industry navigation. A huge thank you to our  mentors representing the full spectrum of the industry:

• • The Agencies: Eiméar Ryan (OMG) and Manuel Yoacham (formerly WPP). 
  • The Media Owners: Dave O’Brien (Bauer Media)
  • The Data Whizzes: Christine Matthews (Kantar).

Want to Help Shape the Next Generation?

We’re looking for more forward-thinking companies to join us. By partnering with the Entry to Media Programme, you get:

• Job-ready talent who have already been screened for cultural fit and digital literacy. 
• Reduced hiring risk through our structured support during those tricky first few months. 
• A serious boost to your brand reputation as an inclusive employer who actually invests in diverse talent. 

Ready to find your next star? Drop a line to our Programme Director, Linda Healy, at linda@thinkdifferently.ie or visit thinkdifferently.ie. Let’s build the future of Irish media together! 

We are all talk here at Think Differently about mentorship lately. That’s because it plays a big part in our Entry to Media Programme, our own career and life journeys, and the media industry as a whole. So why does it matter?

Most careers don’t follow a straight line. They stall, accelerate unexpectedly and occasionally take a turn you didn’t expect. While obviously ambition and hard work are essential, are they enough on their own? This is where we suggest that mentorship can make a difference.

We recently ran a poll on our Think Differently Business page asking: Where do you think mentorship creates the most long-term value? The options were Leadership Growth, Faster Career Progression, Better Decision-Making and Personal Fulfilment. One comment really stood out: “I wish there was an option for all of the above!” Honestly? We agreed. Because the truth is, what you gain from mentorship can’t be something Googled or… Chat GPT’d! (We’re millennials, but we’re trying, okay?)

Leadership growth is often the most obvious benefit. Great mentors don’t just teach you how to do the job, they show you how to be a leader. You see how they handle challenges, communicate when things get tough and own their mistakes. That kind of real-world example sticks with you.

When it comes to faster career progression, mentorship isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about having someone help you make sense of the road ahead. A mentor can spot opportunities you might miss, help you avoid a few wrong turns and give you the confidence to take the next step. That simple “you’re ready” at the right moment? Our CEO knows just how powerful that can be from her own experience. And here we are now.

Better decision-making is another big plus. Early in your career, even small choices can feel overwhelming. Mentors bring experience and perspective. They won’t tell you what to do, but they’ll help you think things through, see the bigger picture and learn from mistakes without letting them knock your confidence.

And then there’s personal fulfilment, which often gets overlooked. Mentorship isn’t just about careers, it’s about people. Feeling supported and encouraged can build confidence that carries into every part of your life. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. And some (in this company) would argue this is the most important part of all.

So yes, we wish “all of the above” had been an option too. Because mentorship isn’t just one thing – it supports growth in lots of different ways. And in an industry built on relationships and creativity, that kind of support really matters.

Our Entry to Media Programme is underway with industry mentorship playing a key role. Please reach out to entrytomedia@thinkdifferently.ie if you would like to get involved.

Trust is the foundation of every strong media partnership. Across newsrooms, agencies, production companies, creative studios and digital-first brands, the industry depends on genuine relationships. When organisations search for talent, they are not only filling roles. They are placing trust in partners who understand the pace, the culture and the personality of a close-knit media world.

Media is an industry where reputation moves quickly, and networks run deep. Employers want partners who understand their goals, values and team dynamics. Candidates want honest guidance and real support.

With trust, recruitment becomes more than matching a CV to a job. It becomes a relationship that strengthens teams and supports long-term growth.

We LOVE to talk about ATS Systems at Think Differently! They have their place but PEOPLE build trust

AI tools continue to evolve, helping improve searches, manage volume, and streamline processes. ATS systems also play a massive role in managing applications and keeping workflows organised.

But technology cannot replace trust.

Behind every CV is a person with ambition, personality and potential. Behind every hire is a team with its own rhythm, culture and creative style. Understanding these human elements takes conversation, insight and empathy. It comes from real industry experience, not algorithms.

AI can support the search. Trust shapes the outcome.

What builds trust with a recruitment partner?

Deep industry understanding
Media moves quickly. Trust grows when recruiters understand content, creative, digital, advertising, PR, technology and emerging trends, with confidence and clarity.

Clear and honest communication
Straight talking matters. Trust builds when recruiters offer open feedback on roles, expectations and market conditions.

A people-first mindset
Candidates trust agencies that see their full potential, not just their paperwork. Coaching, preparation and genuine care make a real difference.

Consistency and integrity
Irish Media is close-knit. Confidentiality, fairness and reliability earn long-lasting respect.

Trust connects the right people with the right opportunities. It speeds up hiring, strengthens performance and builds confidence for everyone involved.

At Think Differently, we understand the media and marketing landscape at every level. Our deep sector knowledge helps us connect top talent with roles across advertising, marketing, PR, creative, ecommerce, technology, digital and social media. We bring over 35 years of combined media and marketing experience. Together, we combine industry insight, strong relationships and a commitment to inclusive, people-first hiring.

Media is our home, talent is our passion and creating impact together is our goal.