Meet Our Rising Stars: Introducing the S4 Fellows

Read more about Meet Our Rising Stars: Introducing the S4 Fellows

Meet Our Rising Stars: Introducing the S4 Fellows

Monks news Monks news 5 min read

The S4 Fellowship Program is a prestigious, two-year rotational experience designed to elevate outstanding graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). Rooted in a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion, this program offers hands-on career development in the advertising and marketing services industry with Monks, providing unparalleled opportunities to work alongside and learn from top professionals across various teams.

As S4 Fellows, we've had the unique privilege of rotating through different teams within the organization, gaining invaluable exposure to the diverse career paths available in the dynamic world of digital advertising and marketing. This experience has allowed us to connect directly with industry leaders, absorbing their expertise and gaining insights that are shaping the trajectory of our careers. The networking and mentorship opportunities have not only deepened our understanding of the industry but have also equipped us with the skills and confidence to pursue impactful careers. Collaborating across teams and exploring a wide range of possibilities has truly prepared us to emerge as the next generation of leaders in this ever-evolving field. Check out the landing page for more insights on the program here.

Now that you know more about the program, we’d love for you to get to know us better!

Behind the Voices: Introducing Our Fellows and Their Stories

Portrait of Aaliyah Hall, who is quoted: "I aspire to own a creative consulting firm dedicated to supporting small business owners and creatives." HBCU: Hampton University. Hometown: Detroit, MI. Area of study: Entrepreneurial Studies. Currently based: Detroit, MI

"Each opportunity I’ve received has shaped my professional journey and solidified my commitment to leveraging my skills in innovation and creativity to make a meaningful impact in any industry."

"Here’s my story, giving insight into the moments that have defined my path and purpose."

"Here’s my story of allowing my passion to be met with my purpose, fueling a journey riddled for success in the advertising arena."

Keep up with the S4 Fellowship Program!

Applications for the 2025 recruitment cycle have closed, but we encourage you to watch this space. Stay connected and informed by following our company’s social media platforms—your go-to hub for the latest updates, insights, and inspiring stories. In the meantime, you can learn more about the S4 Fellowship on our dedicated landing page.

Meet the S4 Fellows, their ambitious journeys on the path to transforming the industry, and how you can apply for the S4 Fellowship Program yourself. S4 fellowship S4Capital Fellowship Program cultural diversity Monks news

The S4 Fellowship Program: Empowering the Next Generation of Industry Leaders

Read more about The S4 Fellowship Program: Empowering the Next Generation of Industry Leaders

The S4 Fellowship Program: Empowering the Next Generation of Industry Leaders

DE&I DE&I, Monks news 3 min read

In the world of advertising, diversity in leadership and creative innovation is essential for shaping the experiences and narratives that resonate across society. However, this diversity has often been lacking, particularly in the voices driving groundbreaking campaigns and initiatives. To address this, we introduced the S4 Fellowship Program—a two-year immersive experience aimed at enhancing representation within the industry.

Who We Welcome

Our program has its roots in recruiting exceptional graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). While we maintain a strong commitment to HBCU graduates, we are thrilled to expand our reach to include graduates from other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). We are committed to providing opportunities for early-career professionals looking to grow their expertise and develop the skills needed to thrive in advertising and marketing.

The Fellowship Experience

The S4 Fellowship Program is an immersive journey that accelerates professional growth through hands-on experience and mentorship. Fellows rotate across various teams, gaining exposure to different areas of marketing, creative, and technology services. They collaborate on major projects, work closely with industry professionals, and receive structured training to build a strong foundation for their careers. This approach ensures that each Fellow gains a comprehensive understanding of the business and its evolving landscape.

What it Means to Be a Fellow

Being a Fellow is similar to an apprenticeship—an opportunity for recent graduates and early-career professionals to gain full-time, entry-level experience while engaging in a structured development program. Fellows take on meaningful work across critical projects, client initiatives, campaigns, and productions, ensuring that their experience is dynamic, comprehensive, and impactful. While every Fellow’s journey is unique, the program is designed to provide a deep understanding of the evolving industry landscape.

Our Mission

The S4 Fellowship Program is committed to developing highly skilled, ambitious professionals who are ready to take on leadership roles in the industry. With a strong focus on innovation, problem-solving, and career development, the program offers extensive training, hands-on learning, and mentorship to set Fellows up for long-term success. Whether they continue their careers within our company or explore new opportunities, Fellows leave the program with the expertise and confidence to make a lasting impact in the field.

Exploring the Digital Advertising and Marketing Landscape

Throughout the program, Fellows will gain hands-on experience in key areas of digital advertising and marketing, developing a strong understanding of industry trends and brand strategies. The program is structured around four six-month rotations, allowing Fellows to work across various departments within marketing and technology services. These rotations are designed to align with business needs while providing exposure to different aspects of the industry.

Comprehensive Industry Experience

Monks offers a full range of marketing and technology services across eight core capabilities. The Fellowship program is designed to provide early-career professionals with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities needed to build a strong foundation in the industry. By working alongside experienced professionals, Fellows will gain valuable insights and practical skills that prepare them for long-term success in the field.

A Culture of Growth and Development

As Monks continues to evolve, so do our Fellows. The S4 Fellowship Program creates an environment where participants can grow, learn, and contribute meaningfully to the company’s success. Every rotation is thoughtfully structured to provide real-world experience and professional development opportunities. Fellows will collaborate with industry experts, take on impactful projects, and develop the skills needed to navigate the ever-changing advertising and marketing landscape.

Building the Future of Advertising

The goal of the program is to equip Fellows with the experience and knowledge to become future leaders in advertising and marketing. By working on innovative projects and engaging in continuous learning, Fellows will leave the program prepared to make meaningful contributions to the industry. Whether continuing their careers at Monks or pursuing new opportunities, they will be well-equipped to drive success and innovation in the field.

Stay Connected and Informed

To stay informed and never miss a beat, be sure to follow our company’s social media pages, where we’ll be sharing the latest updates and important information. If you have any questions or are interested in receiving updates about the S4 Fellowship Program in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Fellowship@mediamonks.com!

Note: Duration of the fellowship may be subject to change at Monks' sole discretion, and is not a guaranteed term of employment.

Learn about S4 Fellowship, its goal to cultivate exceptionally talented and ambitious early-career professionals, and how you can apply. S4 Capital S4 fellowship HBCUs immersive learning Monks news DE&I

Wesley ter Haar: What to Expect from the S4 Fellowship Program

Read more about Wesley ter Haar: What to Expect from the S4 Fellowship Program

Wesley ter Haar: What to Expect from the S4 Fellowship Program

3 min read

We understand that the power of creativity is amplified by diversity of background and thought. Still, the technology field historically lacks the diversity needed for true innovation–a problem that’s compounded by the impact that digital has on all aspects of our lives, ranging from education to work to socialization and more.

That’s why we’ve built the S4Capital Fellowship Program, which aims to mitigate these challenges by empowering young, exceptional students from traditionally underrepresented communities to leave their own mark in shaping the path of technological innovation–interested candidates can apply now. To better understand the program’s significance, we checked in with MediaMonks Founder Wesley ter Haar, who is one of the S4 leaders that Fellows can expect to apprentice with.

What’s the S4 story to you, and why do you personally care about what we do?

I personally care about S4 being a platform to innovate, which spans the work our industry creates and produces, the way the work is done and delivered, and who does the work and where. Each of these fuels the excitement and energy of our team culture. There are few opportunities where you’re offered a platform to make real, lasting and meaningful impact on an industry you love, and that’s S4 to me.

What’s the fellowship story, and how did it come about?

It’s really a continuation of Sir Martin’s career; he knows better than most about what it means to break into an industry as an outsider, and how important it is to create opportunities. He made them for himself, he made them for others at scale throughout his career, and I’m proud to see that focus continue at S4. It’s a doubling down on our promise and pledge on diversity, equity and inclusion, and I’m excited to see the careers that will launch at S4–and hope to see the program continue to grow!

Why is the fellowship important to you, and what will your contribution be?

I hope I can be a useful mentor, first and foremost, and give people a strong start that gets them excited by our industry–which, for all its faults and foibles, can create amazing opportunities. That’s important, because our core promise to our people and clients is that our teams are a reflection of the communities we work in, and the end-consumers that we’re trying to reach.

What should the fellows expect?

The access to senior leadership as well as our agility as an organization means you can be anyone, and you can be anywhere–but you can’t stand still.

What do you want the Fellows’ impact to be on the company and its clients?

I want our fellows to become the future CMOs of our clients! But just so we’re clear here: we want to be an open door for more diverse talent to join an industry that has historically been exclusive to so many. I expect we’ll have some very impressive Fellows joining the team, and I’m excited to see how they will influence our work as well as our ways of working.

For the start of the S4Capital Fellowship Program, we’re seeking U.S. graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities who boldly question the status quo and rip up the rulebook when confronted with challenges, using creativity and analysis to launch new ways of thinking, working and doing. If you’re energized by a passion to build on the foundation of a new era, we encourage you to apply.

Are you ready to launch a career that pushes the industry forward?

Apply for the S4Capital Fellowship Program today

The MediaMonks Founder shares what the S4 Fellowship Program means to him, and the impact he hopes it will make in Fellows' careers and the industry as a whole. Wesley ter Haar: What to Expect from the S4 Fellowship Program The MediaMonks Founder shares what the S4 Fellowship Program means to him, and the impact he hopes it makes in Fellows’ careers and the industry as a whole.
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