On Friday, I’ve been invited to speak at one of the local high schools about my career. This should be interesting.
At the time I went to high school, I never imagined I’d be doing marketing automation, email or even digital marketing. Not to sound like a dinosaur, but none of this stuff existed back then.
I can’t even remember using a computer when I was in high school. But thank God I did take that typing class. Who knew how handy that was going to be?
Some of the things they told me to be ready to talk about on Friday were –
1. How I decided on my career.
Is serendipity a career path? Seriously, how do any of us end up where we are? At the age of 18 I certainly had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. Back then I probably would have said architect. Marketing wasn’t even on my radar. But in retrospect, I loved to make commercials. So maybe I should have known.
2. How I prepared for my career.
Prepared sounds so final. Like it was one act and blammo- I’m an email guy! I’m still preparing everyday. I set aside time each week to learn and grow. I recently just got certified in Wicked Reports. Thursday I have an Ontraport certification webinar to learn about the latest updates there. Kids have the wrong idea. They think you graduate and it’s all over. I know that’s what I thought.
3. Advice I would give.
Maybe the teacher should leave the room for this one. Kids – as nice as your teachers are they aren’t going to show you anything that’s going to help you in the real world. My advice? Graduate early. Find a mentor in something you think interests you. Become a sponge. Stay flexible. Lose your entitlement attitude. Get there early and leave late. Never stop learning.
What would you say to a bunch of 18-year-olds about your career?
