Time for the industry to start doing things differently to recruit and retain staff: IMAA CEO
The Independent Media Agencies of Australia (IMAA) has launched a scope of initiatives, bidding to help develop the careers and learning of member agency staff amid the talent crisis.
The organisation’s recent Pulse Survey found that while 85% of independent media agencies will grow staff by up to 25% or more, more than half believe the quality and depth of the talent pool are still poor.
Sam Buchanan
IMAA CEO, Sam Buchanan, said that it’s time for the industry to start doing things differently to recruit and retain staff.
“These initiatives form part of our key mission to level the playing field for independent, Australian-owned agencies.
“Attracting and retaining talent is a critical part of an agency’s ability to compete and succeed and our programs are a valuable way to grow skills, knowledge, and personal and professional development.”
The initiatives include:
- A Learning Portal on IMAA’s website exclusive to members, offering a range of self-education programs via the IMAA YouTube channel and comprehensive training modules from the IMAA’s media partners, industry association resources, and the IMAA’s Insights & Innovations webinar recordings
- A Careers Board to help agencies promote their job vacancies
- IMAA’s booth at the Careers Fair at Advertising Week APAC, showcasing the sector, the opportunities available in the independent media agency sector and graduate programs in agencies
- Subsidies for 30 members who partake in the Leaders for Good DEI course
The IMAA has recently launched a formalised international inter-agency staff transfer program for members in conjunction with its global independent agency partner thenetworkone, allowing staff the same opportunities as their multinational agency counterparts to travel and work overseas.
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Darcy Song was a reporter at Mumbrella, covering media owners, adtech and social platforms. She left in October 2023.
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Working in startup land the disparity (commercially) between tech and adland has never been more obvious.
I don’t know how we solve it, but what’s obvious to me as an outsider is the commercial model of our industry makes it extremely challenging to attract and retain the best and brightest.
Big one to ponder…
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