Global tech accessory brand CASETiFY inspires SCCI students

Founded in 2011 in Hong Kong as a customisable phone case company, CASETiFY is now the world’s most popular tech accessory brand with a product range encompassing everything from phone cases and laptop covers to Apple Watch straps and AirPod cases.

Strengthening SCCI’s international partnerships, this talk gave students from the School for the Creative and Cultural Industries (SCCI) insight into what it’s like working at a global brand including the different roles and challenges. CASETiFY also presented several opportunities for SCCI students to work with them, from internships in Hong Kong headquarters to their two-year Management Trainee Program.

The Talent Acquisition team opened the presentation by sharing CASETiFY’s mission “to empower people to express their true selves through creativity, as we believe, more creativity means more authenticity.”

We discussed areas of CASETiFY’s vision that are key to its global success. Firstly, diversity and inclusion; with more than 1400 employees over 30 nationalities, the Talent Acquisition team explained how “people and talent are the most valuable assets to our company”. Secondly, keeping ahead of trends. To do this CASETiFY has a unique talent landscape with almost 90% of staff being millennials and Gen Z, allowing the brand to stay relevant and to set trends. And lastly, the importance of sustainability, for example, RECASETiFY’s commitment to recycling, repurposing, and upcycling their tech products.

The Talent Acquisition team then handed over to Angie Yim, Associate Creative Director, who discussed her career pathway and her role at CASETiFY. Angie studied Industrial Design in the USA and then worked in different areas of design before reaching out to CASETiFY on LinkedIn, despite there not being a specific job opening to suit her. Effectively creating her own role, Angie talked about the importance of taking risks: "You don't know what opportunities are out there. Just ask the question. What's the worst that could happen? Take the leap.”

At CASETiFY, Angie works on many of the brand’s co-labs with influencers, artists and those working in the creative and cultural industries. During the presentation she discussed the design process from brief and concept to packaging and launch, emphasising the importance of innovation, flexibility and teamwork. She then explained the four C’s, what the CASETiFY Co-Lab team looks for in an employee:
- Creative thinking
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Critical thinking

A Q&A session followed the presentation, with students particularly interested in the career development opportunities and how to make their applications stand out. Read their tips below.

CASETiFY ‘s top tips for applying for jobs and internships:

• Standing out: As lots of opportunities get so many applications, think about how you can make yours stand out. Especially if the role has a digital aspect, think of how you can incorporate this into your application. This could be by adding a link to your Instagram or online portfolio. Or uploading a video introducing yourself.
• Personal brand: Particularly when applying for art and design roles; think about your personal brand.
• Do research: Find out as much as you can about where you’re applying so you can explain why you want to work their and what you can add.

How to strengthen your application/CV:

• Self-learning: Take advantage of learning opportunities and teach yourself new skills
• Events: Where possible attend different careers talks and events. Talk to as many people as you can!
• Passion projects: Don’t feel like you just have to include paid work or university projects on your CV or in your portfolio. You can include passion projects and self-initiated projects too.