Skills Development Resources

Where should you be looking for your first job in film & TV? 📺👀 Firstly, I want to be transparent with you - you're not going to find it on LinkedIn. Most jobs in the screen industries are filled through networking - connecting with the right person at the right time, word of mouth referrals and (99% of the time) working with the person who was good on your last job. BUT if you don't have connections in Film & TV, that doesn't mean you can't break into industry - you'll just need to build your network (and skills!) from scratch. If I were breaking into industry again, this is where I would start 👇 🎬 All Spring Media 🎬 BBC Early Careers 🎬 Channel 4 “4Skills” 🎬 Creative Access (this is where I broke into Scripted TV Production!) 🎬 Eric Creative Careers app 🎬 Filming in England National Crew Directory 🎬 Gritty Talent 🎬 ITV Academy 🎬 ITV Freelance Hub 🎬 MAMA Youth Project 🎬 People in TV: Runners Facebook group 🎬 Pinewood Studios Early Careers 🎬 RTS Futures Careers Fair 🎬 ScreenSkills Trainee Finder 🎬 Shinfield Studios “The Crew List” 🎬 Sky Studios Elstree Future Talent Programme 🎬 Talent Manager 🎬 The Network: Edinburgh TV Festival 🎬 TriForce Creative Network Talent Pool 🎬 WarnerBros Discovery CrewHQ Training Programme If any of their opportunities are closed, set a reminder/sign up for email alerts for when they're open again. Don't forget that off-shoot companies from bigger broadcasters (like Potato from ITV) and other independent production companies will have their own careers pages you can apply to, so get researching! I'll make another post about other strategies for finding your first job in Film & TV - but this list is a great place to start 🌠 Good luck and feel free to drop any of your own recommendations in the comments! #ScriptedProduction #TVProduction #ProductionAssistant #HETV

🎯 Master the Art of Internal Audit Interviews: A Guide for New Auditors After years in internal audit, I've learned that the key to uncovering meaningful insights isn't just the numbers - it's how you conduct interviews. Here's my survival guide to conducting effective audit interviews: 1. The Power of Preparation: - Research the department's processes before the interview - Review prior audit reports and known issues - Prepare a structured question list but stay flexible - Understand the interviewee's role and responsibilities - Pro tip: Keep a water bottle handy - it's amazing how often "taking a sip" saves you from awkward silences 2. Interview Psychology 101: - Start with easy, factual questions to build rapport - Use the "funnel technique": broad questions first, then drill down - Pay attention to non-verbal cues - they often tell the real story 3. Question Techniques That Get Results: - "Walk me through..." - Gets detailed process explanations - "What happens when..." - Reveals exception handling - "How do you ensure..." - Uncovers control mechanisms - "Can you show me..." - Verifies actual vs. described procedures 4. Active Listening Tips: - Take brief notes but maintain eye contact - Pause after responses (silence often prompts additional details) - Summarize key points to confirm understanding - Listen for inconsistencies with documented procedures 5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid: - Don't interrupt or rush responses - Never make assumptions or judgmental comments - Avoid leading questions that suggest answers - Don't fill silent moments with unnecessary talk Remember: The best auditors aren't just good at finding issues - they're excellent at getting people to share information willingly. What interview techniques have worked well in your audit experience? Let's share knowledge! #InternalAudit #AuditTips #IA #Auditing #RiskManagement #Leadership

Land your first job in data with projects showcasing your domain knowledge. Here are 15 portfolio project ideas across 5 different industries: 1. 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 • 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Use historical patient data to predict the likelihood of readmission and identify factors contributing to it.    • 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀: Analyze and visualize the cost distribution of different treatments and procedures across demographics.    • 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Build a model to detect and predict the spread of diseases using time series analysis and public health data.   2. 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 • 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗴𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Segment customers based on purchasing behavior and demographics to target marketing campaigns more effectively.    • 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: Use historical sales data to predict future trends and optimize inventory management.    • 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Develop a model to predict which customers are likely to stop shopping and identify factors driving churn.   3. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 • 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴: Create a model to assess the risk of loan defaults using customer financial data and credit scores.    • 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀: Analyze historical stock prices to identify patterns and predict future movements.    • 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Build a model to detect fraudulent transactions in real-time using transaction data and anomaly detection techniques.   4. 𝗘-𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲 • 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: Develop a recommendation engine that suggests products to customers based on their browsing and purchase history.    • 𝗔/𝗕 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀: Conduct an A/B test to optimize website conversions, analyzing metrics like click-through rates and sales.    • 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀: Analyze customer reviews and social media mentions to gauge public sentiment toward products or brands.   5. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 • 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Predict the lifetime value of customers to prioritize high-value segments and allocate resources effectively.    • 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀: Analyze the performance of different marketing campaigns to determine which channels deliver the best ROI.    • 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: Build a model to score leads based on the likelihood of conversion, using historical data and behavioral indicators. Creating domain-specific projects like these will practice your skills and show potential employers that you understand their industry. Which industry are you building projects for? ---------------- ♻️ Share if you find this post useful ➕ Follow for more daily insights on how to grow your career in the data field #dataanalytics #datascience #portfolioproject #domainknowledge #careergrowth  

The charity sector’s best kept secret when it comes to digital support? 🤫 It’s not one thing - it’s a network. The Network of Non-Profit Digital Support - convened by CAST Centre for the Acceleration of Social Technology and funded by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation - quietly brings together some of the most impactful digital initiatives in the UK. Whether you need 👇 - bite-sized training and webinars - help finding a digital partner - one-to-one consultations - or simply a friendly sounding board …this collective exists to make sure charities can access the right digital support, at the right time. Here’s what sits under the umbrella: Digital Candle 🕯️ Free one-to-one calls with digital experts to answer your charity’s toughest questions. Reuse Infrastructure 🔄 Connecting non-profits with affordable, repurposed tech and cloud solutions. Digital Trustees 🧑⚖️ Matching boards with digital professionals to bring vital skills into governance. Design Hops 🎨 Short, practical programmes to help charities solve challenges using design thinking. The Curve 📈 Free, hands-on live training sessions to build digital confidence and skills. Dovetail 🧩 A platform to help charities find the right digital agencies and freelancers. Digital Leads Network 🤝 Peer support and community for people leading digital inside charities. Agencies For Good 🌍 A network of mission-aligned agencies collaborating to support the sector. The Network is making it easier for non-profits to adopt the tools, approaches and mindsets they need to thrive. The best part: it’s all free. P.S. If you’re Scotland-based, don’t forget SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations)’s digital guides and support too - AI, cyber security and beyond. ❓ What's your favourite free third sector digital, data or design resource? Self-promotion completely welcome 👇

🎥 Want your first job in Film & TV in the U.S. or Canada? Let’s skip the fantasy: you won’t find it on LinkedIn. Most screen industry jobs are still found through word of mouth, referrals, and networking. Repeat hires matter. So does hustle. If you don’t have connections yet, you’re not out of luck—just start where you are. I built my network (and resume) from the ground up by being a fly on the wall—even below the PA. I started by cleaning floors, literally learning “the floor.” Every broom sweep taught me something about set dynamics, hustle, and humility. Here’s where I’d start if I were breaking in today 👇 🇺🇸 U.S. 🎬 EntertainmentCareers. net – great for entry-level and internships 🎬 Staff Me Up – THE place for production gigs (especially reality, doc, & indie) 🎬 ProductionHUB – freelance and crew calls nationwide 🎬 Film & TV Facebook groups like “IA Production Assistants” 🎬 Made in NY PA Training Program – a solid launchpad if you're in NYC 🎬 Sundance Collab – workshops, community, and networking for indie creators 🎬 Film Independent – especially helpful if you're L.A-based 🎬 Ghetto Film School – early access to creative career paths 🎬 Roadmap Writers – for aspiring screenwriters 🎬 Writers Guild Foundation – Script Coordinator and Writers' Assistant labs (essential for breaking into the writers’ room!) 🎬 The Black TV & Film Collective – mentorship and access 🎬 Women in Film – advocacy + job boards 🎬 NALIP (Latinx creators), CAPE USA (AAPI creatives), and Brown Girls Doc Mafia – community-based entry points 🎬 UTA, WME, CAA career pages – assistant jobs are brutal but they open doors 🎬 Your local film commission website – often post crew calls for shoots in your state 🇨🇦 Canada 🎬 Media Job Search Canada – jobs in production, radio, digital, and post 🎬 CBC Careers – production assistant, researcher, and editorial roles 🎬 CMPA Job Board – hiring on indie film and TV projects 🎬 National Screen Institute – killer programs for writers, producers, and directors 🎬 Creative BC – film funding, crew training, job listings 🎬 Ontario Creates – industry news, skills dev, and grants 🎬 BIPOC TV & Film – community, mentorships, and job calls 🎬 ACTRA & DGC – their trainee programs are worth watching 💡 Pro tip: PA gigs, assistant/reader jobs, and internships may not be sexy, but they’re gold for getting in the room. Say yes, learn fast, and be easy to work with. 💼🌍

If you want to do creative projects but never have the energy, try this: Nature is more than just a backdrop for relaxation; it actively enhances our creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. Getting out into nature with a clear aim to do creative work as a massively underrated tool. Here’s my protocol for an intentional day of personal projects: → 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 Begin your morning by stepping outside. Feel the natural elements (the sun, a breeze, the texture of grass). Just a couple of minutes can really clear the mind, calibrate your senses, and sharpen focus. → 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Carry a notebook and pen on a short walk in a nearby park or natural setting, away from digital distractions. Write down a maximum of 3 things you’d like to focus on. Put a star next to the one that is your highest priority - the one that, once completed, would make the day a success. → 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 To get the creative juices flowing, handwrite down a short answer to each of these prompts: • Describe your natural surroundings. • What’s 1 trait you want to exhibit today? • What’s 1 thing you’re grateful for? → 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 Curate a workspace with natural elements (e.g., plants, natural light, open windows for fresh air). The more minimal and distraction-free, the better. Brew your hot beverage of choice, take a deep breath, and start your day with a 2-hour uninterrupted block focussed on your highest priority task. → 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 Introduce short, regular walking breaks in your routine, preferably in natural, green spaces. Experiment with different levels of stimulus: Notebook, no notebook. Music, no music. Use this time for reflection or pondering creative challenges, letting the natural environment stimulate new perspectives. → 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 As daylight shifts to dusk, allow your mind to naturally transition to relaxation. Under soft lighting, jot down any lingering thoughts or reflections in a journal. Close the cognitive chapter on productivity, and enjoy an evening of leisurely reading, cooking, and resting. -- This is an excerpt from an initiative I recently took part in called 'The nature of work' - a collaboration between Unyoked and LinkedIn. They invited Lizzie Hedding, Samantha Wong, James Hurman, Cayla Dengate, Jimmy Lyell and I to create a guide on using nature to slow down and focus on the things that really matter. 🏕️ One takeaway for me: Whether you're an athlete, VC, or musician... try to build more exposure to the natural world into your daily, weekly, monthly and yearly rhythms. Hope you enjoy the guide as much as we did making it. Link in the comments👇

If I were to reboot my career as an IT auditor, I'd learn communication skills harder. Improving communication skills is not just beneficial. It's essential for an IT auditor to effectively convey audit findings and recommendations to stakeholders across all levels of the organization. Through my journey, I've come to realize that effective communication for an IT auditor: - Is tailored based on the audience  - Provides context - Prefers simple language.  - Is better with visual aids - Also means listening actively - Encourages discussions - Welcomes feedback I've learned these lessons through experience. For example, my audience may not be familiar with the technical terms so I learned to avoid jargon. Recently someone asked me, what skills she needs to learn as an aspiring IT auditor. “I know technical skills are important but the importance of communication skills is often underestimated” I answered. My fellow auditors, how did you learn communication skills?  Share your insights and experiences in the comments below. #internalaudit #ITaudit #digitaltransformation

High-pressure, fast-paced work environments are like hot sauce on the brain—they keep everything on fire. While leaders might thrive on this continual state of excitement and ambition, expecting all employees to sustain this intensity is unrealistic. Such an environment can lead to: → Burnout → Disillusionment → High turnover But what if you’re on a mission to change the world or accomplish big things? How can you cultivate a culture of innovation that also supports a sustainable workforce? ⦿ Flexible Schedules: Foster innovation with flexible hours and remote work options, as demonstrated by Google. ⦿ Clear Boundaries: Limit after-hours work and communication to avoid burnout, a strategy championed by 37signals. ⦿ Promote Well-being: Invest in wellness programs and mental health resources, like those offered by Asana. ⦿ Create Innovation Labs: Set up dedicated spaces or times for experimentation and creativity, like 3M's famous 15% rule. ⦿ Encourage Regular Breaks: Implement mandatory downtime, similar to Slack's "no meetings" Fridays, to boost creativity and reduce fatigue. ⦿ Mentorship Programs: Pair employees with mentors to nurture growth and support, following the model used by Pixar Animation Studios to encourage creative collaboration. wearemotto.com

My first manager was a superstar at work. She rose to become the youngest partner at our consulting firm, had multiple high-profile clients, and was considered a role model by many junior consultants. When I observed her in client meetings, I realised that one of her core strengths was coming up with fresh innovative ideas that clients loved. She had a strong knack to quickly think on her feet and resolve conflicting views by coming up with win-win solutions for all parties. One day I asked her - “How do you get new ideas so quickly, especially in high-pressure situations?” Here are some golden nuggets she shared with me: 1. STUDY DIFFERENT SUBJECTS – Mastering your niche is important but creativity usually strikes at the intersection of different fields and disciplines. So, read about diverse topics and see how they relate to your field. 2. DIVERSIFY YOUR CROWD – Find people who have different education, experiences, and culture than you. Learning how they do things differently can help generate new ideas by combining two existing ideas. 3. UNPLUG FROM WORK – My manager made sure to regularly spend time with her family, play a sport, and travel to nature getaways. She found this time off necessary to keep her mind fresh and crank out new ideas. 4. BRAINSTORM MANY IDEAS – Come up with not one but 4-5 ways of solving a problem and analyse their pros/cons to determine what worked best. The best idea usually comes after we chew on the first few ideas.   5. ADOPT A CURIOSITY MINDSET – Being creative requires the humility to admit that you don’t always have an answer. Not having a preconceived answer is the biggest inspiration for new ideas. ----------------------------- My ex-manager’s creativity and original thinking was a big reason for her success. Because it differentiated her from the crowd and positioned her as a real thought leader. How do you come up with new ideas? Other than GenAI obviously! #creativity #newideas #eureka

How often do you pause to reflect on your own thinking? In today's fast-changing world, L&D professionals need more than just new skills – we need to be constantly shifting our thinking. But what does that really mean? In the latest Elevate episode, I spoke with Dr Cathryn Lloyd, founder of Maverick Minds, about how shifting thinking is at the core of adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving. Cathryn shared her own journey of transformation and how stepping into new environments and perspectives helped her reshape the way she sees the world. One of the tools Cathryn has developed is her "Shift Your Thinking" image cards. I’ve used these as a participant in a conference session facilitated by Cathryn and also for personal reflection. This has given me firsthand experience of how they helped me access new ways of seeing challenges and opportunities. They tap into the power of metaphor, imagery and storytelling - essential tools for deeper reflection and thinking differently. This episode is a must-listen for L&D professionals looking to develop learning agility, shift their own thinking and take fresh approaches to facilitation to help others shift their thinking. Thank you, Cathryn, for sharing your insights and experiences. Listen now on your favourite podcast app or visit the episode landing page to access additional resources: https://lnkd.in/eZ5-HSCT #LearningUncut #Creativity #ReflectivePractice #LearningandDevelopment #Facilitation