Are you dreaming of breaking free from the conventional career path to pursue something more creative? That experience you've gained along the way — whether in a corporate office, classroom, retail store, or performance venue — isn't just a chapter to close.
It's your strategic advantage in building a thriving creative career.
As someone who's navigated multiple career pivots, from professional dancer to VP of Programs and now consultant with my own company, I've learned that our past experiences, all of them, shape our unique value proposition in ways we might not expect.
Embracing the Unexpected Turn
During my recent appearance on the Wine After Work podcast, I shared how my own career shift began…
"When I was in grad school, maybe about five minutes before this career resources course for undergrads was about to start, the department chair walks into the office and says, 'hey, we don't have a TA. The class starts in five minutes. Can you do it?' I said, sure, and literally fell in love with that experience."
That moment taught me something crucial: Your next big career opportunity might not look like what you expected – and that's okay.
And because I’ve used every part of my diverse, seemingly unrelated background, here are a few tips to help you do the same.
Three Steps to Leverage Your Professional Past
- Map Your Transferable Skills
- Document achievements from all your roles, not just the "relevant" ones
- Look for patterns in what makes you exceptional
- Identify skills that energize you, regardless of where you used them
- Craft Your Unique Story
- Focus on the impact you create, not job titles
- Connect past successes to future opportunities
- Highlight how your diverse experience gives you a fresh perspective
- Build Strategic Relationships
- Foster authentic rapport with colleagues and professionals you’d like to work with
Picture this scenario from my dance career…
"When [someone’s] on a gig, and [another dancer] drops out, you're now top of mind. Then they're like, 'hey, I know a person.'"
This very networking scenario works across all industries — your network often leads to your next opportunity.
Start Fresh, Don’t Start Over
The key to a successful transition isn't about starting from scratch — it's about understanding how your past experiences inform your future. In my work with clients, we always start with the through line and alignment.
“We start with the career match first. What is the thing that lights you up? Let's uncover that together."
This discovery process includes:
- Identifying your core strengths
- Uncovering hidden talents you may have overlooked
- Aligning your skills with market opportunities
Moving Forward with Purpose
Remember, every job you've held, every project you've completed, every challenge you've overcome — they're all part of your unique professional DNA. When you learn to leverage these experiences effectively, you create a compelling foundation for your creative career.
Your past experience isn't baggage to shed — it's your launchpad for what's next. The key is learning how to package and position your background in a way that serves your creative future.
Your journey hasn't been random – it's been preparing you for this moment. Now, let’s help you make the most of it.
Ready to transform your experience into your unique advantage? Download our free Multi-Hyphenate's Manifesto below. 👇🏾
This practical guide will help you identify your skill stack, create powerful combinations from your experience, and map out your next strategic career moves.
