What do you do if you're a late career professional seeking brand strategy roles?

There is SO much FREE knowledge on the internet. LinkedIn Learning is a great place to start, YouTube and podcasts, too. Then there are online courses and certificate programs you can do through sites like General Assembly, CourseHorse and many online schools. Sometimes having a certificate that's recent even puts you ahead of someone who studied the subject in school, ten years ago. Even if you're not changing professions, it's always good to refresh and update your knowledge to stay ahead of the curve of whatever industry you're in.

I'd do a short course, find a short internship or project to participate in and then in my next place of employment - try to marry my work experience with skills I'd have gained from my course and internship. Portfolios are often important in brand roles but a vague one is worse than a blank one. So please try to find valuable work to add to your kitty. If you can't, just simply build a plan for the company you're interviewing for and present it to them/ send it to them pre-emptively. You might start at a more beginner role but you will be considered for senior roles faster than your peers.

To begin, I would evaluate my existing skills and professional experience, identifying those that could be transferable to brand strategy, such as market research, marketing, consumer behavior analysis, and strategic planning. Next, I would focus on filling any skill gaps by pursuing certifications in areas such as brand strategy, digital marketing, etc. I would continue seeking practical experience while staying up-to-date with new trends and technologies. Tailoring my job search would be essential.

In my experience If you're late to start your career, don't worry! It's never too late to pursue your professional goals. Start by assessing your skills, interests, and passions, and then create a plan to acquire the necessary qualifications or experience. Networking , gaining new skills, and being open to opportunities can help you catch up and thrive in your career journey. Remember, it's about progress, not perfection.

Upskilling is a constant task for a business professional. It's important to keep up with trends and learn from juniors as well as experts, to know what's happening in the industry. Sometimes coming from a completely different background puts you at an advantage of a fresh perspective too.

As Goethe said, "the measure of a man is determined by how he interacts with people who can do nothing for him". In the realm of networking this translates into displaying an attitude of curiosity and genuine helpfulness to anyone in your environment, regardless of the opportunity it may represent in an excel file. True networking is about establishing genuine relationships. Interestingly, the first time I started a business, the most valuable help came from the people I least expected it.

As a Brand Strategist, networking is more than just a means of expanding your professional circle; it's a strategic tool for gaining valuable insights and uncovering new opportunities. For late career professionals transitioning into brand strategy roles, active networking can be particularly beneficial. By attending industry events, joining relevant professional groups, and engaging in online forums, you can stay abreast of current trends and challenges in the field. Moreover, networking can lead to informational interviews and job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised, giving you a competitive edge in your job search.

As with any profession, learning from people with more experience is a great way to progress. Networking enables you to do just that! In today's world, there are thousands of perspectives on any given topic. Having a coffee, engaging in online chats, or participating in conversations with industry leaders can make a significant difference in your professional growth.

Networking changed the game for me when I pivoted into brand strategy. Industry events, online groups – are the goldmines for insights and connections. TBH Could even land you a dream GIG! ??

Networking is essential for accessing top talent and staying abreast of industry trends. It facilitates partnerships, client referrals, and market insights crucial for strategic decision-making. Embracing networking cultivates a dynamic ecosystem, propelling the company forward amidst competition and fostering innovation.

Offer value and network. LinkedIn is the perfect place to give away lessons learned and be seen as a resource. Post educational content as much as possible. The more you are willing to give it away and provide value the more it will come back to you ten fold.

The key thing to do as far as your personal brand when pivoting or transitioning to a new role is to tie your experience together in a way that makes sense for those who can help you get that role. Work on your story first. Take action to research so you can connect your experience to requirements and responsibilities of the new role. Initially your resume may not make sense, so you’ll have to do other things to show how your knowledge and experience is relevant. You may need to showcase your understanding of key industry aspects on LinkedIn. Perhaps you take on special projects. You also look at past accomplishments and highlight them in a way that is more relevant for your targeted role.

As a Brand Strategist, your extensive career background is a valuable asset that sets you apart. In your resume and interviews, emphasize how your experience directly aligns with the strategic needs of the brands you aspire to collaborate with. Showcase specific projects where you've led successful brand growth initiatives, managed rebranding campaigns, or adeptly navigated shifts in the market landscape. These examples not only demonstrate your depth of experience but also highlight your strategic acumen and problem-solving abilities, which are essential qualities for excelling in brand strategy roles.

Based on my experience, it is always of great value to show the success stories that we have carried out throughout our professional career, since we present practical cases in which we demonstrate our skills, experience and knowledge, and for the rest of the people It will be easier for them to identify our profile and how we can support them in their organizations.

I know the words "personal brand" often come across as icky, but think of it as simply building reputation, which whether you like it or not, we all have one. One trick i've always found interesting is, try to deconstruct what work you like might have been briefed as. Basically, how can you reverse engineer a brand strategy or ad strategy behind a great ad or initiative? You'd be surprised how much people are aching for information like this, especially if you make it a collaborative exercise (e.g. here's how i'd reverse engineer this ad, what's your interpretation?). One thing to remember: be useful. The world doesn't need more "contrarians" who just bash other people's work. That's probably not the reputation you want.

How many topics or content pillars do you recommend including in your own personal brand? That number can vary and it depends on you and what makes you unique. For example, I am a brand strategy and social media marketing leader in B2B cybersecurity. I’m also a mindfulness practitioner and content creator. I’m working out how I can combine the two.

Paradoxically, I believe that the best personal branding strategy is to talk about oneself as little as possible. As the French poet Mallarmé said, "You have to say things without saying them". In the same way that "sellsy" posts generate the least engagement, posts about personal achievements or recently received accreditations produce great family satisfaction, but they do not add the most value to the personal brand. From our experience, personal branding is not so much about how much you know as it is about the ability to offer a unique personal vision of a relevant topic.

Crafting a strong personal brand goes beyond making a good first impression; it serves as tangible evidence of your capabilities in the realm of marketing. Demonstrate your grasp of consistency in both design and messaging by showcasing how you promote yourself.

Investing in personal branding is key to establishing credibility and attracting opportunities. A professional website/blog showcasing expertise in brand strategy enhances visibility and thought leadership. Active engagement on LinkedIn fosters connections and positions me as an authority in the field, opening doors for collaboration and growth.

As a Brand Strategist, highlighting your flexibility and adaptability is crucial in demonstrating your readiness for the role. Brand strategy positions often demand a blend of creative thinking and analytical skills, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams. Emphasize your willingness to embrace new ideas and approaches, showcasing your ability to thrive in various project scenarios. Additionally, consider exploring contract or consulting roles, as these opportunities can provide valuable industry exposure and may lead to permanent positions. By remaining open to different job arrangements, you can expand your professional horizons and increase your chances of securing a rewarding brand strategy role.

Leverage your flexibility as a strategic asset in your journey through brand strategy. Showcase your enthusiasm for innovative problem-solving and ability to thrive in diverse settings. Rather than following the usual career path, consider embracing the exciting world of freelance projects or part-time consultancy. These opportunities allow you to tailor your work to your strengths and preferences, providing a rich tapestry of experiences that can sharpen your skills and increase your appeal to future full-time roles. Your adaptability not only meets the changing needs of the industry but also demonstrates your proactive approach to career development. Be the architect of your professional life!

Brand strategy requires mental flexibility. You need to see with your mind focused toward critical thinking as well as creatively. Being able to bridge the gap between creative and business thinking will benefit you because you will be able to see and understand the concepts, pains and challenges across the two disciplines.

As a Brand Strategist, mentorship can be a powerful tool for both personal and professional growth. Offering to mentor younger professionals not only allows you to give back to the industry but also keeps you engaged with the latest trends and practices in brand strategy. Additionally, serving as a mentor can enhance your leadership profile and expand your professional network, potentially leading to referrals or job opportunities within the field. By investing in mentorship, you not only contribute to the development of others but also position yourself as a knowledgeable and respected figure in the brand strategy community.

Always give back. Seeking out and providing mentoring opportunities will benefit not only those you teach but you yourself. When you teach the concepts of brand strategy you cement them within. Additionally, you will gain new perspectives and ideas from those you help develop and grow.

I have been fortunate to be able to mentor a few people in advertising and marketing even while still learning myself and I would love to say it was a beautiful experience being able to make their journeys abit easier in the field.

An example of this was applying for one position and simultaneously getting promoted for another. Leave room for the flexibility of your roles changing, which often do in the career path. It is not linear, nor is it supposed to be. The refinement comes from your previous network, executing the tasks which with those results hence why it becomes your networth.

If you're interested in building a brand that deeply resonates with your soul purpose. Reach out to @NinaChristian for her amazing #MarketingMe program.

Career changes can happen at any stage of life and it's never too late to make a switch. I firmly believe that anyone who has the drive and determination can embark on a new career path if they have the opportunity. One great way to start is by taking on stretch assignments that help you develop your skills and demonstrate your abilities.

Never think of yourself as “late” to any game. You arrived when it became necessary for you to do so. Move on from there with the awareness that your experience speaks for itself.

Depends what you mean by 'late'. How do you define when something is late. You're never too old or too late to start something new. Whether it's a career change, learning to swim, cook, drive, whatever it is. If you're ready to learn and try something new. The time you decide to do so is right on time. Where brand strategy is concerned. I'd suggest you surround yourself with mentors and guides that are a few steps ahead of you. Stay curious, ask questions and be useful. Your next opportunity is just a conversation away.