D&I Initiative This Is The Job celebrates success with expansion and new developments
Publicis Groupe Canada, is excited to announce the launch of the French language version of its highly successful diversity and inclusion initiative, ThisIsTheJob.org, along with several other new developments. The initiative, which was originally launched in English in late 2021, aims to change the complexion of Canada's advertising industry to help it more closely reflect the country's diverse makeup.
By providing access to the initiative in both of Canada's official languages, ThisIsTheJob.org will broaden its reach across Canada and engage with more young people who may not have considered advertising as a viable career path. Since its inception, the initiative has received an overwhelming response, with over 19,000 sessions, 3,000+ completions, and thousands of job profile inquiries.
The website offers students aged 13 to 18 an online questionnaire to complete, allowing them to see how their interests and aptitudes can lead to specific roles within Canada's ad agencies. The initiative is open to all, with a specific focus on bringing more racialized individuals into the industry. ThisIsTheJob.org has recently added over a dozen new job titles, with a focus on media, digital production, and strategy, and will continue to add more until complete representation across the industry is achieved.
ThisIsTheJob.org is also proud to announce that it has signed partnership agreements with some of Canada's largest school districts, including the Toronto District School Board, the Toronto Catholic District School Board, and the Halton Catholic District School Board, to bring awareness of the site to thousands of students across the school boards.
ThisIsTheJob.org piloted its first in-person job-fair style event on April 28, 2023. Students who participated in the fair had the opportunity to learn more about the advertising industry. The event featured engaging presentations by agency members who spoke about their experiences in ten different job roles. The fair also included a hands-on creative workshop where students collaborated on projects related to advertising, gaining practical experience and insight into the industry.
Stephanie McRae, Vice-President HR for Leo Burnett and Saatchi & Saatchi, Head of DE&I of Publicis Groupe Canada and one of the founders of the initiative, commented: "Some kids, especially those from racialized groups, might have never heard of the advertising world. ThisIsTheJob.org is our way of reaching out and showing them what's possible”.
Scott Pinkney, Vice-President, ECD of Publicis Hawkeye and co-founder of the program, further explained: “We want those kids to know that successful careers exist in our industry, and that there is a job for them, whatever their passions”.