Normalize having a non-linear career path!

Disclaimer: If you have managed to find fulfilment in the same profession/organization, you may not relate to this article or maybe it could give you an alternate perspective.

In a digital age today, we can teach ourselves anything, meet like-minded people, learn from experiences and build transferrable skill sets. This level of access allows you to build a non-traditional, non-linear career path.

Career ladders are a thing of the past. Modern careers are no longer ladders but webs of either vertical or horizontal opportunities. The generation today focusses a bit more on autonomy and job satisfaction. And if the pandemic did any good, it only accelerated this trend. Only you define your playbook for success.

A variety of experiences yields new perspectives. Having said that, not every person must have a diverse set of experiences. I firmly believe that generalists and specialists together can bring about innovation. What is most valuable today is the capacity to pivot, adapt, and execute under the ever-changing environments irrespective of industry.

Here’s how you can advocate your work when you are new to an industry and have the skills but lack the experience:

Identify your common thread

My marketing career has spanned across consumer tech, real estate, luxury retail and F&B. The common thread weaving my experience together is that I have always been into consumer marketing. The methodology, approach, thinking, and skill is universally applicable when you keep the customer at heart. What matters is having the skill to figure out how to generate growth with these core principles.

Connect the dots and see how this quickly becomes your point of differentiation.

Lose the guilt

I have always been told, not sticking to an industry hampers your career growth. There is nothing wrong with a traditional career approach, but it is not the only way. Being a curious individual, I am always drawn to various things and sometimes I have way too many interests. It took me sometime to lose the guilt and accept that varied interests do not equate to lack of focus.

Create a path uniquely yours and own it. As Brené Brown rightly says:

"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen."

Don't let imposter syndrome get to you

I have felt imposter syndrome several times while shifting industries. As I walked into a room, a voice in my head constantly reminding me that I don’t have the knowledge or experience as the rest in the room. But what I have learnt over time is that most people don’t know what they are doing and are learning just as you are.

Work hard, fail fast, and bounce back faster as this accelerates your path to succeed.

Surround yourself with the right people

This has been my toughest challenge. To find the right people with the right capabilities. Find people who have traversed a similar path as you or mentors who believe in your goals. Without career cheerleaders the journey often can seem lonely and overwhelming.

Persevere till you find your people.

Being able to articulate your unique story is transformative and magical. You need to leverage its power.

Life is short. Take the leap.