TRC Media acknowledge that women are under-represented at board level in the tech/digital sector in Scotland - so they decided to take action. Special Edition is an initiative that aims to help women reach their full potential in the industry. The six-month programme offers participants a chance to learn from detailed workshops and develop not only their professional and creative skills, but their entrepreneurial and networking skills.
Previous candidates have gone on to secure boardroom level positions and even start their own companies. The ambition of the program is ultimately to have all female participants embarking on a career which leads to the boardroom.
TRC Media run the excellent Cross Creative and Special Edition programmes for tech companies in Scotland and do a great job providing world class training and development for tech talent in Scotland.
What will the programme involve?
During the six months candidates will receive help developing their skills through formal training workshops taught by top mentors. The workshops aim to boost the candidate's confidence and help build their professional network as Special Edition is a great opportunity to meet other women with similar ambition in the tech sector.
Entrepreneurial skills will also be developed throughout the programme as candidates learn how to progress their current careers in the digital sector. The programme involves an international trip to experience many digital centres of excellence where participants will meet the industry's most influential leaders and innovators.
The skills and training are tailored to the individuals in the programme and previously discussed themes have been:
- Personal and professional goal setting
- Influencing skills
- Creative thinking and problem solving
- Entrepreneurship
- Management techniques
- Networking
2016's Special Edition started back in August beginning the first of the five sessions which ended in a very successful international trip.
What is the entry criteria?
Special Edition was created for women working in the digital sector - specifically those who work in commercial creative businesses. This includes businesses such as digital design, agencies, games, animation, mobile apps, publishing, augmented/virtual reality, technology and platforms/software.
Those who wish to apply should ideally have:
- Significant experience in their field
- Experience in management
- The aim of reaching Boardroom/Director level or run their own business.
There are limited places available on Special Edition and the highly competitive selection process is based on talent, need and clearly articulated goals.
Candidates from 2016
- Claire Wood The Leith Agency | Associate Planner
- Danae Shell FreeAgent | Head of Awareness
- Kaye Symington Paved with Gold | Co-founder
- Laura Boyle Dog Digital | Senior Analytics & Insights Manager
- Sarah Johnson Whitespace | Head of Digital Marketing
- Terresa Aitken Blonde Digital | Group Account Director
What do past participants have to say
"I arrived knowing this experience would change my career. I left feeling it had changed my life. We shared, we supported , we challenged, we travelled, we laughed, we cried, we changed, we grew." - Kirsten Murray, Teviot - Talking about Special Edition.
Case Studies
Three other candidates have left detailed accounts of their experience in Special Edition. Hopefully these will give you a better understanding of what is involved in the programme.
Louisa Gallie | Special Edition
Louisa Gallie who is a senior 2D artist with Hunted Cow in Elgin, details her experience on the Special Edition programme over on the Highlands and Islands Enterprise blog. You can find this Here.
Kirsten Murray | Special Edition
Kirsten Murray is the Senior Designer with the creative agency Teviot. Find out more about her experience Here.
Yolander Yeo | Special Edition
Yolander Yeo is the founder and CEO of Yo Design. See what Yolander had to say about Special Edition Here.
How can I apply?
Currently TRC Media are not taking applications. However, you can register your interest in Special Edition by leaving your name, email and a message at Contact TRC Media. This way you will be contacted when applications are being taken for Special Edition.
Don't procrastinate, take action!
Special Edition is a great opportunity to grow not only your career but all aspects of your life. So Register your interest and don't miss out. For the latest tech community news and opportunities make sure to join our mailing list and follow our Twitter and Facebook page.
