Customer experience (CX) agency Lavender has kicked off its search for the CX stars of the future with the launch of the 2018 Genus Graduate Program.

Now in its third year, the successful graduate program offers permanent full-time positions and a generous starting salary to bright and ambitious graduates interested in a career in marketing and communications. Applications close on Monday 18 September.

Lavender recruited five graduates in the 2016 Genus intake and six in 2017, with 10 of the 11 still employed by the agency.

This year, Lavender is offering up to eight graduates the opportunity to work across different parts of the business, from account management to strategy, design and experience design, as well as data and technology, in the agency’s Sydney and Melbourne offices.

Genus applicants undergo a rigorous interview process, which helps Lavender identify their strengths and which roles they will thrive in best.

Following an initial interview, shortlisted candidates respond to a client brief and meet the Lavender team at Friday drinks for a culture sense-check before the final six are selected.

The grads are screened, interviewed and selected by the agency’s head of talent, Tess Lavender, as well as the Genus grads from the previous years (pictured above).

“In an industry with a very real skills shortage, we often struggle to find people with CX experience and a collaborative focus, but we can grow them,” Lavender said.

“Our 10 Genus graduates so far have become invaluable and loyal members of the team in a short period of time, and we can’t imagine the agency without them.

“Our focus at Lavender since the agency first opened its doors has been to put people first. The Genus Graduate Program is the embodiment of this strategy, and is an integral part of Lavender’s commitment to investing in our industry’s future leaders.”

To recruit candidates, 2016 and 2017 Genus Grads will visit lecture theatres to talk about life as a grad at Lavender, the agency’s culture and the industry as a whole.

A university-focused campaign will drive interested grads to the dedicated Genus Graduate Program responsive website (with mobile and tablet versions) where they can watch a video outlining the benefits of the program and then apply online.

As paid full-time employees from January next year, all Genus 2018 grads will have access to Lavender masterclasses led by internal and external industry experts, as well as industry courses paid for by the agency.

After six months of employment, they will be rewarded with a 10 per cent pay rise.