Kinase offers industry leading training to all new starters. We spoke to our recent trainees to get a sense of the Kinase Academy through their eyes.

Stepping into the world of digital marketing can feel overwhelming. But at Kinase, every new trainee starts with a significant advantage: The Kinase Academy. Renowned as the most comprehensive training program in the industry, Kinase doesn’t just teach the basics; it combines theoretical learning with hands-on experience in Paid Search, Shopping, Analytics, and Paid Social.

Beyond just technical skills, the Kinase Academy is about building confidence, curiosity, and a culture of continuous learning. Guided by industry veterans, trainees don’t just learn the ‘what’; they understand the ‘why’ behind every strategy and decision.

So what’s it really like to go through the Academy? We asked a recent cohort to reflect on their experiences. Whether you’re considering joining Kinase or simply curious about how top-tier digital marketing training works, here’s an inside look at the Academy through the eyes of those who’ve been there.

Getting to Know the Cohort

The trainees' personalities shone through when we asked them about their recently acquired digital marketing superpowers. While some wished for technical shortcuts, like Bhuvan’s dream to speed up MMM processing or Billy’s wish for Excel wizardry, others embraced the creative side, like Ellen, who joked about generating the perfect ad creative in seconds.

Of course, no amount of superpowers could save them from the inevitable learning curve of industry jargon. Acronyms were a shared struggle. Lucy admitted CPA had her stumped at first, while Ellen found herself Googling “SQR” more than once. But with time, TLAs became second nature.

And if you’re wondering what the training sessions were really like, here’s a clue. Three trainees, completely unaware of each other’s responses, all awarded themselves for asking the most questions. Bhuvan claimed the title for “Most Questions Asked Within a Training Session,” Ellen upped the ante with “Most Questions Asked in an Hour,” and Mahed proudly declared himself the master of “Asking Questions and Changing Topics to Go Off on a Tangent.” Safe to say, there was never a quiet moment.

The Kinase Academy Experience

For many trainees, the structured Academy made the leap from university to professional life far less daunting. With expert-led sessions and a clear learning path, they could build confidence before stepping into client work. “It gave me the chance to learn and develop before being expected to perform at a high level,” Bhuvan shared. For Lucy, who started with little PPC knowledge, the structured sessions were invaluable. “It showed me that Kinase truly invests in developing its people.”

Most Valuable Lessons

From PPC fundamentals to analytics, every trainee had key takeaways. Lucy’s biggest breakthrough? Excel. “Before, I barely used it—now, I can navigate formulas and functions with confidence.” Beyond technical skills, critical thinking was a major focus. Billy learned that “sense-checking became one of the most important habits I developed.” Bhuvan’s biggest lesson was understanding account structure, which proved essential in his Tech role.

From Training to Real Client Work

Nothing beats real experience working as part of an account team, but the Academy ensured a smooth transition. Instead of just executing tasks, trainees understood the why behind every decision. Sammie found this eye-opening: “I wasn’t just doing tasks—I saw how our work drives results.” Billy, meanwhile, had a mindset shift on client relationships. “At first, I thought we had to do whatever the client asked immediately. Training taught us to manage expectations, prioritise, and push back when needed.”

More than just a training program, the Kinase Academy builds skills, confidence, and strategic thinking, setting trainees up to make a real impact.

From Learning to Doing

The Kinase Academy isn’t just about learning. It’s about applying that knowledge in real-world scenarios. From day one, trainees balance structured sessions with hands-on tasks, making the transition from theory to execution seamless.

Training weeks are designed to bridge learning and doing, with key concepts followed by independent tasks and detailed feedback. “We’d go through the material, then tackle a task before reviewing it together,” Ellen explained. “The feedback made all the difference.”

This hands-on approach builds confidence fast. “One day, you’re learning about account structure, the next, you’re applying it to client work,” Billy shared. And no one is left to figure things out alone—“I always felt comfortable asking questions, not just in training but on real projects,” Mahed noted.

By the time trainees step into their roles, they’re not just prepared, they’re ready to contribute.

Advice for Future Trainees

Starting at Kinase can feel like diving into the deep end of digital marketing, but past trainees agree—the Academy sets you up for success. Their advice? Make the most of it.

Take notes and ask questions. “The sessions are packed with valuable insights, and writing things down helps you absorb more,” Bhuvan advised. “And don’t hold back on asking questions—Chris loves them, and they spark great discussions.”

Get involved, even when it feels daunting. Volunteering for tasks during training might feel intimidating, but it’s the best way to learn. “It’s nerve-wracking at first, but doing things hands-on with guidance makes a huge difference,” Bhuvan shared.

Trust the process. Even those with no prior marketing experience found that by the end of the Academy, things clicked into place. As Mahed put it, “If you’re new to marketing, don’t worry—it all starts to make sense, and you’ll get there.”

The Kinase Academy is designed to challenge and develop new talent. Embrace the experience, stay curious, and take advantage of the knowledge around you.