What advice would you give a recent graduate that is preparing to enter the workforce?

During a recent community event, a student asked me what advice I would give them.

Before replying, I really considered advice I had received from mentors early in my career. I was fortunate that early on I was continuously advised to "keep learning" and that "relationship matter".

Putting those lessons into practice, I am believer that if you are lifelong learner and put the work into developing your professional network, then you will always be close to the next, best opportunity for yourself.

How that advice supported my journey

Before my current role as marketing program manager, I had not held a marketing title in seven years. Instead, I had held economic development positions that kept me busy building entrepreneurship programs, strengthening rural economies, and implementing industrial recruitment strategies. Yes, these responsibilities benefited from my marketing experience and skills – but the emphasis was on the relationships, program management and economic results for my respective communities – not traffic, page rankings or CTRs.

Even without the marketing title, I still nurtured my relationships with marketers - colleagues, vendors, and other thought leaders. While I have always found the science and art of marketing fascinating, I knew that one day I may find myself looking at a position with a marketing title and would need to phone some friends for guidance. It worked!

Without a recent marketing title on my resume, but strong examples of my capabilities, I landed the only marketing job I had applied for in seven years.

Now in my current marketing role, I continue seek out opportunities for public speaking, board leadership, and community relations. I also make appointments for coffee with leaders and past colleagues to stay current on the challenges and best practices taking place in economic and community development.

Why keep this up? Just in case, the next, best, opportunity doesn’t have marketing in its title.

What advice has changed your career outcomes?

At a time when calendars are filling up with graduation celebrations, onboarding new interns, and more - many of us will asked to share our own lessons. Some of us may share without even being asked (everyone has that aunt or uncle...).

So, I ask the question back to you, what advice will you be giving to emerging talent in your backyard?