When you’re fresh out of college, the pressure to “have it all together” can feel overwhelming. You’re told to get the job, start the 401(k), build your network, and somehow also enjoy your twenties. But what if your first job isn’t even in your major? What if change is constant and you’re still trying to figure out what you want?
I sat down with Erinn Joyce, a seasoned marketing and sales enablement professional with a career path that’s anything but linear, and that’s exactly what makes her story so helpful. Erinn has worked with everyone from Fortune 500s to scrappy startups, and she’s built her career through adaptability, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence.
Here’s what she shared about embracing change, building resilience, and getting your footing when you feel a little lost.
“My Career Didn’t Follow the Plan, and That’s Okay”
Erinn went to college intending to become a journalist. She chose Loyola University New Orleans specifically for its top-tier journalism program. But after graduation, it was a chance conversation with a graphic design professor that changed everything.
“He had a client looking for a junior designer,” Erinn said. “I took the job and ended up in the marketing department at Tabasco. That started everything.”
She never did become a journalist. But she’s built a successful marketing career across industries by staying open to opportunity and being willing to pivot. And her advice to new grads? “There’s no right or wrong way to navigate your career. The journey is just as valuable as the destination.”
Erinn’s first surprise entering the workforce? How fast things change.
“In school, there’s structure and predictability. In the workplace, priorities shift. Teams reorganize. Strategies change overnight,” she explained. “You have to learn how to stay grounded while everything moves around you.”
Instead of resisting it, Erinn learned to expect change and stay focused on what she could control: her attitude and how she responded.
Don’t Let a Non-Dream Job Stop You from Building a Dream Life
It’s easy to feel behind when you’re comparing yourself to classmates at Google or Vogue. But Erinn reminds us: your first job doesn’t define your whole career.
“And in the meantime, build your network," she said. "That’s what will lead to your next opportunity.”
While technical skills get you in the door, Erinn says it’s soft skills, like adaptability, empathy, and communication, that help you thrive.
“When you’re interviewing and don’t have much experience, focus on those qualities,” she said. “Talk about how you solve problems, how you collaborate, how you handle feedback.”
And emotional intelligence? She calls it the foundation of leadership. “It’s about knowing yourself, managing your emotions, and being able to read the room. It helps you make better decisions and build stronger relationships.”
The good news? EQ isn’t something you’re born with; it’s a skill you can build.
The Traits That Help You Get Promoted
As Erinn climbed the ladder, it wasn’t just her marketing know-how that helped her stand out. She credits her promotions to being generous with her knowledge and authentic in her relationships.
“Generosity builds trust,” she said. “And people will follow a leader with the right attitude over someone who just knows everything.”
It’s not always about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about how you make people feel. That’s what builds strong teams and lasting success.
What to Do When You Feel Lost or Behind
If you’re in your early 20s and wondering why you haven’t “made it” yet, Erinn has this to say:
“Don’t judge yourself by someone else’s path. Explore. Try new things. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away.”
Her best advice? Take one small step, like reaching out to someone in your field, volunteering, or just being curious. You never know what conversation might lead to your next chapter.
Feedback Is a Gift, Even When It Stings
“Feedback is an investment in you,” she said. “It means someone cares enough to help you grow.”
Resilience, she she went on to explain, comes from being able to learn from the past without getting stuck in it. And sometimes, it means reminding yourself that your job isn’t your identity, and that your worth isn’t defined by a performance review.
Final Advice: Be Curious, Not Perfect
If she could go back and give her younger self one piece of advice, Erinn would say this:
“Don’t try to figure it all out on your own. Ask for help. Be collaborative. No one expects you to know everything, so lean into learning.”
Whether you're just getting started or considering a big career move, Erinn’s story is a reminder that it’s okay to take a winding path, as long as you’re learning, growing, and staying true to yourself.
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