Jordan Hesse’ career journey, like many, has not been all smooth sailing. At times, especially early on, it was challenging, stressful and not hugely enjoyable. But, if you want something, you have to work hard to get it… Here, Jordan takes us through the four career stages that got her to where she is today.

Stage One: Starting Out
My career started with my first job out of uni in an advertising agency. The agency I landed a role in was not one of the large high profile agencies you always hear about. But it was a large agency with presence around the country that quietly went about what it did. I found myself taking up a role at this agency to be part of a team specially built to look after one large account. It was a great ad agency, management was supportive and helpful and the general manager’s door was always open.

However, working in an ad agency is not necessarily glamorous; it’s extremely hard work and deadline driven.

Stage Two: Switching Fields
I decided to leave and move to an architecture firm as the Marketing Coordinator to market the studio and put together tender bids to win projects. Unfortunately, in the scheme of things, this role was misunderstood and not supported. I stayed for a year and started looking towards the next step.

Stage Three: Finding the Right Fit
That next step saw me take the role of Marketing Coordinator at a large car dealership, owned by a large motoring group with a huge portfolio of dealerships.

Self-doubt meant that my first few months in this role were a struggle. I found myself doubting my chosen career path, questioning myself and my ability. However, I soon found my feet in the role and realised how much I love doing what I do.

Third time lucky, I had found myself in a position where I had the support from those around me to do what I needed to do.

Within this role, I grew as a person and a professional, and was able to look back and realise what I learnt from my previous roles. I was now able to see how I had grown as a result of my struggles in these roles; how they had shaped me; and, how I could use that experience to move forward.

I spent four years in that role doing what I loved, in a workplace I loved, surrounded by great people. I had the opportunity to work with an amazing brand and great products; and, to experience every facet of a marketing role.

Stage Four: Career Success
I am now WA Marketing Manager for one of the most powerful brands in the world. This stage in my career journey is a major marker of my career progression. It’s an opportunity to enjoy for a moment how hard I have worked so far and to reflect on my journey. I’d found the sort of job I only dreamed about being in – with all sorts of perks and opportunities to travel.

It took a lot of hard work and a few (many) tears to get here. It may look easy from the outside, but it seldom, if ever is. If you get knocked down in your journey, you have to get back up, carry on and hopefully learn something from it. Careers are never going to be smooth sailing and easy, but if you persevere it will be rewarding as long as you are doing what you love.