Getting Your Start: When imperfect opportunities can still have long-term value

Early in our careers, sometimes we have to make calculated decisions that may not be ideal in the short term, but can create opportunities in the long term…

I recently read a LinkedIn post where the author pushed back on creatives who complain about being asked to complete design tests during job interviews.

I wish I could find the post again, because the comments were an interesting read. The author’s main point was essentially: If it only takes a little of your time and could give you a leg up, why wouldn’t you do it?

I’m not going to get into all the “what ifs” around that statement, because quite frankly, there are plenty: Unpaid work, vague expectations, companies taking advantage of candidates — those are all real concerns.

But I do think the post brought up a worthwhile point, and it reminded me of my own experience as a fresh- out-of- college creative trying to find my way past that frustrating “Entry-level Creative” job posting that also required real job experience.

My first opportunity for an agency job out of college offered to pay me $500 a month to do graphic design — and sales. Graphic design was in my wheelhouse. Sales, not so much.

And even though this was over 30 years ago, $500 a month still wasn’t much. I had to work two extra jobs to make it work. I can’t believe I still like pizza to this day.

But that’s what I did because, at the time, that’s what I felt I had to do to get past a hurdle.

I kept that job for exactly three months. But almost immediately, I was able to add agency experience to my résumé. That helped me get into my next role at a small design studio. Now I had two real creative positions on my résumé.

That led to a third agency job, which was longer, better, and more aligned with where I wanted to go. And when I eventually moved on from there, I landed at the marketing agency where I spent nearly 30 years.

I’m not saying every design test is worth doing. I’m not saying young creatives should let themselves be taken advantage of, but I do think there’s a difference between allowing your talent to be exploited and making a calculated investment in your own future.

Sometimes the first opportunity isn’t perfect. Sometimes it’s underpaid, or not exactly what you had in mind, but if it gives you experience, confidence, real work experience on your resume, a portfolio piece, or a chance to get in the room for the next opportunity, it may be worth considering.

Early career decisions are hard & rarely perfect. But sometimes, the right short-term risk can help open the door to a much bigger long-term path.

I’m curious of other “seasoned” design and marketing professionals made similar decisions to break into the industry?