This post comes from Angela P. on how she reached her dream job. 

My dream job was in marketing. But when I interviewed at Reynolds, the only available positions were in the Technical Assistance Center (TAC), providing software and hardware support to customers. At the time, I needed a job, and Reynolds was a good company. So I took the position.

After a few years of working in the TAC, I was ready for a new challenge. My leadership team was well aware of my interest in marketing, and they supported me when a position became open in the marketing department.

Here are the characteristics that served me well along my growth path:

Positive attitude

Customer support was not my dream job, but I worked as though it was. I found an aspect of the job I enjoyed – which was talking and interacting with customers – and used that as motivation.

Consistency

My interest in marketing was unwavering and my supervisors knew it. During performance reviews, my career objective remained the same – to become part of the marketing department.

Openness

Though I was adamant about going into marketing, I did not close the door on other opportunities. I took on other projects, and was willing to take on more responsibilities within the Technical Assistance Center.

Patience

A few years might seem like a long time, but it’s not. It was just enough time to get myself immersed in the workplace culture, showcase my skills and potential, and prove I can contribute more to the company.

I got my dream job and am now a marketing communications specialist at Reynolds. But I still try to embody the characteristics that got me this position. Just because I’ve fulfilled one dream doesn’t mean I’ve reached my full potential. There’s always room to grow.