My mobile phone number is very similar to that of a clothes dryer repairman in Queens, NY. It doesn't normally cause much of an issue but once every couple of months I get an angry phone call from someone with wet blue jeans and a bone to pick. When I tell this story to my friends and colleagues, the first question I get is when am I going to learn to repair dryers.
And not because they think I should find another job.
It’s because I’ve gone by a lot of titles over the years – copywriter, content developer, information architect, interaction designer, user experience strategist, and director of communications but the one nickname that’s always stuck is…
I have a reputation for learning whatever needs learning and doing whatever needs doing in order to overcome whatever challenges are put in front of me.
When Microsoft sponsored a social hackathon to help DonorsChoose.org, I co-wrote the Sammy Award winning e-book so other non-profits could learn from the event.
When Nintendo needed a model for their website promoting their PhotoDojo game, I donned a headband and became the sensei.
When MoMA wanted to create their first ever iPad app, I lead the user experience process to create the Webby Award winning AB EX NY app.
When EPIX wanted a social campaign to promote a new Star Trek documentary, I led the user experience process for the Emmy Award winning “Long Khan” promotion.
Our world is in a constant state of change and nowhere is this upheaval seen more than in the world of marketing and communications. It’s difficult to determine what job descriptions you will have in five years. Chances are, whatever requirements you’ll have, I’ll be learning those skills.