Omnicom Media Group launches $3m program for career changers
In response to the ongoing talent drought, especially at mid-levels, Omnicom Media Group (OMG) has launched a $3m program designed to attract career changers to the media agency industry.
The announcement:
The program, to be called Kickstart@OMG, will provide successful applicants with all the training they require to successfully change occupations and start the journey towards building a fulfilling long-term career in media. OMG anticipates applicants will have a range of diverse backgrounds coming from areas such as finance, real estate, auditing and customer service.
The positions initially offered as part of the Kickstart@OMG program are all full-time paid positions offering a competitive salary designed to allow most applicants to change careers mid-stream.
Speaking about the new program, OMG CEO Peter Horgan said: “The media agency industry offers purposeful careers looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, influencing people, business, and the communities we live in. This new OMG initiative is all about welcoming people currently working in other industries to our industry, letting them know about the opportunities on offer and giving them all the support, they need to get started.”
The recruitment drive started on Thursday 1st September with advertising for the program to appear across a broad range of channels. Interested applicants will asked to register their interest at www.kickstart@omg.com.au. Applications will close on Sunday 2nd October with the program kicking off in early November.
It’s hoped that participants in the program will have a similar experience to Lucy Woodward, a planning manager at OMG media agency, Foundation:
“I made the switch from audit to media five years ago and haven’t looked back. I love the diversity and creativity in my role which has been made even more interesting with the variety of clients, co-workers & partners I’ve met along the way. I was surprised how many of my skills were transferrable and valued in media, so it felt like I wasn’t starting over.”
Kickstart@OMG will be headed up by Alanna Bowman, a former senior investment manager at PHD Sydney, the program will combine both theoretical learning presented by OMG specialists as well practical training on dedicated client teams like Telstra, Suncorp, Coles, Vic Gov, Unilever, VW, Asahi and ANZ Bank.
Participants will have the opportunity to specialise in one of many areas such as programmatic, media investment or media planning.
Alanna Bowman said: “There are so many people who start on a career path and after a few years realise they are unhappy. They are looking for a change but the prospect of starting over in a new field can be overwhelming. Kickstart@OMG has been designed to provide support, training and guidance to these people as they embark on their journey into Media. My hope is that media professionals will hear about Kickstart@OMG and recommend it to friends and family.”
Source: PHD
