One year at Creative Natives: A reflection

By Dakota Middleby

Where has the time gone?

It feels like it was just yesterday that I started my journey at Creative Natives, yet it has been a whole year filled with challenges, growth and unforgettable experiences. Looking back, it’s hard to believe I’m here now, considering where I started – having no idea what recruitment was all about – and how much I’ve grown, developed and changed.

A year ago, I joined Creative Natives as their first 100% remote team member based in Queensland. Both recruitment and working remotely were an alien world to me – Queensland wasn’t really impacted by lockdowns the way the southern states were.

I didn’t know the difference between an in-house client and an agency client. As much as I love talking to people, picking up the phone to communicate with candidates was a daunting task. The fear of not asking the right questions haunted me every time I hung up the phone. Figuring out who could support me remotely was difficult. However, with each challenge I faced, I was determined to learn and grow, and that determination set the foundation for my progress.

One of the most crucial lessons I have learned during my time at Creative Natives, is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recruitment. Everyone has their own unique way of doing things. Embracing my individuality allowed me to build confidence and be true to myself. And this is the same in any job, not just recruitment. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to marketing, to PR, to design, so don’t be afraid to be unique and do things a little differently.

I can genuinely say that I love my job – the passion I have for recruitment has grown exponentially over the past year. I threw myself wholeheartedly in the deep end, faced my fears and gained so many positives from this career change. I’ve formed meaningful connections with my colleagues, some of whom I now call my greatest friends. I get that feeling of accomplishment and fulfilment when helping people find their dream careers or assisting businesses in finding the perfect new hire.

My journey at Creative Natives has taught me an essential life lesson – if you are truly passionate about something, don’t be afraid to dive in headfirst. Success may not come overnight, and you’ll face challenges and uncertainties, but with dedication, hard work, and a belief in what you can do, you can overcome any obstacles that come your way. The key is to be confident, be yourself, and stay true to your unique journey.

If there’s one thing I can say to anyone starting their own journey, it’s this: believe in yourself and your abilities, and with determination and passion, you will find your way quicker than you think.

To chat with Dakota about her career journey or if you’re after a new role in PR and Communications, you can connect with her on LinkedIn or send her an email at dakota@creativenatives.com.au.