Skill shortage in digital industry requires specialists

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Skill shortage in digital industry requires specialist attention
AUCKLAND - Monday 15 June 2015

Startup Company FutureYou has launched in response to the need for a recruitment specialist in the digital media and advertising industry.

Whilst almost everyone uses digital media, few people actually know what the industry does or what careers are available; yet the industry is flourishing with advertising spend up a whopping 53% YoY in Q1 2015 (IAB NZ).

Companies are struggling to find digital people with the right skills and experience, which has lead to a significant talent-go-round within the industry. A search on seek.co.nz reveals that 34% of job ads in the advertising and marketing categories are digital related.

FutureYou founder Michael Te Young says, “Unfortunately many recruitment agencies have just been drift nets for CV’s. Digital companies have basically had to do their own screening, profiling and evaluation and there’s been little value added by their services. I mean how are they supposed to find good candidates if they don’t understand the roles? To understand digital you have to have done it.”

FutureYou specialises in digital media disciplines such as management, sales, planning, operations, programmatic, search, content, social, and technology. It can work alongside publishers, agencies, sales networks, suppliers and marketers alike.

In terms of candidates, it is not just looking within the local industry; it has initiatives in play to attract talent from international markets, and to develop opportunities for graduates and new entrants. To achieve this FutureYou will offer training services as well.

Te Young has worked in digital for over 17 years having held senior roles across many facets of the industry. Most recently, he spent 7 years as a Digital Business Director at media agency OMD before becoming a consultant in June 14. In that time he saw the need for a specialist that could work with digital businesses to develop people. “Digital is a passion. I love the industry, and how fast it changes otherwise I wouldn’t have been in it for so long. I have a lot of close friends and colleagues here so it’s a chance to work with them all. I don’t want to be disconnected from digital but I figure if I treat FutureYou as a digital business and stay close to the industry then I’ll still be digital”

Te Young is not alone in his venture. Alongside him is Erica Kroger who has extensive recruitment experience including eight years operating in ICT and sales and the last three years as a career consultant and coach advising people across all stages of their careers.

For more information visit futureyou.digital

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