Deciding on a career path can be difficult at the best of times, with so many opportunities on the table, being sure which direction to take can often be stressful and not always clear.
Combinations of sector, industry, and job role are almost endless, so once you've made your choice, how do you know it is the right one, how do you understand what a role truly entails and how do you map your progress to the journey's end?
The 'How to become...' series explores several successful journeys and provides insights to aid your career decision-making. To do this we have interviewed successful business leaders, employees, and employers to find out how they got to where they are today, giving insight into a range of different job roles, and offering first-hand advice on how to improve your potential and employability.
Hanifa Dungarwalla - Design Apprentice to Group Digital Marketing Manager
How did you decide that this career was for you?
I started as a graphic designer and worked as an apprentice before discovering a marketing aptitude.
What is the best thing about your role?
The continual innovation and having to push the boundaries of thinking within the marketing channel.
During your development, what skills would you say are essential for your role?
Determination, listening, and taking in as much information as possible. You don't know everything so it's important to make sure you listen to people who have more information and experience than you. I also think it's important to ask yourself why you are doing something and where it fits in terms of the business and priorities. Always look back on the objective and think about why.
Being proactive is really important too, I can't understand why you wouldn't want to get stuck in as much as possible. When you start a new role, it's the perfect time to learn, so make sure you use that time.
What advice would you give to someone looking to develop these skills?
Ask questions, and observe situations.
What are the biggest challenges you've faced during your development?
My own ambition. Sometimes, I want to do too much so it's important to be realistic with what you're trying to achieve.
Give one piece of advice for a potential candidate joining your business
Do what you love. There's no point in chasing money if you aren't happy. Find a career that excites you and makes you jump out of bed in the morning. Always challenge yourself and be the best you can be in your field.