My Post-College Story and Tips
Tomorrow night, I’ll be participating in an Alumni Panel for the UNLV chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA). I will be one of four speakers, who will be offering AMA student members tips for post-graduation success, as well as strategies for maximizing the college experience.
I’ve been reflecting a bit about the potential topics that might be discussed at the event. I assume the students will ask about how the organization impacted my career, and request tips for the recent graduate.
I am certainly no expert, but I’m sure I have a few words of wisdom to offer. I figured that blogging about it might help eliminate my mental blockage and clarify some good talking points and answers to potential questions… Plus, a current student or recent grad may stumble upon this post and find it to be very helpful.
When I first wrote this, it was like 2,000 words long – way too lengthy for a blog post. So, I’ve cut it down and focused on the “words of wisdom” aspect… and my own story. Here ya go:
My Story
It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost five years since I graduated from UNLV. I have evolved in so many ways, and my career path has definitely changed in ways that I never would have imagined, but am so grateful for.
My original intention, post-graduation, was to work for a couple of years in a marketing management position. And, then, go onto graduate school to get a Master of Marketing Research. I’d even had my heart set on a specific school – the University of Georgia – Athens. In 2008, I was 100% certain that my dream was that.
I played all of my cards right post-graduation. I continued to take jobs that supported that original dream. Even if the jobs didn’t pay particularly well, I was 100% about gaining experience and keeping my resume relevant to the bigger picture (grad-school). Eventually, I landed a Marketing Director position for a local restaurant. This was a huge opportunity for me… and a dream come true. But, soon I found out that the restaurant was struggling quite a bit, and I was a little over my head. I knew that when they let me go, it was not my fault. After all, the restaurant was letting all management go. But, I think it may have jaded me a bit… (Thank goodness! And, I’ll explain why in a moment…)
I spent about four months out of work. It was a scary time for me. But, I was extremely driven and optimistic. Something happened, though. For the first time, I started listening to my heart instead of my brain. I applied for a few jobs that were a little nontraditional and not aligned with my bigger dream. My intuition was telling me to seek a creative path.
A Copywriter/Editor position opened up at a pretty prominent company. Their mission was all about empowering women. When I found that job, I got chills. I’d always been a writer, and everything that the company stood for was in direct alignment with my personal value system. When I applied for the job, I knew in my heart that my career path would forever change. And, it did.
Flash forward three years later, and this job has opened the door to all kinds of discovery, epiphanies and deep self-examination. About one year into the job, I suffered a pretty awful Quarter-Life Crisis, a time when my life lacked meaning and direction. The job didn’t make me happy. But, leaving the job didn’t feel right either.
My life didn’t make me happy. Nothing clicked. Nothing made sense.
I worked with an incredible life coach, Molly Mahar of Stratejoy, who helped me get to know myself for the first time. She asked hard questions that revealed layers I never knew existed.
Through our work, I discovered that I was (am) an Artist. My soul purpose is to create, communicate, influence, reveal and be understood. I also became an outdoor enthusiast, which soon led to a passion that has forever changed my life – photography! (You can read more about that, in this post.)
Never in my life have I ever loved anything more than I love photography.
I breathe it. Nothing makes me happier.
Last year, I decided to pursue it as a business, and my little custom lifestyle photography business is beginning to grow. All of that enthusiasm for marketing is pouring back in and supporting my business. I have a long way to go, but I can feel it going somewhere… somewhere soulful and meaningful.
I hear that marketing is one of the challenges that photographers struggle with most. BUT, I have that knowledge and background. And, I’m SO very grateful for that. (Someday, after my business has really grown, I would like to help other photographers market their businesses.)
Sometimes I wonder why I didn’t discover my live-and-breathe-for photography passion earlier in my life. But, I’m so glad I hadn’t. I wouldn’t have the marketing knowledge I have now… Life works in mysterious ways.
I have a long way to go, but I’m enjoying the journey. And, I LOVE the life I live today. I love the full-time Copywriter/Editor/Content Producer job that funds my dream and business, and also lets me write on a daily basis. And, I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned throughout my career. Life is good.
Why a marketing degree is important
Without marketing, you wouldn’t have a business. That’s how you attract customers, build a brand and stand out above the competition. Pricing, promotion, product, placement, people – your business can’t exist without it!
And, what’s great about marketing is that you can apply it to ANY passion. Choose an industry that you love or a cause you care about, and you’ll be enthusiastic about marketing for it.
If you choose to get a marketing degree (and, even better, join your school’s chapter of the American Marketing Association), you’ll set yourself up for a very successful career. You really can’t go wrong with marketing.
My Words of Wisdom
1. Identify your big career goals, and make choices that support those goals.
This includes garnering experience and skills that will support your resume. Even the little things count. Start a blog. Take some SkillShare courses, help your friend market his/her new business. All of this strengthens your resume and makes you more attractive to a future employer.
2. Be open to the possibilities.
I can almost 100% guarantee you that your career path will not layout exactly as you planned it to. And, that’s okay. In fact, it’s better than okay. You’ll change over the next few years, and so too will your career path.
There might come a time when you stumble upon a job that doesn’t seem to fit the bigger picture. If it makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside and you have chills, it’s worth considering.
(I know! I know! I just contradicted #1. But, staying open is so important and will serve you in the long-run.)
3. Don’t rush into graduate school.
You were so busy in school that you probably neglected certain aspects of your personality. Give yourself some time to live a little bit, without being buried in books. And, remember that grad school is extremely expensive. Before you invest your life-savings, acquire funds from your folks or borrow student loans, make sure it’s the right time. There’s a good chance your vision of the future will change, and you don’t want that to happen when you’re halfway through a costly graduate program.
4. Get to know yourself.
Uncover those hidden passions you might not even know exist. You don’t want to overlook something that could turn into a potential hobby, or even career. Take my word for it!!
Hey, Class of 2013! Did you know that Gina Mizzoni Photography offers a variety of custom lifestyle photography services, including graduation sessions? Let’s create something authentic and memorable. Contact me today to book your session.
For more information about our many photography offerings, check out About, FAQs and Investment.