CHELSEA STEWART // ABROAD SERIES

ABROAD is aN interview series from &PLEASURE spotlighting the next gen building careers overseas across fashion, PR, marketing, e-commerce, beauty and the wider creative and tech industries.

Name: Chelsea Stewart
Handle: @chelsea.stewartt
Job Title: Senior Talent Agent
Workplace: Digital Icon Agency (DIA), @digitaliconagency
Location: London, UK + Global
Industry: Talent Management

What made you decide to take your career overseas rather than stay in Australia?

I always knew I wanted to be working globally, for me the Australian market had a glass ceiling that I hit after around 5/6 years in the industry. I waited until I had done all I could in that market and was in a position that was appealing for a global agency to hire me!

What visa pathway did you take (if any), and what kind of financial preparation would you recommend before making the move?

I have a UK passport (very lucky thanks mum!), but moved here strategically as a stop over to get to the US.

Did you have a clear plan when you moved, or were you figuring it out as you went?

Yes and no! I was talking to a few agencies before I arrived, however did not accept any offers until I was on the ground here and met with all of the Directors in person. Energy and connection is so important in our industry- I wanted to make sure whoever I chose to work for was the perfect fit for my career and goals.

Hardest part about breaking into your industry in a new country?

Connections - it is all about who you know so I had a lot of ground work initially to be networking, be seen, connect with the right people and make sure I was doing all of this very quickly.

Biggest difference working here compared to Australia?

The budgets, the opportunities, attitudes of talent- everything I have found is so different which is why I love it!

What skills or mindset shifts have been most important to make it work here?

I moved to the other side of the world for my career so my mindset was always very determined which was quickly noticed and respected. The market here is competitive so you have to have an edge, point of difference, new idea, constant finger on the pulse to not just make it work but really take off in a market like the UK/US

How did you land your first opportunity when you arrived?

Pitched myself to the agencies I knew I wanted to work for- I did not apply for one role; all of the top agencies I had my eye on weren’t advertising for new roles so I cold emailed and didn’t stop until I locked in meeting with them all.

What do you wish you knew about your industry in this city before moving?

The pace- I did underestimate the pace in which we work/ travel at here and the scale of the deals which was a pleasant surprise.

How important is networking vs experience in getting started?

I think it’s a mix, you need to network to get in front of the right people, but once you’re in front of them if you don’t have the experience and knowledge it shows.

Did you take a step back in your career to make this move work?

No, I stepped into another Senior Agent role, just in a different market.

How did you approach networking in a completely new market?

You need to be open to everything, make the most of every opportunity and never say no! In the beginning, any connection is a good connection.

How did you approach networking in a completely new market?

You need to be open to everything, make the most of every opportunity and never say no! In the beginning, any connection is a good connection.

What made you stand out when applying for roles here? 

Experience! My resume and work/ role in Australia was attractive for agencies here. I came to every conversation with new ideas and a fresh perspective on the market. There is also an Australian charm and energy that works in your favour. 

How do you stay competitive in a more saturated market?

Immerse yourself in the industry, trends, continue to grow your network, always look for new opportunities, bigger deals, never get comfortable or complacent in a role or position, challenge ideas and ways of working/ thinking.

Advice would you give someone trying to get their first role overseas?

Speak to people in your dream roles, connect & ask them for advice, find out what they think it takes to break into the market and don’t take no for an answer!