The Idea of a Career Ladder May Not Be the Way to Go
Google Chief Marketing Officer Lorraine Twohill recently shared some valuable insights on the concept of a career ladder, which suggests that people should climb up the ranks from intern to CEO. However, she emphasizes the importance of “enjoying the journey” and not planning every step in advance.
Twohill suggests that one should learn as much as possible, try out different roles and industries, and acquire a wide range of skills. She told the story of her own varied career path, going from working in marketing for European travel companies to becoming one of Google’s first non-U.S. marketing hires in 2003. She also shares her own experiences of dealing with cancer and finding a new perspective on work-life balance.
Seth Godin, a bestselling author and entrepreneur, echoes Twohill’s sentiments. He believes that following a predetermined path won’t lead to success and happiness in one’s career. Instead, he suggests using a “compass” rather than a “map,” meaning one should pursue decisions that align with their long-term goals rather than trying to follow a pre-planned set of steps. He emphasizes the importance of learning from failures and having fun along the way.
Ultimately, the key is to be open to new experiences, learn as you go, and find a balance between work and life. Twohill’s and Godin’s views emphasize the importance of flexibility and adaptability in pursuing one’s career goals.