Career Path Development

I'm 3 years and 2 full-time jobs into my early career journey. Here are 3 lessons I've learned along the way to help motivate the soon-to-be/ new college graduate who's scared of what their future holds: 1) It's okay and never too late to pivot Spring semester of my senior year, I decided to make a career change from maternal and child health to tech. I dove into my job search with a loose plan, lots of manifestation, and a healthy dose of delusion. What's not seen is the 100s of crappy applications I submitted, a job offer I had to turn down, and the endless job rejections until I finally landed my offer at TikTok. My career pivot and the realization that there weren't a lot of early career resources for new grads led to the creation of The Ninth Semester blog, ultimately leading to my new career path in early career recruiting. One decision I made in college has positively impacted my career ever since and now I get to help 150,000 early career professionals navigate their careers. 2) It's okay to be multi-passionate, that's your superpower I used to (and sometimes still do) feel embarrassed for having an inconsistent career path. I went from a communications internship at Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC, Inc. → a marketing internship at Penguin Random House → a public relations internship at Ulta Beauty → advertising at TikTok → early career recruiting/employer branding at WayUp. I quickly had to learn the art of painting a story with my career experiences and learned that my diverse career path is what makes me unique. There are skills, software, and niche industry knowledge that I've learned from every role that helped me become a well-rounded early career candidate. There's no shame in wanting to learn and explore something different, especially if you're able to take the lessons from past roles into a new one. Identifying and highlighting my transferrable skills has helped a lot with my career confidence. but the biggest lesson I learned? 3)You're on your own timeline. It was hard watching my classmates land opportunities before graduation while I was on my 20th job rejection of the month. Every step I took, including the mistakes I made on my first post-grad job hunt, brought me to where I am today. I wasn't "behind" or a "failure" - it just wasn't my time yet. And that's scary to believe when you're afraid of never landing a job and everyone around you is constantly talking about how the job market is trash. It's easier said than done, but you have to keep going. Even if you have to take breaks from applying or try something unconventional like a TikTok video resume (like me lol) to break through the void of endless job rejections. Or get real with yourself about what's working/what's not and make changes. But trust me, you WILL find a job and you will land exactly where you need to be. Everything always falls into place. #classof2024 #classof2025 #entryleveljobs #internships #jobhuntingtips #postgrad

Gone are the days of a linear career path. Not long ago, the idea of a successful career followed a simple formula: Choose a study field > land a job > climb the ladder > retire. But today, career paths are anything but linear. More professionals are weaving between industries, blending their passions and redefining success. I went from climbing the corporate ladder as an Accountant, to taking a leap into tech and creativity — aligning my career with my passions and purpose. At school, I gravitated towards structure and logic, which led me to study accounting. It seemed like a practical and stable choice — one that promised job security and a clear trajectory. But at the same time, I craved the creativity I found through studying art, IT and photography. So I decided to pursue a double degree in business and design. While studying at uni I kickstarted my career at an accounting firm, getting a head start in the corporate world. Meanwhile on the design side, a Fine Arts assignment led me to launch my photography side hustle. I soon found myself fitting creativity into the margins of my finance career and defying the belief that Accountants couldn’t be creative. I knew I had more to give beyond a traditional corporate career, but I wasn’t sure how to blend my skills and passions in a way that felt authentic. Then came the opportunity to work at Canva. This was one of those sliding doors moments. I found my sweet spot at a company that is values-driven and where I could contribute to doing good in the world, while seamlessly merging my analytical and creative skillsets. The transition from corporate to tech was huge, but it unlocked a whole new level of growth. I now apply my financial expertise while being surrounded by creativity, innovation and a culture that encourages out-of-the-box thinking. If you’re feeling stuck or considering a career pivot, here is some advice: — Your passions matter. If you feel pulled in multiple directions, explore your intuition. Unexpected opportunities may follow. — Skills are transferable.  The analytical thinking I developed in public practice helped me thrive in tech, just as my creative background has shaped my approach to problem-solving. — Side hustles can open doors.  My photography business isn’t just a creative outlet — it has built entrepreneurial skills, connections, and confidence. — Growth happens outside your comfort zone.  The world of tech was unknown, but taking the leap led to profound learning and career development. — You don’t have to have it all figured out.  Each challenge offers learning and adds to your story. You know I love a unique personal brand! Your career doesn’t have to fit into a box — there’s value in taking the unconventional path. If you’re currently navigating a career change or thinking about one, I’d love to hear your story and help unblock your next step. Photo taken on my third day at Canva — which seems like a lifetime ago!

Can you stay satisfied in a marketing career forever? (The questions you ask yourself when stuck in an airport bar). I’ve seen many exceptional marketers move out of the field, taking on roles in project management, professional services and starting their own businesses. Most of these moves have been driven by a feeling of unfulfillment and disillusion with the marketing profession. I can understand it, but I don’t think that leaving marketing behind is a necessity to meet your personal and professional goals. Everyone is different, but I believe that escaping the notion of a linear path between marketing exec and CMO, is the vital first step. It’s almost a guaranteed road to disappointment and dissatisfaction. A) there isn’t enough room at the top, and B) the higher you climb doesn’t correlate with fulfillment at work. The three lessons I have learnt along the way are: 1 – Keep learning – the more specific knowledge you acquire, the more likely you’ll find new areas to expand into. You are much more likely to find something that you’ll excel in and build a new career path e.g. brand specialist. 2 – Take a sideways or backwards step – this can be one of the hardest things to do, but I’ve done it a few times in my career, and I’ve always been rewarded. Conversely when I’ve chased a job title or pay I’ve always suffered. Always look at the real opportunity and ask yourself honestly about your motivations for choosing your next step. You’ll be happier and stay in the career longer. 3 – Build your network – the old adage “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”, is so true. All of my great chances have been by virtue of connections I created over the years. I love connecting with people, I love seeing them grow and achieve, and I love to help people if I can along the way. Call it good karma or call it professional kindness, I believe in it, and sometimes it pays you back too. I suppose I could have just said “Learn everything, stay open to anything, and help out anyone you can.” If you do, I believe you’ll be rewarded with a long, enjoyable, and varied marketing career that will evolve over time. #marketing #marketingcareer #marketers

POV: You’re doing great work… but there’s nowhere to actually go. If that feels familiar, it’s not just you. Many mid-career professionals are hitting invisible walls because of “organizational flattening.” Companies are cutting out middle layers, leaving fewer formal promotions and broader, heavier roles. It’s frustrating. You’re performing at a high level, but the ladder you were told to climb doesn’t even exist anymore. Here’s the shift I want you to make: stop waiting for the system to create space for you. Start creating it yourself. That might mean broadening laterally into cross-functional projects that stretch your skill set. It might mean building strategic visibility so leaders actually see your impact, not just your output. Or it might mean negotiating for scope instead of title, because growth doesn’t always come with a promotion. Flatter organizations aren’t going away. But you can still grow within them, if you play a more strategic game. You don’t have to stay stuck waiting for someone to “open up a role.” You just have to redefine what advancement looks like for you. #careerstrategy #midcareerprofessionals #careercoaching #leadershipdevelopment #careeradvancement

𝗙𝗹𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵: 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂—𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝗜𝘁 * * More often than not, we find ourselves facing change that’s imposed on us, rather than something we’ve actively chosen. It’s easy to get comfortable in the illusion of “security”—believing that our organisations will always be a safe bet—only to be blindsided when our contributions, no matter how significant, aren’t treated as sacred. A huge part of my work revolves around helping people own their change—understanding that organisations don’t owe you a thing. What you do owe yourself, however, is the awareness and the plan to take control of your own career and life. It’s not you, it’s them… You could be smashing your KPIs, going above and beyond, being the ultimate team player—zero complaints—yet still find yourself surplus to requirements. Trust me, I’ve sat in those transformation meetings. I’ve worked with the world’s top consultants to refine strategic priorities, and I’ve even led those projects myself. If you’re a strong performer and your role is removed or changed, know this: it’s not about you—it’s just business. I get that it feels deeply personal, but behind those closed doors, execs aren’t thinking about names—they’re looking at boxes, headcount, and whether roles align with strategy. So, what now? If you find yourself in this position, here are three things you can do right now to take back control: 𝟭. 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 (𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗳 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴) You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. What strengths do others see in you that you might have overlooked? Could there be opportunities within the organisation that you haven’t considered? Clarity is power. 𝟮. 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 If you could design your ideal role, what would it look like? Would you stay in the same industry? Pivot to a new sector? Or is this the push you needed to start that business you’ve always dreamed about finally? 𝟯. 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗽 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗲 This is where the real work starts. Find an objective friend—or better yet, negotiate coaching as part of your exit package. Use this time to strategise your next move. Do you need to jump into a new role straight away? Can you afford to take some time out? If so, how will you use that time? Learning a new skill? Travelling? Recharging? (Ideally, a balance of all three!) Whatever happens, own your next step. Yes, this change may have been imposed on you, but now that the rug has been pulled, you get to decide how you land. 𝗦𝗼, 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳: 👉🏾 What’s the biggest risk I could take right now? 👉🏾 And if I won’t bet on myself, how can I expect anyone else to? 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲. 💥 #CareerChange #OwnYourSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment #ResilienceInAction #BetOnYourself

Variety in your career is a superpower. Especially if you want to reach the c-suite. I have interviewed well over 50 tech & transformation leaders now on Beyond the Desk Podcast. There's a common theme... the vast majority have zigzagged their way to the top jobs. Lots didn't start off in technology. Many worked in consulting and did various jobs across a range of industries. The vast majority took sideways or even backwards steps at points. All of them place huge value on the variety and breadth of their earlier experience and the positive impact that had on securing them the c-suite role. So, if you are dead set on becoming a CIO, COO, etc. Take some risks. Say yes to sideways moves and broaden your experience. The data shows that the linear career trajectory isn't all it's hyped up to be. Do you think career variety is important for senior leaders? Follow me for more career & leadership insights Mark Thomas Invecta

You’ve finished your MPP or Public Policy degree... now what? You entered the classroom full of hope that maybe you'd work with the traffic department to redesign road systems, partner with village bodies on water conservation, or advise an embassy on international relations. But now? You find yourself stuck in one of three frustrating boxes: Box 1: You got a job... but it's mostly Excel, half-baked analysis, and vague frameworks. Your managers say "impact," but chase donor deadlines. Funding determines everything from your priorities to your pay. Box 2: You landed a role... but honestly, you could’ve done it without the MPP. Many of your colleagues are from unrelated fields or just have undergrads. Box 3: You’re still applying. Or studying again. Or teaching. Or writing. You're in limbo while people on LinkedIn (maybe even me!) keep saying “read more, apply more, be proactive.” Exhausting, right? Meanwhile, you see impact jobs posted. Consulting roles. Policy gigs. Government collaborations. But when you apply? Silence. Or a labyrinth of forms, interviews, and dead ends. So... what do you do now? I don’t think the system is broken. I think we need to get sharper about navigating it. Here are 3 things you can do right now to break the loop: 1. Stop looking for “policy jobs.” Start targeting functions. "Public Policy" isn’t a job title. It’s a lens. Ask yourself: Do I want to design, evaluate, communicate, implement, or strategize? Then search for roles with those functions across consulting firms, funders, think tanks, CSR teams, and gov-backed startups. Example: If you want to evaluate programs, search for roles like “M&E Specialist” or “Impact Analyst”, not “Policy Officer.” You'll find roles you didn’t even know existed and you’ll actually get shortlisted. 2. Start publishing. Not to go viral but to get visible. Post once a week. Share a case you worked on. Break down a policy headline. Reflect on a challenge no one talks about. You’re not building a personal brand. You’re building searchable evidence of clarity. Hiring managers (and collaborators) do Google you. Give them something to find. 3. Get on 1 live project. Any size. Any sector. Contribute for 3 months. While you apply, get into the game. Don’t wait for the offer letter. Volunteer on a pilot with an NGO or a startup Join a short-term research project (Or better yet, like I said in my last post, start your own project) Reach out to an ex-professor, MPP alum, or mentor and say: “Can I help on anything?” It’s not free labour; it’s portfolio building. And when you walk into your next interview, you’ll have a real, recent project to talk about. That changes everything. And finally, dear fellow policy enthusiasts, you don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take one concrete step this week. That’s how momentum begins. Trust me- everyone you admire in this space also started out a little lost. #PublicPolicy #PolicyCareers #MPP #PolicyEducation

They call it the "broken rung," but it feels more like a broken system. For every 100 men promoted to manager, only 81 women get promoted..... For Black women? That number drops to 58. For Latinas? 64. I used to think I wasn't getting promoted because I wasn't ready. Needed more experience. More credentials. More visibility. Then I watched mediocre men get promoted after 18 months while I perfected my performance reviews for 5 years. The broken rung isn't about your first job. It's about your first promotion to manager. And it's where most women's careers get derailed before they even begin. Here's what makes it so insidious: You can't see it happening. There's no email saying "we're passing you over because you're a Black woman." No meeting where they explain why Brad's "potential" matters more than your proven results. Just silence. Another year. Another "not quite yet." But here's what changed my entire approach: I stopped trying to fix what wasn't broken (me) and started understanding what actually was (the system). The Invisible Barriers They Won't Name: The Likability Trap: Men are promoted on potential. Women need to prove themselves. Black women need to prove themselves while being "likable" enough not to threaten anyone. The Office Housework: Who takes notes? Plans parties? Mentors interns? These invisible tasks eat your time but don't count toward promotion. The Moving Goalpost: First it's experience. Then it's executive presence. Then it's "strategic thinking." The target keeps moving because the problem was never your qualifications. But here's what you CAN control: The Self-Audit That Changed Everything: Ask yourself: - Am I doing work that gets measured or work that gets appreciated? - Am I building relationships with decision-makers or just my peers? - Am I documenting my wins or assuming they're being noticed? - Am I negotiating my role or accepting what's given? The brutal truth I discovered: I was stuck because I was playing by rules that were designed to keep me stuck. Working hard on the wrong things. Building excellence in roles that had no path up. Waiting for recognition from people who couldn't see me. The moment I understood the broken rung wasn't my fault, I stopped trying to fix myself and started building my own ladder. Some of us will repair the broken rung. Some of us will build new systems entirely. But none of us have to accept that this is "just how it is." Career Glow-Up Diaries, Episode 2: Understanding the game is the first step to changing it. Where are you actually stuck - the system or your strategy? If this post resonates, share it. Someone needs to stop blaming themselves for a broken system.

I didn’t start in marketing. I started at the front desk. It wasn’t the dream job — but it turned out to be the smartest move I ever made. When you’re pivoting into marketing or project management, where you start matters just as much as the title. I joined as an Office Coordinator. I had no illusions about the role itself, but I did know two people before me had been promoted into other departments within a year. That told me one important thing: this company believed in internal mobility. That role became my launchpad into a full-time marketing position. Since then, I’ve worked across multiple environments — startups, mid-sized companies, and mission-driven orgs — and I’ve seen firsthand which ones help career pivoters actually grow. ✅ 4 Types of Companies Where Career Pivoters Thrive: 🔹 Mid-Sized Companies (50–200 employees) Big enough for real structure, small enough that your work gets noticed. These companies often give you access to different teams and projects, and room to explore beyond your role. 🔹 Startups with strong leadership At one startup, I worked across client success, finance, HR, operations, and marketing, and got promoted twice in under 18 months. The learning curve was steep — but it gave me experience most people take years to build. 🔹 Mission-Driven Organizations When the work matters, people notice your contribution, not just your job title. These orgs often hire for mindset, not credentials. 🔹 Companies with a culture of internal mobility When you’re pivoting, your first role may not be your forever role. What matters is whether you’re in an environment that opens doors. 🚫 What to Watch Out For: ❌ Highly siloed orgs with rigid hierarchies They tend to value credentials over potential, and make it harder to try, stretch, or move laterally. There’s no one perfect company. But the right environment can turn your pivot into real progress. What was your least glamorous first job, and how did it shape your career? Share your story in the comments! 👉 Follow me for career advice that helps you pivot and grow in marketing or project management. #careerchange #pivotintomarketing #pmcareerpath #internalmobility