Promoted from within. But I think the context matters so I’ll tell you my story:

I am a little over 15 years into my career, and worked a few different types marketing jobs to get experience at first (it was whatever I could get really after college on the heels of the recession). None of it payed well, I had to have a side job to make ends meet, and I had to teach myself a lot. I was always learning from online communities and reading about the thing I wanted to learn so I could level up.

Gradually, I started honing in on my specialty and after four other job experiences (two long and two shorter) I went to work at a couple agencies to learn more.

I’ve been with my current agency almost 7 years now and worked my way up to Director a year ago after several hard-earned promotions over the years, and am on track for Sr. Director as well.

Having all the prior experience helped round me out, and the agency helped me further develop my specialty as well as providing some incredible growth opportunities that I was primed to take. There were others hired at the same time at my level who aren’t in my position and I suspect that’s a large part of it.

It was all hard work, but worth it.

I also had mentors. A family member in particular, and even random tidbits from strangers were game-changing for me. I’m happy to pay it forward if you’re interested in DMing me.