Here at iknowho we love meeting the faces of our industry. From Senior Marketers and Senior Account Service Professionals through to those starting out on their career path. Meeting people is after all, the core of what we do!

Youngbloods is a great initiative from the Communications Council for those younger members - the under 30’s - of the advertising, marketing, media and communications industries.

Recently, I sat down with the Co-Chair’s of Youngbloods NSW for a chat about the organisation and their plans for 2019.

Firstly, tell us a little bit about yourselves and how you became involved with Youngbloods NSW in the first place?

We’re Isabella Rigg (left), a Senior Account Executive at  Traffik in Sydney and Krystina Batt (Right), Account Manager at M&C Saatchi, Sydney, and we’re the new Co-Chairs of Youngbloods NSW.

Initially, we both became involved in the organisation when we were at university, and during our very early days in the industry by attending some of the events organised by Youngbloods. Then, in early 2018 we were inspired to join the committee. We're now thrilled to have been appointed co-chairs and have a real opportunity to make our mark!

Can you give us a bit more of an understanding of Youngbloods? Who are you and what do you do?

Youngbloods is an industry body with the sole purpose of supporting young people getting started, or in the early stages of their career, in advertising and creative industries.

We’re all about empowering young people to get their foot in the door and excel in their careers (and have fun while they’re at it!).

​How do new people join Youngbloods, and what can they expect from the membership?

Anyone under the age of 30 working in advertising, media, marketing and communications is welcome to become a Youngblood through our free sign up. Through this, it’s really easy to keep up to date with what's going on, and by following us on Facebook too.

Our members are invited to join us at our bi-monthly events that focus on developing career skills, networking and socialising. In the coming months, they will also have access to exclusive content and support resources - this is something we’re excited to currently be working on as a committee!

Whilst our events have a natural skew towards those in the Advertising industry, they are open to anyone who wants a dose of creative inspiration, or an insight into how the industry works, no matter their background.

What will Youngbloods be focusing on this year?

This year we have a big focus on mental health. Last year Youngbloods NSW were key supporters of Mentally Healthy - a survey which looked into the mental health of the Creative and Advertising industry’s. As a community, we are committed to using the findings of the survey to positively shape the conversation around mental health, particularly with those new to the industry.

We also hope to continue the momentum started by our predecessors in building a platform that is a trusted and fundamental tool for young people in the industry. So, at a national level, we're working closely with the Communications Council to provide more tangible support and learning opportunities for those new to the industry. With a vision to offer more than just events, Youngbloods are keen to share expertise across the states, with a unified focus on hot topics like mental health and mentoring.

Can you tell us what’s coming up in the Youngbloods Diary?

We’re currently in the final stages of organising our first big panel event for the year! Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.

For more information on how you can become involved in Youngbloods, from membership to mentorship, you can contact:

​Krystina Batt
Co-Chair, Youngbloods NSW

krystina.batt@mcsaatchi.com.au

Isabella Rigg
Co-Chair, Youngbloods NSW

isabella.rigg@traffik.com.au