It’s tough breaking into the advertising industry. According to IAB Australia’s 2026 Digital Advertising and Ad Tech Industry Talent Review, entry-level positions accounted for just 1% of advertised vacancies in the sector, while 49% of open roles required more than six years’ experience.

That’s more than just a challenge for new talent. It’s also a growing challenge for an industry that relies on fresh perspectives, emerging talent and the development of future creative leaders.

For creative-founded indie, OUTSIDE IN, the solution started with something simple – making the experience and advice of established creative leaders more accessible to the people trying to follow in their footsteps. OUTSIDE IN has launched This Way In, a new initiative that offers anyone aspiring for a career, or beginning their career, the opportunity to book remote slots or desk space for free mentoring sessions with OUTSIDE IN founders, Grace Leat, Lucie de La Chaise, Jacque Kelly and creative partner, Wez Hawes.

Wez Hawes, creative partner at OUTSIDE IN, stated, “This Way In comes at a time when getting a foot in the door is becoming increasingly difficult for juniors. While agencies continue to seek experienced talent, fewer entry-level openings and opportunities are making it harder for younger talent to gain the experience they need to get started or move up the ladder.

“We can’t hire an army of juniors just yet, but we can offer access to the OUTSIDE IN leadership team who have ring-fenced this time to drop the ladder down to the next generation of creative leaders. The sessions are free, informal, and there’s no agenda whatsoever. It’s for anyone who wants a book crit, help with an idea, or honest advice, feedback and a better understanding of how to navigate the industry. I wanted to call it ‘Chatty Fridays’ but the team vetoed that name.”

There is no traditional application process or expectation that participants already have a polished portfolio. The idea is to make the industry a little less intimidating and a lot more accessible.

OUTSIDE IN founder, Lucie de La Chaise, added, “The industry’s got a bit of a chicken-and-egg problem. Everyone wants people with experience, but how are you supposed to get experience if nobody gives you a chance? There’s a huge amount of creative talent out there that hasn’t had the right introduction, the right advice or someone willing to give them half an hour. I know that feeling. When I moved to Australia, I didn’t know anyone in the industry. No network, no mates in agencies, no one to put in a good word.

“This Way In is about opening the door and giving people some honest advice to help them figure out their next move. If we can help even a handful of people find their way into this industry, it’ll all be worth it. It’s the kind of initiative I wish I’d had access to when I was starting out.”

The initiative reflects OUTSIDE IN’s POV that investing in the future of creativity doesn’t always have to mean a formal graduate program or a new recruitment budget. Sometimes it just starts with a chat. This Way In remote sessions and desk space will be available weekly, subject to availability, at outsidein.agency/this-way-in, where details and booking information may also be found.