Let’s be honest, the digital sector has a problem with diversity. In Scotland only 18% of the workforce are female. Female representation at board level is even worse. While progress is happening, more needs to be done to help women break through and achieve their full career potential.
Enter Special Edition, a professional development programme designed to improve entrepreneurial skills, expand professional networks, boost confidence and help participants progress their careers in the digital world.
Special Edition is open to all women working in commercial creative businesses in the digital sector in Scotland. In this instance, ‘digital sector’ is defined as: digital design, agencies, games, animation, mobile apps, publishing, augmented/virtual reality, technology and platforms/software.
Running from August 2017 to February 2018, the programme offers a combination of professional development training and creative expertise.
Special Edition includes formal workshops led by leading industry trainers and an international field trip to digital hubs and centres of excellence. In 2016 delegates travelled to London and Berlin to meet with CEOs, founders, visionaries and strategists at companies including:
- Playmob
- Freeformers
- AMVBBDO
- doteveryone
- Soundcloud
- CareerFoundry
- Edenspiekermann
Claire Scally & Margaret Scott, joint-managing directors of programme creators, TRC Media, said, “The goal of the programme is set delegates on a career trajectory that leads to the boardroom. Previous delegates have gone on to secure significant promotions, including to Board level, and start their own businesses.”
Potential applicants should have:
- Significant experience in their chosen field including
- Experience of leadership: managing teams, leading on projects or heading up a department.
- The aspiration to reach Director/Board level or run your own business
Applying For Special Edition
Acceptance onto Special Edition is highly competitive, with selection made on the basis of talent, need and clearly articulated goals.
We spoke to two people who have already participated in Special Edition for their view of the programme:
Danae Shell, the Head of Awareness at FreeAgent, said:
Special Edition gives women the permission and help they need to dream big and actually get there. My career will have a completely different path now because of Special Edition – I’m thinking about what I really want, and I’m thinking much bigger than ever before!
Sarah Johnson, Whitespace’s Head of Digital Marketing, agreed:
Special Edition has given me the courage to accept my own ambitions and the belief and determination to actually achieve them. A hugely exciting, genuinely life-changing experience.
Terresa Aitken, Group Account Director for Cello, said, ”
Applications for Special Edition open on 15th JUNE. More information can be found on the TRC Media website.
