So much for graduates having no staying power.
There's a familiar narrative that graduates are constantly looking for their next move. And in the media industry, where changing agencies every couple of years is practically a rite of passage, staying put for a decade is pretty unusual.
But James isn't the exception at JAA.
We know other graduates who joined the agency around the same time, built their careers there and are still going strong. In the intervening years, there have been weddings, name changes, babies and plenty of promotions! But remarkably few changes of employer.
What's JAA putting in the water?
For James, the answer seems pretty straightforward.
On starting his career at JAA:
"The opportunities, culture and people! When I first started, I knew I'd found a great agency who would support my career progression, and it was clear from the offset how I could move forward in the world of media."
And ten years later, it's still the people who make the difference.
On what he enjoys most about his role today:
"The team I work with make coming into work something to look forward to. Alongside this, the social element of the job also means you always have opportunities to meet new people and go to exciting networking events."
It's a reminder that retaining great people isn't necessarily about elaborate perks or flashy benefits. Sometimes it's about giving ambitious people somewhere they genuinely enjoy working, with room to grow.
James's advice to anyone starting out in media?
"Always remain curious, show enthusiasm, and bring the energy to the workplace that you would want to see from others."
Ten years ago, we helped James get his foot in the door. Today, he's helping us open that same door for someone else.
Now that's a full-circle moment we love to see.
