Read Tyler’s career journey and how he moved from Media to HR
Tyler Christian is currently a Gen Z Culture & Engagement Advisor and a champion for the Gen Z community.
I'll just say that my journey has been a bit unorthodox……
How long did it take you to land a job in this industry?
It took me exactly 18 months to land a job within the media/advertising industry. I took the more 'unconventional' route after college and went full time into freelancing. Shortly after this I got another job which just didn’t fulfil me. I then decided to start networking, and I reached out to an old college friend who worked at dentsu.
What qualifications did you need? Did you go to university?
No, I did not go to university. I chose not too as I personally didn't see the value in studying for a course that I could live and experience via working. I went to a creative media college (Global Academy) which equipped me with the foundation skills.
What has your journey at dentsu been like so far?
It's been quite unique, to say the least. I started off in dentsu Creative as a content creation executive. Then, after expanding my network and meeting multiple different people across dentsu, including our CEO, I was able to create my own role. I am now the Gen Z Advisor, and I have been in my role for six months. It was bit of a diagonal move as I went from one service line, being dentsu creative, to a completely different function, being HR, which is where I am now. It's not the normal career development or path that most people go down, but it's unique to me, and I'm happy that I've been able to carve out my own career in a way that works and resonates with me. I'll just say that my journey has been a bit unorthodox.
How were you supported in the career change?
dentsu was very supportive in helping me take the next steps in my career. The role that I am doing now didn't exist, but it was something I was passionate about, so I sat down with various people, and we carved out the new position. How amazing is that? The role was created because I had a vision, and dentsu believed in me! Everyone was accommodating, very supportive, and transparent with me, and I'm forever grateful for that.
What does your new role involve?
As a Gen Z Culture and Engagement Advisor, in a nutshell, I'm responsible for the employee experience for all Gen Zs across the whole of the UK. I work with the Early Careers team to look at new ways of how we attract Gen Zs and how we retain the talent. It is my job to make sure they are having the best work experience; we grow them here at dentsu rather than them leaving. We have created the VIZ (Very Important Gen Z) employee belonging group. This is a group of over 100 Gen Zs across our five regional offices, coming together at various social events to create a community and a sense of belonging.
What advice would you give to someone who's just about to start their role at dentsu?
Be confident, and if you don't ask, you don't get, as this relates directly to my experience. I pushed for what I wanted to do and showed passion for the cause, but if I hadn't, I wouldn't be here today. Be bold, and don't be afraid to ask for what you want. One thing I always live by is that you are the CEO of your career.
Where do you see your role going at dentsu?
I want to grow the VIZ community to an EMEA level. At the minute, it's across the UK, but I want to help other markets attract and retain Gen Zs.
Why do you think your role is important for dentsu?
Gen Zs are the future CEOs, so it's important we grow, nurture, and develop this community. Gen Zs are the target audience for a lot of our clients, so we work with them to create campaigns, branding, and conduct market research – what do they find attractive, and what would make them purchase something. Having these focus groups gives us a huge competitive advantage.
What is your most memorable moment?
One of them is when I first sat down our CEO to pitch my idea of the role I wanted to do, I was so shocked because she agreed and loved the idea. It was great that someone so senior saw my vision and believe in me. The second memorable was being part of the panel at Seicho (dentsu event) speaking to over 400 people. It was such an honour being asked if wanted to speak I was amazed people wanted to hear me from me. I really had to lean into my fears because I haven’t done much public speaking and 400 people is huge, but it was a great success. In less than 2 years two key moments early on in my career.
Is there anything that you would do differently looking back?
Believed in myself from day one. When I first started at dentsu I lacked self-belief, over time my confidence has grown with the things I have achieved but I wished I have known this from the beginning and not worried.
Tyler Christian, Gen Z Culture And Engagement Advisor, dentsu