Not Your Average Career

Back in 2020, we had the pleasure of hosting our NWA Inclusivity workshop with Carl Social Club as a first step to creating a more genuinely inclusive and diverse workplace culture. As a continuation of our partnership, we presented the Not Your Average Career initiative. An initiative aimed to foster the practical lived experiences of BIPOC who aspire to start, grow or secure a fulfilling career in a creative industry. This first intervention in the creative industry included a conference, a conversation, and a paid internship.

The day started with a conference animated by Harry with guest speakers Edward, the art director at Carl Social Club and Steve Daniel, a content creator and influencer. As they share their journey, experience and perspective on career opportunities in the creative industry, the conference is to demystify the industry for the 25 participants. What does it look like? What are the competencies required to work as a creative? What opportunities are available?

What stood out the most was how at ease both guest speakers were about their craft. Leaning into his interest, Steve Daniel managed to create a career that strays from the traditional. While Edward, who always had a passion for the arts, used his go-getter mindset to land a job with CSS. The answers to all our questions seemed simple: stay passionate, stay focused and be yourself.

Following the conference, we continued the dialogue with a conversation hosted by Joanna and Queenie, an account manager for Carl Social Club. The creative industry is filled with positions that aren’t creative. As an account manager, Queenie is the point of contact between clients, Carl's team and external partners. She ensures proper communication between parties and manages projects from conception to delivery. This was a chance for us to talk about the industry and for participants to ask questions, share reflections and converse with each other.

We ended the day with a shared meal, and each participant got a chance to have their portraits taken as a part of our photo series Not Your Average Professionals ‘22. The true purpose of this initiative was to spread information about the creative industry but also, to highlight the lived experiences of a BIPOC that wishes to find a fulfilling career in the creative field. Of the 25 participants, only one selected by Carl Social club will be able to complete a summer internship with them with the possibility of a full-time permanent position.

We want to officially congratulate Keisha, who accepted the internship with Carl was a great first experience and not our last. We will continue to offer opportunities that allow our community to grow and prosper. Stay tuned!