WACL Talent Awards

What are the WACL Talent Awards?

The WACL Talent Award is a passport to leadership progression for women in their careers, the grant is for emerging female+ leaders working in media, marketing, advertising and communications. It’s awarded by WACL in partnership with NABS.

Why does it exist?

WACL’s purpose of accelerating gender equality for the benefit of all in our industry means they’re passionate about supporting as many emerging female+ leaders as they can. So the WACL Talent Award was set up in 2005 to foster great talent and support more women on their journey to leadership.
Each year grants are awarded to around 25 individuals to fund a training course they have chosen to support their goals for the future.

This year, the 20th year of the award, WACL are offering grants up to the value of £1,500 to all winners.

“Too often training is focussed on the roles we are currently in and skills that will help us now. The WACL talent award allowed me to pause and reflect on the skills I needed for both future roles and to drive change in our industry. Two years on I have used the grant to study business change management while also forming part of the launch committee for Women In Trading Network. Not to mention being part of the incredible Futures community full of women supporting women.”

Jade Behr, EMEA Agency Development Lead, Spotify – 2022 WACL Talent Award Winner

Who can apply?

The WACL Talent Award is open to all talented individuals identifying as female+ in advertising, marketing, media and communications aspiring to achieve their leadership potential.

It doesn’t matter what age you are, where you’re based in the UK or what your background is. If you’re ambitious, want to make a difference and are motivated to succeed, apply now!

To be eligible to apply, you must:

• Identify as female+ (Female+ is inclusive of: cisgender women, transgender women, non-binary, gender non-conforming and Intersex people.)
• Be currently or most recently employed or engaged in the media, marketing, advertising and communications industry
• Be based in the UK
• Have at least 3 years of industry experience
• Be committed to a career within this industry
• Have the application endorsed by your current/recent employer or sponsor.

What are we looking for?

Below are five questions that will help you to explore whether the WACL Talent Awards are right for you. These questions are also designed to give you an insight into what the judges are looking for from applications

1. Are you passionate about the media, marketing, advertising, and communications industry and can you share examples that bring this passion to life?
2. How will your chosen course stretch you beyond where you are today and why does it feel like the right opportunity for you and your career?
3. What examples can you share of supporting, growing and inspiring other women and tackling inclusion for all in the industry?
4. What have you achieved outside of your day job that you’re proud of (personally and professionally)?
5. What does being a leader mean to you and what are your leadership ambitions in the future?

Simply put, we want to hear the story of what sort of leader you are, how you inspire others and how you want to progress as a leader

How do I apply?

Visit the WACL website to complete the application form by 25th November

All applications will be carefully reviewed and a shortlist of candidates will be invited to interview with a selection of WACL Leaders who will then award winners.

Key dates for your calendar

Open for entries: 21st October 2024

Closing deadline for entries: 25th November 2024

Notification of shortlisting for interviews: 13th December 2024

Interviews take place: 20th, 21st & 23rd January 2025

Notification of decision: 27th January 2025

Winners celebration evening: March 2025, date TBA

Questions

If you have questions, please visit the WACL website to view the FAQ’s or get in touch with one of the team by emailing us at wacl_talent@nabs.org.uk