I am absolutely that person that says you should aim high, BUT aim realistically too, and to quote every grandmother on the planet—good things come to those who wait!

Sometimes, to get from A to B, you do need to go via C, D and E, all to get back to B.

And you know what, it’s okay. It doesn’t have to take an age either.

Often your first few jobs are not your dream role, but what they are in fact are building blocks to help you grow, mature and to make you a more rounded, creative individual.

Soft skills. Learning how to answer phones, work on finished art, be a PA or on reception in a progressive organisation. Doing office admin or working in recruitment, it all plays a part in who you become in your chosen field down the track.

Myself, after studying photography, I was an assistant and worked in TV and theatre. I travelled the world, I was a ‘door bitch’ in a night club in London, I worked for a poet making bookings at literary festivals in the UK, I taught photography, I worked in recruiting and I worked on new business in design studios.

All of this made me who I am today. Each job, no matter how quirky and not related to the creative world, gave me certain skills that have stood me in good stead throughout my career journey (which I might add is still a massive learning curve for me.)

‘Door bitching’ gave me a great insight into human nature. New business calls enhanced my network and very quickly made me realise what it takes to get past a receptionist! Television and theatre made me understand procedures and being organized. Teaching made me a more understanding person and the network I created over all those years gave me the courage to start my own business.

Soft skills are essential in any creative role. Now more than ever we are working with smaller agencies and design studios where people need to multi-task and be able and happy to wear many hats.

I am constantly surprised when consulting with individuals on how many soft skills they do have, yet have neglected to mention them in a CV.

Please don’t forget all of those lessons you have learnt and continue to learn along the way, and certainly don’t underestimate them.