If you had asked me five years ago what I’d be doing today, I would have confidently told you: academic advising. I had spent my entire young adult life guiding students through the health professions track, even earning a graduate degree in student affairs. It was my world. But if you ask me now what I do? I’m a full-blown marketing and communications professional—and I didn’t follow a traditional path to get here.
I never had formal training in marketing. What I did have was curiosity, creativity, and an undeniable love for digital storytelling. During the pandemic, I started exploring social media and content creation as a way to connect with students where they were: online. What started as a side interest—filming short videos, crafting engaging posts, and learning the ins and outs of digital communication—quickly turned into something more. I wasn’t just enjoying it; I was thriving.
Embracing a Non-Linear Career Path
For a long time, I believed that once you chose a career, you were locked in. Many students I worked with thought the same. But the reality? Careers aren’t linear. The most fulfilling ones evolve with you. My transition from academic advising to marketing wasn’t about abandoning what I had built—it was about repurposing my skills in a way that aligned with what I loved.
Looking back, the skills I gained in student affairs—relationship-building, strategic communication, event planning—were the foundation of my success in marketing. I didn’t start from scratch; I translated what I already knew into a new field.
How You Can Turn Passion into Profession
If you’re wondering how to take something you love and turn it into a full-time career, here are a few lessons from my journey:
- Start Before You’re Ready – You don’t need a degree in something to explore it. Take on small projects, create content, or volunteer for opportunities that let you build skills in your area of interest.
- Leverage What You Already Know – Your existing skills are more transferable than you think. Communication, organization, leadership—these are all valuable in multiple industries.
- Learn by Doing – I didn’t go back to school for marketing. Instead, I learned by managing real accounts, analyzing data, and experimenting with creative strategies. Online resources, podcasts, and networking also helped me grow.
- Put Yourself Out There – I landed opportunities by showcasing my work and expressing my interest. Whether through LinkedIn, personal projects, or conversations with professionals in the field, visibility matters.
- Embrace Change and Have Fun – The best careers happen when you’re enjoying the work you do. If you find yourself drawn to something, explore it—even if it seems unrelated to your current path. Passion has a way of leading you where you’re meant to be.
The Takeaway
If there’s one thing I want students to know, it’s this: your career is allowed to be fun. The more you lean into what excites you, the more doors will open. At 30, I changed careers completely, and I’m happier than ever. You don’t have to wait that long to start. The best time to explore is now.
So, what’s something you love doing? How can you start incorporating it into your professional journey today? You might just surprise yourself—just like I did.
