I’m not a policeman, but that’s okay
Ever wondered how people got to where they are today in their career? Where did they start and what were they thinking at the time? In this series, professionals from all walks of life look back at their start and share some lessons they wish they’d known back then.
In his 20s, Andy wanted to be a police officer. Due to an injury he sustained while skiing, that plan did not work out.
Instead, he pivoted and, over the last three decades, built a marketing career that brings him fulfilment. Now, Andy is a manager in TomTom’s in-house Creative Agency. Find out his story in this episode of Career Talks.
Enjoy!
Click the button below to watch the full story, or scroll down to read the short version in a written Q&A.
Nico: How did you get your first job?
Andy: Persistence I would say, although the other person may say that they got fed up of me calling them so gave me the job to make their life easier! I was still a teenager and had a passion for skiing, in my local area was a ski shop. Now I know that the UK is not a famous alpine country but have a quite a few 'dry ski slopes' made of a plastic bristle, like a giant toothbrush. At this particular centre was a ski shop, this was my first job.
Nico: How did you get your first promotion?
Andy: I guess it was a promotion, but maybe didn't come with any real perks. After a few months the shop owner gave me a set of keys and I had the responsibility of opening and closing the shop on certain days. I guess it was more responsibility rather than a promotion. But it still gave me a sense of growth.
Nico: What is the most important lesson you learnt in your career so far?
Andy: Do something that you enjoy, no one is going to put 100% into a topic that they don't enjoy. Your passion for the role or the topic will shine through, equally your lack of passion if you don't embrace the topic will also show clearly. I guess the answer is don't do a role just for the paycheck, do it because you love it.
Nico: What is the hardest career lesson you had to learn so far?
Andy: Goals change, maybe because of things outside your control, but always be adaptable and ready for change. No one can predict what will happen in 1 year, let alone 5 or 10 years. It's great to have a long-term vision, but the path will not be straight. I always wanted to be a Policeman, but because of an injury sustained skiing (my first love) this career opportunity was taken away.
Nico: What do you see now that you didn’t see while you were in it?
Andy: That everything happens for a reason but if you know your WHY, then the how and the what can change, and your path can still move in the right direction. When you don't know your WHY, then you lose your focus and drift, maybe bounce around in different roles without any real sense of direction.
Nico: What is one career advice you would give your younger self?
Andy: Follow your passion, lead with your heart and find a mentor.
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