Mind the Gap, No More
Whether you’ve taken a career break to go travelling, care for loved ones, or even after having kids, if you’re ready to come back into the industry, then now is the time to do so.
Lately there’s been a lot of talk about the benefits of gender diversity, getting more creative women to the top and most recently, what the industry is calling ‘returners’, those who have taken an extended career break, for whatever reason, and who are now keen to get back into the industry.
With Sapient Nitro looking to address the problem with the launch of its “Returnship” pilot program, a 10-week paid program for those looking to re-enter the workforce following an absence. And others offering ‘term time’ jobs, plus many more companies starting their own initiatives it is apparent that returners are well on their way to a warmer welcome back into the advertising industry.
And why wouldn’t they be? Creatives who have had career breaks due to having kids are a serious asset to the industry. They, as does anyone, who’s had a career break of any kind, bring that real-life experience, which is simply priceless. They will often approach a brief in a fresh way and with experienced insights. This is exactly what the ad industry needs, fresh, real comms that will speak to their target audience truthfully.
When you get stuck on anything, the best thing to do is to take a break from it and come back to it with a fresh head.
For example, the world famous TV program, Come dine with me, was conceived by a women whilst on maternity leave. When she came back to work she shared her idea and well, let’s just say she’s dining out on that one!
I embrace all of these initiatives, and I am excited to see that action is taking place over words. And I want to be part of this movement.
With our latest initiative, Work Sisters, we actively help women succeed in the creative industry, through career advice and our support programme. We have collaborated with Creative Equals, who are the gender equality kite mark of the industry – committed to creating more pathways to success for female creatives. And as their ‘RETURN’ partner, we will help women to come back into the industry after a career break and find them a job that they love.
I myself left the industry when I felt I had a lack of support whilst going through a somewhat tricky time. So all of these initiatives are really ticking a personal box for me that make me excited about the industry and the direction it’s heading.
Due to go on maternity leave myself, and therefore a possible future ‘returner’, it’s very encouraging to be leaving, knowing that the industry is heading in such a positive direction.
So, if you’re ready to come back into this progressive industry with your career-ground-breaking ideas. Then we’d love to have you back.
