Why the narrow path for junior creatives into the ad industry is impacting diversity
The advertising industry has found itself on a pedestal as roles for entry-level creatives appear few and far between, creating a backlog of talent trying to find their way in. Agencies have fallen back on hiring through knowing someone, that knows someone; and the influence of having AWARD School on a resume is narrowing the field of potential talent to be recruited. What this equates to then is a question of diversity in the industry.
Mumbrella’s Zoe Wilkinson shares the experiences of junior creatives trying to break in, and examines the leaders’ view on diversity and recruitment to uncover the challenges the industry is facing, raising the question – where to from here?
There is a unique community within the creative industry of talent trying to find their way in. Unique, because it’s the only level that there is an oversupply of candidates, knocking down the door for work. Yet, there are a very limited number of roles available and the industry is very selective on who they let in.
Almost too selective.
Despite some programs in place which create opportunities for candidates from all walks of life, there is preference placed on pathways such as The Australasian Writers and Art Directors (AWARD) School or the classic, someone to refer you, when it comes to joining an agency. As a result, this community of talent is being narrowed down even further to an ‘exclusive club’ of people who got in. And this is impacting diversity.
“I don’t know if agencies are actively trying to look for diverse voices,” says junior art director Daniel Li, who along with his creative partner Mitch (Mitt) Taylor are on the brink of breaking in.
