ManifestMore is helping alumni participants take their career to the next level.
After graduating from the core program and getting consistent gigs working as a production assistant, our participants began to ask, “What is next?”
ManifestMore was built out of wanting to provide training and networking opportunities for ManifestWorks alumni who want to take their career to the next level - whatever shape that might take in the production industry.
To tell us about the program and share insights, our Program Manager, Sierra Gardener, gives us an update:
Can you describe what ManifestMore is?
ManifestMore is our alumni programming at ManifestWorks.
Our goal is that ManifestWorks remains a personal and professional resource for alumni as their lives and careers grow and change. We are helping alumni by providing opportunities to build their careers and develop new skills, connect with other alumni, and build wealth.
A few notable programs include our Office PA Training Program, our financial education & investment matching program ManifestMoney, and our Mid-Career Women's alumni group.
When people start the ManifestMore program - where are you finding that they are getting stuck? How does ManifestMore pull them out of that?
I find that there are lots of alumni that feel stuck moving to the next step in their career.
There is often only so much time someone can have to learn something new while working on-set and there aren't many resources outside of work for learning new skills to get them ready for a new position. That's where we've found an opportunity to support alumni.
We've recently partnered with The MBS Group to provide hands-on trainings with industry pros in Grips, Electric, and Prop Management to help provide tangible skills for these roles.
What is one story that sticks out of someone impacted by ManifestMore?
One story that sticks out is an alumni that went through our ManifestMore Office PA training program and was an absolute rockstar.
A couple of months after the program ended they had experienced some life emergencies and were in a tough spot financially and needed support finding work again after taking a break to deal with these major challenges. The Support team was able to provide them with an emergency grant and we were able to connect them to an Office PA gig that they then turned into more work.
This is someone who has the skills, determination, and ability to be successful, but just needed a little bit of support through a tough time. This is why we exist, to be a continued resource for alumni of ManifestWorks so that the industry doesn't lose out on some of its most talented people when they face challenges.
What is your favorite thing about working at ManifestWorks?
My favorite thing about working at ManifestWorks is the network of supporters and volunteers that we have. I'm continuously impressed and encouraged by the number of people that are willing to step up and share their time, expertise, and resources to support our participants and alumni. We couldn't run any of our programs without them!
How has ManifestMore evolved over the last year or so?
ManifestMore has evolved to meet the needs of our alumni. The programs we are developing are a direct result of the advocacy of our alumni for trade-specific programs.
We are constantly looking for new ways to engage alumni and support their career growth, and we have some exciting new resources and opportunities coming in the next few months.
