D&AD Shift with Google
“Talent like this doesn’t need a degree to transform the industry. It doesn’t need to be moulded to existing norms. Talent like this won’t settle for just a foot in a door. It won’t stop at a wall, or blink at carving their own path. Talent like this won’t apologise for being themselves. Their time is now.”
D&AD Shift is a free, 4 month industry-led night school programme for new creatives who don't have a degree-level qualification. Through Shift, D&AD aims to create an accessible space for self-made talent to learn from and connect with the industry, establish a network and find job opportunities.
I was responsible for the strategic development and design of this programme, as well as project managing and producing it from its inception in 2017 to 2022. During my tenure, Shift grew from a seed-funded programme for 15 emerging creatives in London to a global portfolio of learning products, all serving creatives under-represented in the industry.
Highlights included:
Launching the programme in London, New York & Germany
Collaborating with the creative industry to design an innovative and relevant curriculum
Over 250 emerging creatives completing the programme
Personally mentoring, teaching and coaching over 100 emerging creatives who have come through the programme
Securing and servicing global sponsorship of over £1m from international brands including Google and adidas
Maintaining a 70% employment rate of ‘graduates’ in to paid roles in the creative industry
Strategic development of the programme portfolio to include an alumni community, Shift Select, Shift Studio and the Shift Campus.
Speaking on behalf of the programme to press including Creative Review and Creative Pool.
Find out more about D&AD Shift here.
“I met Hilary in 2019 when I was selected as a shortlisted for the D&AD New Blood Shift program, now called D&AD Shift with Google. I remember walking into a big room full of strangers, powerful people I assumed, all speaking advertising lingo and dressed to impress. Traditionally these spaces felt a bit cold and stuffy but this time was different. When I met Hilary she made me feel so welcome, at ease and that she was genuinely happy that I was there to participate. I’ve ever experienced such a warm welcome and immediate sense of feeing included.
That first impression and moment with Hilary really set the tone to an experience that would go on to change my life and career trajectory. Hilary poured her heart into Shift making it a program that walks the walk and talks the talk. I am one of many non traditional creatives without a college degree and with a life journey that just hasn’t allowed my path to be simple. Often times, people like myself don’t have access to the same opportunities of others but, for the first time in forever I felt I actually had a chance.”