How a Life of Personal Creativity led to a Creative Director Role

How a Life of Personal Creativity led to a Creative Director Role

 

In the business world, we hear that “Experience is King.” College students worry that not getting enough internships in the exact field they plan to enter will severely limit their opportunities. My interview with Gisele M. taught me this might not always be the case.

Gisele was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She was a dance instructor, professional ballerina, yoga instructor, real estate manager, and now, a Creative Director for the Marketing Department at the University of Miami. It’s exactly because of Gisele’s diverse background that she did get her job in the creative industry.

Gisele is by nature a curious and creative person. “At heart,” Gisele said, “I am an artist.” Her experience as a traveling ballerina brought her in contact with some of the greatest creative minds around, and her curiosity brought her into contact with beautiful cultures around the world.

Gisele got her role not because of direct experience in a marketing department, but because of all the soft skills she learned throughout her diverse experiences.

“If you want to succeed, you have to remember a few rules,” Gisele said. “Be humble. Know Yourself. Develop your own voice. Be curious. Stay positive and go out and explore.”

I think Gisele’s experience can teach anyone trying to go into the creative industry. Yes, direct experience is helpful. And yes, hard skills are important. But what Gisele’s story really teaches us is that exploring and being curious can be two of your greatest assets. These experiences teach you who you are. They teach you different perspectives. And in the creative industry, these may be the most important qualities a person can have.

In large part, creativity is connecting dots that other people cannot. Without a diverse background, a person may not have a lot of dots to connect to begin with.

So, for recent graduates and people trying to break into the creative industry, relax. Explore new opportunities around you. Get experience that interests you and that you will be passionate about. The skills and experience you’ll get by doing something will drastically push you further to accomplishing your goals.