Three years after the historic referendum in Britain in which people voted to come out of the European Union – it finally happened.
Brexit happened on Friday, January 31st at midnight in Europe. The UK is still in a year of transition while politicians thrash out the finer details of the divorce from the EU.
But what does it mean for employers and employees in the creative industries? Well new research by TopCV, reveals that 25 percent of marketing, media, and design professionals are planning to seek employment outside the UK as a result of Britain’s decision to leave the European Union. Britain’s exit on the 31st January 2020 will have seismic consequences for Britain’s creative industries, worth £268 billion in 2018.
TopCV’s data found that 15 percent of those surveyed would consider packing up their lives and moving from the UK. However, Brexit will cause the greatest harm to the marketing, media, and design sector, which will see a quarter of its workforce up and leave to advance their careers, followed closely by workers in science and education (21%), engineering and construction (18%), project and program management (17%), and technology (16%).
Our research reveals incredibly dire implications for Britain’s creative industries. We have some of the brightest minds and most creative agencies in the UK, so for a quarter of that talent to leave would be shocking. Hiring and retaining the right staff, even in the steadiest of times, can be tough. Employers will have to identify creative ways to incentivize their employees to remain in the UK – and quickly.
As a silver lining, there are numerous ways those wanting to break into these industries can leverage Brexit as an opportunity to advance their careers as a result of new vacancy openings.
Amanda Augustine, careers expert at TopCV
Whatever job losses or opportunities Brexit may bring, the following are four ways you can proactively take charge of your career:
1. Invest in your network
If you had neglected your professional network for a while, now’s the time to reinvest in this important career tool. In times of job uncertainty, your network of professional and personal contacts can be an invaluable source of support and motivation, career advice and job leads. Reconnect with former colleagues and alumni in your field, and seek opportunities, such as relevant networking events, to make new connections. If you’re interested in working for a new company or in a new industry, schedule informational interviews with individuals who already work at the organization or in the field, and can help you determine whether it’s the right move for you.
2. Strengthen your skillset
Whether you’re planning to pursue a new line of work or you’re wishing to safeguard your current position against redundancy, it’s in your best interest to seek professional development opportunities that can boost your employability. Look to your professional organizations, the local universities, and the web for free or low-cost workshops and courses that can help you sharpen a skill or learn an entirely new one.
3. Promote your expertise
Modesty has no place in an ambitious professional’s career tool kit – especially when the job market is competitive. Use this opportunity to Google your name, reevaluate your LinkedIn profile and other social media activities, and make certain you’re consistently promoting your talents to prospective employers and potential networking connections. Consider posting articles about your industry and sharing your perspective on the topic, publishing an article on a blog or your LinkedIn profile that demonstrates your knowledge of a subject, and sharing outcomes of your work or professional-development opportunities. You cannot expect your network – or even your manager – to appreciate your accomplishments and expertise if you don’t actively merchandise them.
4. Update your CV
Whether you’re looking for a job because the market is flush with opportunities or because companies are downsizing, a strong CV is the foundational building block for your post-Brexit career preparations. Although the art and science of CV writing can be tough to master, professional CV writers can help craft a CV that can be your winning ticket into any interview room, no matter the circumstances.
