Finding small, consistent ways to support yourself and your mental health in the workplace is really important. To mark #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, we have collated some tips you can implement into your daily routine and resources of where to turn when things get tough.

We know this might sound obvious, but getting outside, taking a screen break, making a cuppa, chatting to a colleague or simply taking a few deep breaths is something lots of us don’t do enough of and it’s vital for de-stressing!

If you struggle with finding the time to take a break, you can test out using The Pomodoro Technique – which involves typically doing 25-minute stretches of focused work broken by five-minute breaks.

Wellness Action Plans are a personalised, practical tool everyone can use in the workplace. They provide an opportunity to share any mental or physical health issues you may have or share generally what negatively and positively impacts your mental health with your manager.

Together, you can share and discuss strategies that help your mental health. The plan should be reviewed and updated regularly. Find out more about Wellness Action Plans via Mind.

If possible, separating your workspace and living space can be useful in establishing boundaries between your personal life and your professional life.

Also, if you regularly work from home, you can make a request for equipment that helps create a safe working environment, such as a desk chair or a second screen.

Creative Access staff like to start or end their day with a brief walk to clear their head and have some fresh air – like a mini commute to get in to (or out of) the zone!

If it won’t affect your calls/meetings, you can work in a coffee shop or co-working space for a change of scenery. Or, call a work buddy to body double virtually or in-person!

This one is especially important for all the freelancers out there!

Many freelancers feel the pressure to say yes to work due to fears around financial security, however taking on too much work without real breaks can lead to burnout.

Learn how to say no to jobs when you need to take time to recharge your batteries.

Professional communities create spaces where people feel seen, heard and understood. This sense of belonging creates space for open conversations and helps reduce feelings of isolation.

Professional networks also often run events, socials or workshops that give you a chance to unwind and talk about more than deadlines.

Creative Access holds regular training sessions for our team on mental health and other key topics, so that everyone feels confident in talking about and handling sensitive topics and issues in the workplace.

These are the same sessions we offer as open workshops and bespoke training for our employer partners.

If you’re struggling to cope with feelings of anxiety and stress, please speak to your doctor or NHS 111. Many GPs are offering telephone consultations.

For urgent support, Samaritans are also here to listen at any time, day or night. Call free on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website.

Anxiety UK also have a helpline staffed by volunteers with personal experience of anxiety so you will be speaking with someone who has been there. Call them on 08444 775 774 (Monday – Friday: 9.30am – 5.30pm).

Local Minds offers valuable support for yourself and if you’re supporting someone else experiencing difficulties with mental health.

Body-doubling, regular breaks and reciprocal mentoring: How publishers can support neurodivergent staff to thrive. By Melina Spanoudi

Clinical psychologist and Creative Access trainer Victoria Mattison shares further insights on how employers can create supportive environments for autistic staff, as well as individuals with ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. 

You can read the article here.

Mary Stone, Arts Professional, reports on, ‘Privately educated hold top jobs at third of highest-funded NPOs’ and quotes Creative Access CEO, Mel Rodrigues.

‘In response to Sutton Trust’s report, Melanie Rodrigues, CEO of Creative Access, previously said: “Addressing socio-economic barriers is a complex task, but it is business critical to nurture and progress talent from all backgrounds.

“There is a huge risk that the creative industries will lose what makes us great if we don’t embrace the myriad of stories and experiences that make up the society we live in – and that can only be achieved via a diverse and representative workforce.”’

Read the full article.

It was a lively and informative Creative Access virtual masterclass, bringing together aspiring, junior and mid-level creatives from across the UK. Chaired by our marketing & communications manager, Rochelle Chinn, the panel featured seasoned industry pros at various career stages in music, PR, TV & film, and comms. They explored how to overcome geographical barriers in the London-centric creative industries, covering everything from how to find opportunities to the importance of networking in a shifting creative landscape! 

Read on for invaluable insights on building a thriving creative career outside of London… 

The panel: 

• Rochelle Chinn, marketing & comms manager, Creative Access 

• Ash Sodawala, account exec, Citypress 

• Luke Oliveira-Davies, creative producer & founder, Polari 

• Will Marshall, freelance composer 

The biggest misconception about a creative career outside of London is that it’s not possible to have one! There’s thriving scenes and hubs all over the UK, particularly in cities like Manchester, where Ash grew up, studied and now works thanks to Citypress locating its headquarters there.  

An excellent way to virtually network is through WhatsApp groups. Luke says, “I know they can be overwhelming for some people and for that reason I do have them all muted, but I browse in my own time. Look at what people are talking about and engage when you can.” 

Be prepared to impress someone with a great portfolio. Will recommends showcasing your best work on a website through SquareSpace or WordPress – and Instagram is great too. And, if you haven’t got any professional experience to showcase yet, just showcase work you’ve done voluntarily, at college, university or passion projects. 

Will’s top tip for perfecting your portfolio is get someone who knows you and your work to give you feedback.  

Your regional location can be an advantage if you use your lived experience to enhance your work. Ash says, “Growing up in Manchester and going to university here makes me an expert of the area, which I use all the time when I’m advising my clients on the cultural landscape and what will land.” 

Increase your chance of success with cold emailing by making it warm. Rochelle says, “When you’re reaching out to someone and asking for their time, be specific with what you’re looking for. Instead of saying ‘Can I pick your brains?’ Say ‘I loved your work on this campaign and would love to learn more about how you did it.’” 

When opportunities in your career are scarce, don’t wait for one, go create one, Will says. And if you’re not yet comfortable getting yourself out there, acknowledge that self-promotion is a skill within itself, and it’s something you can practise. 

If you’re feeling uninspired where you are, Luke advises listening to podcasts on how people built their careers, attending online events, and watching videos of masterclasses. This way you can connect with peers online who you can talk about your craft with. Rochelle echoed this, saying it’s important to consume other mediums outside your craft to find inspiration. As a writer, she finds films the most inspiring way to get her to pick up the pen. 

If you’re having trouble staying motivated when you’re receiving rejections, keep going. Know that you are improving all the time, and with enough practise you’re going to be the best version of yourself in an interview. 

Something you may be surprised by is that you might not end up in the career you thought you would be in. You’ll have more success if you stay open to alternative routes or even industries. Ash originally wanted to get into the publishing industry, and thought PR would be a good way to sidestep, but now, really sees herself building a career in PR. 

A very transferable retail skill for the TV & film industry is confidence. Luke says, “I gained more skills working in Wetherspoons and River Island that I bring to the TV industry than I got in my degree. Working in TV is all about people, and being adaptable, so retail is a brilliant place to start.”  

One common mistake that entry-level individuals make is basing where they live entirely on their career prospects, with the assumption they will only get a role there. Ash advised thinking about where you want to live, finding out what’s going on locally and focusing on establishing your base there.  

Don’t underestimate the power of making connections because creative work is often based on referrals. Will came from Fife, a village in Scotland with a population of hundred or so people, and as a working musician he says, “Do what you can as well as you can, because people will want to work with you again and word of mouth is key.” 

Thank you to everyone that attended and asked such brilliant questions in the Q&A, as well as our fantastic panellists who shared so much wisdom. See you at the next one! 

You can watch the full video here.

Are you a budding creative looking to secure your first role? Do you want the opportunity to expand your skills in admin, research and more? Have you got an exciting new experience to add to your next application? Sign up now to attend our next online group CV consultation happening online on the 27^th March. 

Meet Sophie, a valued member of the Thrive team at Creative Access. Since joining in April 2024, she has played a key role in supporting our community and creative employers, assisting with the running and delivery of a range of programmes, mentoring programmes and employer training sessions. Making the career switch from hospitality to DE&I, Sophie brings years of dynamic experience and a unique skill set that enriches our work. In this Creative Access spotlight blog, she reflects on her career switch, the insights she’s gained along the way and her advice for prospective candidates.

I felt connected to this role as soon as I read the job description. I could tell that running our mentoring programmes would require a lot of empathy, resourcefulness and interpersonal skills, which I gained from years of working in hospitality and interacting with peers, junior staff and guests. On the other hand, helping to deliver and plan our employer training requires in-depth knowledge of diversity and inclusion practices, as well as an ability to contextualise the lived experiences of others within social structures and handle their stories sensitively. I had completed my MA in sociology the year before and was keeping an eye out for a role that would integrate my research experience on race, gender and culture with my passion for working with people. When I read about the Thrive traineeship on the Creative Access website, I couldn’t believe how perfectly it fit my criteria. I knew I wanted to do it – I just had to hope I fit their criteria too (and luckily, I did). 

Until I saw this role, I’d been struggling to find an employer who would take me on as an entry-level employee with my work experience. I worked in hospitality for 9 years, starting part-time at 18 years old alongside my undergraduate degree. I loved so many things about restaurant life: seeing my friends every day, making strangers happy by finding an act of service or piece of knowledge to really elevate their visit, and working with other staff of all ages and backgrounds. I especially loved teaching my junior peers how to assert themselves and take charge of guests’ experiences – and celebrating with them as they became more confident! The problem was that when I became ready for a career change, all the entry-level jobs I looked at required a minimum amount of prior experience in an admin-based role. It was frustrating – I knew I could learn those elements quickly but couldn’t seem to get my foot in the door. 

Over the years I became trusted with handling bookings, responding to reservation enquiries and helping to coordinate private events. For these efforts I was offered a management role and finally had the means to illustrate my communication and interpersonal skills in a tangible way. More importantly, I had emerged from all those years of service equipped with the capability to connect with a vast range of people, including managers, chefs, guests, stakeholders, students and artists. 

Administrative skills can be taught, so prospective employers would be wise not to underestimate candidates with hospitality experience! Restaurants are dynamic environments where every little detail and interaction needs to be dealt with calmly and creatively, so hospitality workers often become quick problem-solvers, highly resilient and judicious as a result – all skills which are valuable to creative industries and translate perfectly well to digital or remote work. 

If you’re reading this, currently working in hospitality and wondering how to sell your transferable skillset for a creative role, I’d recommend drawing on an aspect of service that you’re really good at. Give an example of something YOU took the initiative to improve about your workplace, for guests and/or staff. It’s tempting to pick out teamwork as a key skill from hospitality – which it is! – but you shine as an individual too and that’s what will make you a memorable candidate. 

If you’re wondering what it’s like once you do transition into a creative role, mine was made easier by the support of my wonderful line managers and team members. But truthfully, some habits were hard to pick up in those first weeks. Waking up early when I was accustomed to late shifts, navigating Microsoft Outlook… even just learning how to manage the sheer amount of digital clutter that comes with administrative work. It was funny because I felt equipped to approach the blue-sky thinking and client relationships that went hand in hand with my new role but still needed to ask lots of questions before diarising calendar events. Luckily, the benefit of working at Creative Access is that you’re surrounded by people who champion career development, and they’ve all been adamant that sometimes the best way to learn is to make mistakes and carry on.  

I’m so happy to have graduated from thrive trainee to thrive assistant and proud of the small, significant habits I established to arrive at this stage of my development. And I’m especially proud that working so hard in restaurants with such great colleagues over the years has only ever enhanced my willingness to take on challenges and try new things – all with my own unique style!  

PR – it’s an arguably misunderstood profession in the creative industries, having long been portrayed in sitcoms as the job for extroverts and glamorous party-goers keen for media coverage. But what do we really know about the public relations industry? 

Perhaps this mischaracterisation is partly to blame for the industry’s lack of diversity:  9 in 10 UK PR practitioners are white and 25% are privately educated (CIPR). We know that if you don’t see yourself represented in an industry, you’re much less likely to consider it as a career path.  

However the industry is changing, and it seemed fitting to host our first Creative Access masterclass of 2025 with our fantastic employer partner Teamspirit, and spotlight the world of PR and marketing through all the unique ways in. With an engaging panel of industry pros at Teamspirit and Harvard, they helped break down the barriers and illuminated the pathways into the exciting but sometimes misunderstood industry of PR. Read on for our panellists’ top 5 tips for breaking into the PR industry… 

We were joined by: 

• Sandy Downs, account director and head of DEI, Teamspirit 

• Alex Waring, junior strategist, Teamspirit 

• Sofia Cerchiai, senior PR account executive, Teamspirit 

• James Drinkall, creative services project managerTeamspirit 

• Joanne Oni-Awoyinka, account executive, Harvard 

• Sophie Wesley, account manager, Harvard 

Top 5 tips for breaking into the PR industry: 

1. Emphasise your transferable skills 
   PR thrives on diverse experiences, so whether you’ve worked in retail, customer service, or managed creative projects like TikTok videos or a blog, you have something valuable to offer. Highlight moments where you communicated effectively, solved problems, or led a team. For example, a part-time job in customer service or managing your university’s social media can be a huge asset. 

2. Showcase creativity in your applications 
   Stand out with a CV or portfolio that reflects your personality and creativity. Think PowerPoints that tell your story or an Instagram account that highlights your design skills. Tailoring your application to the company’s work and showing genuine enthusiasm can make all the difference. Creativity shows initiative and a passion for the industry – qualities PR agencies value deeply. 

3. Network strategically 
   Networking is key! Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals, reach out with genuine interest, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back right away. Building relationships with PR professionals and journalists can open doors to internships and job opportunities while keeping you in the loop on industry trends. 

4. Learn and keep learning! 
   Many PR professionals got their start through internships or by diving into online courses. These experiences build knowledge and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Stay curious and proactive by exploring free resources and tools to expand your expertise. Mention these in interviews to highlight your eagerness to learn and grow. Check out PRCA and CIPRfor further resources and learning! 

5. Adapt and stand out with AI and creativity 
   As AI transforms industries, focus on the human skills that make PR unique – empathy, storytelling, and connection. Use AI tools to streamline tasks but let your creativity shine in building relationships and designing campaigns that resonate on a personal level. Being tech-savvy and innovative will set you apart. 

The evening was a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and connection of our brilliant panel and community, and the night continued with networking.  A huge thank you to Teamspirit for hosting us in their offices! 

If you’re an employer and want to collaborate on a future career-in-focus event, we’d love to hear from you.

If you loved learning these top tips, why not take a deep dive into other Creative Access masterclasses!

Inspiring the next generation of creative talent is at the heart of Creative Access’ work. We are dedicated to empowering students with the skills and confidence they need to break into the creative industries. To bring this mission to life, we deliver creative industry insights days for students, and youth and community groups that are packed with inspiration, networking, and career opportunities. Here’s a case study of our industry insights day organised with the University of Sheffield careers team, in which we showcased the world of TV and creative careers at ITV, Manchester to 25 of their students.

We have a longstanding partnership with the University of Sheffield, designed to engage their diverse students who study everything from humanities to law. This trip was one in a series of insights days throughout 2024 that Creative Access’ outreach team planned to support Sheffield students as they prepare for graduation and beyond to:

• Learn about the creative industries: Providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse roles available 

• Gain confidence and optimism: Empowering students to see their potential and feel excited about their career prospects 

• Network with peers and experts: Facilitating connections with industry professionals and like-minded peers 

What the day involved: 

University of Sheffield students travelled to ITV in Manchester for an exclusive opportunity to explore one of the UK’s leading creative hubs. The agenda was carefully curated to inspire and inform including: 

• Coronation Street set tour: Students began their day with a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Coronation Street set, providing a unique glimpse into the world of television production 

• Panel discussion with industry experts: A dynamic panel of professionals from various disciplines including business, scripting, talent management, and communications shared their career journeys, followed by a Q&A. The session opened students’ eyes to the wide array of roles available in the creative sector, as well as how to stay resilient whilst job hunting and top tips for career development. 

• Employability workshop: The Creative Access outreach team delivered a bespoke session focusing on identifying personal strengths, navigating imposter syndrome, personal branding and pitching skills.

The day proved to be an overwhelming success. Feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive: 

• 100% of attendees agreed or strongly agreed that the day increased their confidence in pursuing a career in the creative industries 

• 100% of attendees agreed or strongly agreed that the experience left them feeling inspired and optimistic about their future careers 

The creative industry insights day highlighted the power of exposure and goal-setting in encouraging students to take meaningful steps toward their creative ambitions.  

Are you interested in booking a creative industry insights day? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our outreach team on email.  

Images taken by University of Sheffield.

Creative Access and David Tebbutt Trust honour former Faber director with new internship, reports Heloise Wood in The Bookseller.

The David Tebbutt Trust and Creative Access have announced a new internship fund in memory of the late David Tebbutt, finance director at Faber, who was killed in Kenya in 2011.

It will support smaller regional publishers who might otherwise not be able to host a trainee. The internship will be funded by the David Tebbutt Trust, which is jointly administered by Faber and the Tebbutt family.

The fund will provide 100% of the cost of an intern’s training bursary or salary based on the Real Living Wage for a six-month full-time traineeship once a year for three years. It will also cover all costs relating to the recruitment and training of successful candidates.

Read the full article here.

Creative Access and David Tebbutt Trust have set up a new publishing internship fund, in honour of the late David Tebbutt, Financial director at Faber.

Read the full article here.

South Korean survival horror show Squid Game captivated audiences worldwide on its release back in 2021, featuring a dramatic contest between regular people it felt ready to be adapted for reality TV. Fast forward to 2023 when Studio Lambert brought the idea to life with Squid Game: The Challenge, featuring the largest cast in reality TV history and a record-breaking single cash prize of $4.56 million USD (now showing on Netflix). 

At the Creative Access masterclass in December 2024, we heard from experts at Studio Lambert, the very production company that had a hand in its making. The panel shared what it took to bring Squid Game: The Challenge to the screen, insights about working in unscripted TV, and nuggets of wisdom from their own career journeys so far. 

• Stephen Yemoh, executive producer: Responsible for overseeing the creative vision, from selecting games to driving casting decisions. 

• Anna Wood, line producer: Managing logistics, ensuring that over 800 crew members and nearly 500 contestants were housed, fed & moved safely across the sprawling set. 

• Esme Holliday, games researcher: Designing and testing games that would balance playability with visual and dramatic impact. 

Bringing the tension and drama of Squid Game to reality TV is no mean feat. Executive producer Stephen nicely summed up the production’s all-in approach when it came to staying true to the original: “Be bold. Don’t try and cheapen it; do everything you can to make it feel exactly like what people have seen in the drama.” 

In practice, this meant implementing an incredible level of attention to detail across all elements of production. Games researcher Esme remembers this forensic creative process well: “We counted thousands of marbles used in one of the games to ensure consistency. “We tested cookies to make sure they were the right level of brittle and would stay that way over the day.” In terms of designing games, there was a level of direction from the drama’s visuals, but a core focus of Esme’s role was to make these into fair and entertaining games that people could actually play. On two occasions they ran games tests with 456 supporting artists! 

The ‘squid’ technology (a pun on the usual ‘squibs’ designed to imitate blood) that provided a clear visual cue for when contestants were eliminated was another element that had to be iterated again and again. The nozzle designed to deliver the ink was redesigned at least thirty times before it behaved exactly as needed on set. Even choosing t-shirts that the ink would easily show through was essential in making this element look right. Stephen points out that the ‘squid technology’ was one of the many things that made the drama feel real for contestants, a key part of creating highly watchable reality TV. Unlike their actor counterparts in the drama, contestants reacted with shock to eliminations because of a sudden effect, versus post-production VFX added after in the editing suite. 

Esme spoke about both intense pressure and memorable fun moments on the show, like adjudicating the Red Light, Green Light game: “I remember telling creative director Tim Harcourt and Stephen Lambert himself to be quiet when we were doing Red Light, Green Light because I was logging eliminations from the game in real time which production were then using to book people’s flights home! I said, everyone in this room please be quiet, I’m trying to concentrate! Of course, not realising our creative director and owner of the company were behind me.”

The masterclass underscored how varied and unconventional career paths can lead to TV. Anna Wood was candid about sharing her snakes and ladders career path prior to TV: “I’ve had six jobs before TV – from hospitality to corporate work – but every experience taught me something useful.” Starting later than many of her peers, she leveraged her transferable skills to build a successful career. 

Esme echoed this adaptability, describing her early roles in production: “I’ve done eight researcher jobs now, and every one taught me something different. Keep sending your CV out, take opportunities, and nestle into companies that help you grow.” Esme grew up in a tiny village in Cumbria and always knew she wanted to work in media but didn’t always know what that meant. Now she feels like she’s done almost every role there is to do at Studio Lambert. 

For executive producer Stephen, TV started with a dream of becoming a footballer as a younger teenager. After it was clear his talents on the pitch wouldn’t give him his career, he started thinking: why not work on football instead? He was at a Sky Sports live recording where someone on the production team joked to the audience that “we’ll get the work experience to do a dance for you” during an ad break, and later worked right into the production office and asked: “How do I become the dancing work experience person?” Amazingly, this became his entry point into the industry. 

The key is in the name – it’s unscripted! Producing unscripted TV is unique because the cast behind its drama will behave in unplanned and unexpected ways, which sometimes makes character development a moving target. Stephen spoke about the way that his team mapped out every contestant onto a board, reacting to the evolving game to focus on characters that made for the most compelling television. They would receive a call that certain characters were eliminated and then shift their editorial focus. “It’s really annoying!” Stephen admitted. “As a producer, the one thing you want is control – but this show gave you no control.” Some of the most promising contestants were knocked out almost immediately, failing to survive tasks. On the other hand, new protagonists rose up from seemingly nowhere as the show reached its closing stages. The twists and turns of the game led to genuinely gripping drama. In Stephen’s words, “sometimes the reality gods fall in your favour.” 

Another unique part of a reality TV show like Squid Game: The Challenge is the inclusion of hundreds of supporting actors that are not trained and professional talent. The enormous cast are ultimately the ones responsible for creating the human drama that makes the show compelling. Anna described how the show was an immersive experience even for the contestants. From sleeping in shared dormitories to dining under the watchful eyes of masked guards in pink, players living in the Squid Game world for the duration of filming.  

There were casting teams in the USA and UK to find potential participants, starting with an open call for applications before a lengthy screening process that included mental health assessments and physical evaluations; given the high-pressure environment of the show and the high cash prize, it was important to watch out for people who would be particularly vulnerable. Care extended beyond the filming, with an aftercare structure to support participants based on their needs. “We had a really big system that we put in place – with a lot of time, effort, money and people to make sure that everyone who is in the show was looked after as much as possible.” 

• Leverage transferable skills: Anna’s experiences in hospitality and corporate roles honed skills like organisation, teamwork, and problem-solving, all of which proved invaluable in her TV career. She encouraged attendees to think broadly about how their experiences could apply to production. 

• We’re stronger together: The panel agreed on the importance of finding like-minded people to help you in your career Esme highlighted the importance of finding mentors and supportive teams: “You’ll meet people who believe in you, and those connections can lead to future opportunities.” Stephen pointed out that most people working in TV production started as a runner and know what it means to be starting out. 

• Be persistent and flexible: Esme shared her own ups and downs: “Even as an experienced researcher, I’ve had weeks off between jobs. It’s part of the industry, but if you keep pushing, opportunities will come.” She also shared how useful it has been to turn to other work like hospitality to fill in those gaps and keep herself going. 

• Rejection is part of everyone’s career journey: Stephen had sage advice on the topic of rejections: “Don’t fear hearing ‘no.’ It’s rarely personal, and often just a matter of timing.” 

We continued the evening with networking! Thank you so much to the Studio Lambert team for having us and sharing incredible insight into the world of TV. See you in 2025!

Where better to visit for a Creative Access masterclass about tech than global tech company Meta? There’s something so exciting about being immersed in the world of tech at the Meta building – and it’s not just the pictures and crayons they leave out for waiting visitors in reception. Meta is the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, and it’s the building in which innovations in social media, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the metaverse happen serving billions of users worldwide.   

The masterclass panelists were experts from the team at Meta, and they shared insights into their careers, industry trends, and advice for aspiring professionals. 

So, whether you’re a creative looking to break into tech or a creator wanting to stand out, here’s a recap of the brilliant discussion and some brilliant tips from them to the Creative Access community! 

• Lauren Whilby: strategic partnership manager who works with internet personalities and beauty creators. Focuses on relationship-building with talent and helping creators develop their content, and Creative Access alumni! 

• Dan Moller: head of creative shop UK, working on creative strategy, partnering with global brands. Specialises in storytelling, trend forecasting, and project management. 

• Djeme Mahamat: solutions architect who transitioned from quantum physics and engineering to consulting and now solves tech challenges at Meta. 

• Natalie Kelly: client solutions manager, entertainment. Supports TV and streaming brands with advertising and media, and shares expertise in collaboration and adaptability. 

• Mel Rodrigues: chair of panel and CEO of Creative Access, advocating for individuals from underrepresented groups in the creative industries through recruitment, training, mentoring and more.  

A key theme of our discussion was the journey into tech for individuals without ‘traditional technical experience’. Each panelist shared how they leveraged transferable skills and passion to navigate their career paths. 

Lauren Whilby began her career ten years ago via a Creative Access internship at a digital marketing agency, managing social media for music artists like RAYE and Craig David. She leveraged her transferable experience in talent management to transfer to the tech industry and advised the audience that although the jargon in job descriptions can be intimidating, it’s crucial to focus on the key skills listed and demonstrate how that applies to you. She reassured attendees that many in her team at Meta don’t have technical backgrounds, making it clear that being adaptable and showcasing your strengths are more important! 

Whilst Djeme Mahamat has more of a scientific background, he still had to adapt for his role at Meta. Djeme shared a unique transition from studying quantum physics to building cloud platforms and solving technical challenges. He noted that his problem-solving mindset and ability to collaborate with tech teams became invaluable in his current role as a solutions architect. 

Natalie Kelly shared her journey from an internship at Google to managing major TV and streaming accounts at Meta. She said that people skills and learning agility were crucial for her success, stating that adaptability in a fast-changing tech landscape makes all the difference. “It feels like I have a different job every year,” she shared, reflecting on the constant development of her role in an ever-evolving industry. 

Dan Moller brought a creative edge from his previous experience in visual effects and university departments. He highlighted the importance of storytelling, communication, and project management – skills that carried him into his role as a creative strategist. At Meta’s creative shop, he combines data insights with creative strategies to craft impactful campaigns for global brands. 

Top Tip: Many companies, including Meta, offer free training programmes like Blueprint to help individuals gain a foothold in the industry. Experimenting with AI tools and staying curious about emerging technologies were also highlighted as ways to stay ahead. 

For aspiring content creators, the panelists provided practical tips to navigate the challenges of building a distinctive personal brand. 

Lauren stressed that personality is key. In crowded niches like fashion and beauty, creators need to showcase their authentic selves. The shift from polished, filter-perfect content to relatable, low-fi storytelling reflects changing audience preferences. Lauren encouraged creators to tag brands they use and not hesitate to reach out for collaborations. 

Natalie echoed this sentiment, noting a “huge shift” in what audiences want. Brands need to move away from overly polished content and embrace a more authentic, accessible aesthetic. Creators who can adapt to this trend will have a better chance of standing out. 

For those building a social media presence, Lauren advised starting without delay. “Film yourself often, get comfortable speaking to the camera, and learn basic editing skills,” she suggested. Consistency is vital – whether that means posting regularly or setting a content creation schedule. Importantly, she clarified that the quality of your content and confidence in storytelling matter more than follower counts. 

In an industry shaped by rapid technological advancements – particularly AI – the panelists emphasised four critical skills that professionals and creators should develop: 

1. Storytelling: Crafting compelling narratives remains a timeless skill. At Meta, data is often used to tell stories that resonate with specific audiences, from analysing trends to adapting formats like reels or stories. 

2. Critical thinking: Tackling challenges creatively and solving problems are essential for navigating an ever-evolving landscape. 

3. Communication: In large organisations like Meta, clear and effective communication ensures alignment across teams and projects. 

4. Curiosity: Staying informed about industry trends and being open to experimenting with new tools are vital for long-term success. 

As Dan pointed out, resilience and adaptability are equally important, especially as AI reshapes industries. Learning to work with AI, such as experimenting with Meta’s tools, can provide unexpected insights and opportunities. 

The panelists celebrated how technology and platforms like Meta are breaking down barriers. Lauren spoke about working with creators from under-represented communities, including Disabled influencers, while Mel highlighted how remote work is democratising the industry to embrace talent from across the country (or world!). The rise of virtual collaboration has reduced geographical barriers, ensuring talent from regions outside major creative and tech hubs like London can still thrive. 

The panel also answered questions from the audience about personality and experience levels: 

• For introverts who don’t enjoy maintaining their own social media, Lauren reassured that a personal online presence isn’t a requirement. Instead, focus on building one-on-one connections and developing niche expertise. 

• Natalie added that there are countless roles in tech for those who prefer data and measurement over client-facing tasks. 

For mature applicants, Dan emphasised letting skills and experience shine, without worrying about age: “If you have a story to tell, be proud to tell it.” 

The session closed with memorable words of wisdom from each speaker who were asked for the best advice they’ve ever received: 

• Natalie: “Closed mouths don’t get fed. Take the risk – getting a no isn’t the end of the world.” 

• Djeme: “Don’t ask for permission; ask for forgiveness!” 

• Dan: “Done is better than perfect.” 

• Lauren: “If you’re a woman, don’t wait for a job where you can do everything – go for it.” 

• Mel: “Nothing is wasted. Every experience, even the unsuccessful ones, teaches you something.” 

After the panel concluded, the panelists and attendees headed for the snacks and drinks to network the night away! 

Interested in a role in tech or another creative industry? Check out our opportunities board. 

17 spaces are available on the Thrive Career Development Programme, aimed at mid-level freelancers from under-represented backgrounds, reports Lucy Nathan at BookBrunch.