How I Got Here: Rounding up the best career advice of 2025

“This industry isn’t for passive people.”

In our regular series, How I Got Here, we talk to Australians who are killing it in their respective fields about how they landed their awe-inspiring jobs. We grill them on the peaks and pits, the failures and the wins, and most importantly, the knowledge, advice and practical tips they’ve gleaned along the way.

This year, we’ve spoken to a diverse range of industry professionals spanning the arts, media, fashion and beyond. We’ve featured senior art directors and award-winning journalists, costume designers and (extremely) successful freelance illustrators, all to provide you, dear readers, with nuggets of wisdom to take with you into your own career journey.

Believe it or not, the individuals who have landed these impressive roles were in the same position once, fantasising over someone else’s seemingly unattainable career. So to help soothe your worries and set you up for a positive mindset in 2026, we’ve rounded up some of the best practical advice we’ve received from our interviewees this year.

Stay curious, nurture your hobbies

“Constantly expose yourself to different forms of creativity or art. Whether it’s attending an exhibition, taking yourself to the cinema, or discovering a new playlist, there are tiny things you will subconsciously absorb that will indirectly inform and inspire your work.” – Hannah Brooks, Nagnata‘s Digital and Social Coordinator.

“Nurture your hobbies and interests beyond fashion. Whether that be things like art, literature, sports, music, history or cooking, having diverse interests will not only help keep you sane, but it can also provide a fresh perspective and inspiration when approaching your work.” – Lachy Gittins, Dinosaur Designs’ Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator.

Value your perspective

“This is maybe obvious to some but it took me a long time to realise that I was getting paid for my personal perspective. I used to feel totally inferior because my ideas weren’t like this or that person. Or my work didn’t look like someone else’s. I genuinely believed there was a magic creative box that I was supposed to fit into. But actually, my creative directors employ me as a person. I didn’t realise they wanted my perspective on a problem and how I’d go about solving it. Ultimately, it’s your personal approach to a brief that’s going to make your ideas richer, resonant and different to anyone else’s. And it’s the same for any creative person.” – Bryony Platings, Art Director in Advertising at Clemenger BBDO.

Expand your skill set

“Long gone are the days when journalists could get away with only having one skill set. Journalists nowadays are expected to know how to write, present, shoot and edit. Equipping yourself with the skills to take ideas from a literal thought to a tangible product is so important. I strongly recommend any new journalist take the time to learn how to do everything – it’s the best way to make yourself indispensable.” – Achol Arok, The Daily Aus journalist.

“Build a portfolio with whatever you’ve got: uni clippings, copywriting samples, even Substack posts. Remember rejections happen, even to the best writers. The local industry’s tighter than ever, from smaller teams to smaller budgets, so keep a side hustle for stability, whether that’s copywriting or a casual hospitality job. Channel the rest of your energy into pitches or stories.” Hayley Peppin, freelance fashion writer and editor.

Share your work

“Create the type of work you want to attract from real clients. The act of sharing sparks new, unexpected concepts that lead to stronger results. Find your mentors. Reach out to those who inspire you even if it scares you. Your perspective is your greatest asset. Share your work often, seek feedback from trusted sources and confidently showcase your vision.” – Caroline Beard, freelance art director.

“As someone who didn’t finish a degree, it’s one of the last things I look for in an application. In our world, you’re chosen for your ability to impact brands, so treat yourself like one. Design your CV with intention, from the layout and font to the colour palette, and support it with a website that paints a clear vision of who you want to become. If you don’t have experience yet, build an imaginary portfolio to showcase your skills and your eye for detail.” – Gerry Sison, Director of Culture Digital.

Get the coffees

“And not just when you’re the intern or the most junior on set! Get the coffees when you’re unemployed, looking to change industries or simply wanting to move up on your own. You’d be surprised at how often emailing someone you admire for a coffee date will lead to a ‘yes’. They probably won’t give you a job upon meeting but they will always remember your face and your energy. Often, they’ll remember you when they are looking to hire someone. If not, I can promise you you’ll still leave that coffee with a heap of advice you wouldn’t have otherwise.” – Hannah Brooks.

It’s cool to be cringe

“Dream big, be shameless and stay grounded. Find an editor’s name and pitch them — cold email, DM, or even ask for a quick career chat coffee. They won’t have time but you might just linger in their minds. Don’t underestimate your social network, either. Call-outs on Instagram or LinkedIn can always lead to jobs or commissions.” – Hayley Peppin.

Always follow up

“Be persistent. I applied twice before I landed my first internship in fashion, three times before I got the job at Incu. Sometimes the right opportunity takes a few extra tries.” – Yui Huo, Creative and Strategic Director at Culture Digital.

“Being persistent is a trait I’d say every journalist should possess. The persistence to chase is so important – whether that’s chasing a job, chasing an interview, or chasing a lead, you’ll spend a lot of time chasing. With the number of times you’ll undoubtedly hear ‘no,’ you’ve got to have the persistence and proactiveness to take that ‘no’ as a ‘not right now.’” – Achol Arok.

For more career advice, try this.