In its quest to address gender imbalance in Queensland creative industries, PublicisQ is backing an initiative which helps mentor young people in the advertising, media, marketing and communications industries.
The Brisbane-based shop, which is run by MD Simone Waugh, has teamed up with The Communications Council's Queensland Youngbloods group. Youngbloods helps 'young blood' in the industry grow their network and improve career opportunities.
Coinciding with International Women’s Day tomorrow the new mentorship program, 'Assisterhood', officially launches.
Co-chair of Queensland Youngbloods, Rubini Gunaratnam, says: “There couldn't a better time for a mentor program to help women in the industry. As female co-chairs of Youngbloods, we're beyond proud to support the program as a great opportunity to strengthen our industry.”
Assisterhood offers members an edge into the creative industry via relevant news, job opportunities, internships, educational events and social networking opportunities.
The Assisterhood program offers long-term mentorships with five of PublicisQ’s senior executives – Waugh herself, client services director Jane Young, digital projects director Alex Sundqvist, senior copywriter Kirsten Twigg and broadcast and content director Vicki Lee.
“I’m passionate about supporting female talent in creative industries and this initiative is designed to do exactly that,” Waugh says.
Young adds that finding a good mentor is her number one tip for anyone embarking on their career.
“With this initiative, we hope we can help our mentees navigate those early years and build a lasting connection to a long career in this business. We are also hoping to learn lots from them too,” Young says.
Applicants are encouraged to visit www.assisterhood.com to say why they would benefit from a mentorship. The program can also be accessed at facebook.com/qldyoungbloods
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