Foxtel Media has kicked off an Early Careers Program in partnership with Western Sydney University to encourage talented graduates into media careers and as an effort to combat talent shortages in junior and mid-level roles.
Students will be mentored by some of the best leaders in the advertising industry and experience working in Entertainment Partnerships, NSW Sales (TV & Digital) and Sports Sales Departments.
The paid 12-week immersive media foundations program aims to introduce five students from the University to the media industry and workforce and help build their confidence and set career goals. Students will get real work experience, go through learning and training sessions and build a group project at Foxtel Media’s Sydney office.
Foxtel Media said that career growth is the main driver for retention and that the program would close the skills gap, help students cross over to the workplace from university and cement a strong foundation for them in the Foxtel Group as well as the media industry.
The initiative also serves as a training ground to help build leadership capabilities in Foxtel Media’s emerging leaders through mentorship opportunities, as well as offering a platform for skill and knowledge transfer.
Stephanie Baker, HR Business Partner at Foxtel Media, said, “At Foxtel Media, we are unbinding from old ways and shaking up how we engage junior talent.
“Like many, we have faced challenges in the talent market over the past 12 months, so our main objective with Western Sydney University is to engage students studying media and create the next generation of advertising talent.
“In return, we’ll help students learn and grow while studying through real work experience, mentorship, and regular exposure to industry events.”
Dr Jacki Montgomery, Director of the Academic Program, School of Humanities and Communication Arts at Western Sydney University, said: “We’re proud to partner with Foxtel Media to offer this exciting opportunity to Western Sydney University advertising students. It’s the first time a media publisher has generously provided our students with paid internships.
“The internship program will give students valuable real-world learning experiences during their time at Foxtel Media’s Sydney office, helping them develop their leadership skills, and networks and connect with established mentors from within the dynamic industry.”
Sarah Lattouf, head of entertainment partnerships at Foxtel Media, said: “As a student of Western Sydney University back in 2013, I found it hard to find the right internship to help give me the experience I needed in the industry.
“It was this that helped drive the idea to collaborate with the University, as with the increasing issue of finding talent, this initiative will allow us to create a strong talent bank and form strong relationships with these students from the outset and throughout their careers.”
