5 Things I Wish I’d Known When I Started My Career

My first job was as a correspondent for a magazine from La Prensa Gráfica. Looking back, it seems writing has always been there for me. I did it for two years, until the format evolved and I started working with one of the most famous cooks in my country. That project didn’t last long, but it showed me how much I loved cooking. She shared unforgettable dishes with me—a delicious fabada, tips on how to be a great host at home, and one of the best culinary experiences of my life: La Magia de los Chefs, where seven top chefs presented their signature dishes to benefit a nonprofit organization. I still remember an extraordinary bamboo chicken soup. I met so many people during that time who still greet me warmly at events. That curiosity stayed dormant for a while but eventually became part of who I am.

Then, I worked at an Etiquette, Protocol and Personal Image School, where I learned about image consulting, brand building, and personal branding from an imagology perspective. I met people from all walks of life—key business owners, artists, politicians, even the president of my country at that time. I remember having a conversation with a prominent politician while he was receiving his credentials as a congressman; we ended up talking about how impressive the seams of his suit were.

Back then, I was still in college, doing everything I could and soaking up every bit of knowledge.

If I could travel back in time, here are five things I wish someone had told me:

1. Absolutely everything counts.

There is no experience you’ll go through that won’t serve you in the future. Sometimes you have to take the first step with a lot of faith and very little certainty. Even jobs that seem unrelated will leave you with insights, contacts, and skills you’ll use later in ways you can’t imagine.

For example, years ago, I had a freelance client who asked me to design a brochure with special information about Monsignor Romero. To give you some context: this piece contained the story of the Coronilla, written back in 2005 and officially approved by the Archdiocese of San Salvador. It was formally presented for Monsignor Romero’s birthday celebrations in 2016 and first prayed in the Crypt on August 21 of that year. In 2017, the Coronilla was officially established in the Diocese of Tarahumara, Mexico.

Years later, during the canonization event, I turned on the TV and saw my design being shown throughout the ceremony—and they even gave me credit on air. Today, that brochure is kept in the Vatican among the materials that document the life and legacy of a Saint.

Everything counts. Every little project, every freelance gig, every volunteer opportunity. You never know how far it can go or how it can end up being part of something much bigger than you imagined.

2. Know when to leave.

After 8 years freelancing and working with international clients, I joined a family-owned company. Spoiler: I still deeply regret that decision. I stayed there for almost seven years. If I’m honest, I knew from month one—after the first significant moment of disrespect—that I should have left. But I was young, I cared a lot about those people, and I lacked experience dealing with toxic situations, so I normalized many red flags:

• No clear roles or objectives

• No contract

• Using my credit card for company expenses

• A culture that depended on the mood of the family members

Years later, I realized that job set back my career and damaged my emotional and physical health.

When I finally left, in just two years, I moved up two levels at a company with over 150 employees across six countries. I negotiated my salary and work schedule from the very beginning. My HR business partner was phenomenal, and I learned more in that time than in all the previous years.

Later, I joined a U.S. company with the highest salary and position of my career: Marketing Director, working with the most talented, inspiring team I’ve ever met.

The lesson: If you’re starting out, remember that disrespect, toxic environments, or attacks on your mental health are not part of “paying your dues.” They’re a sign to leave. It might sound radical, but it’s not worth normalizing mistreatment.

3. The world is smaller than you think.

Your reputation travels faster than you can imagine. Because of my work, I’ve been asked to do everything from coordinating the arrival of a president and managing press at an event, to handling all the merchandise, meet & greets, and brand projection for a former Australian Christian band during a concert in my country.

I’ve also randomly met people who later became famous—like crossing paths with musicians in the Mexico City airport because I was wearing merch from a band they were related to, and years later, one of them became a well-known singer-songwriter.

Over time, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many influential people in my field. I could keep dropping big names, but the real point is this: you don’t need to feel intimidated or insecure around “big fish.” Most of them are genuinely nice, open, and willing to connect if you approach them with authenticity.

Be mindful of how you show up—you never know who’s watching, listening, or reading your work. But also, don’t let that awareness paralyze you. This small world has room for your voice, too.

4. The most accomplished people are often the most approachable.

I’ve met the last four presidents of my country—not because I had political connections, but because I was simply open to opportunities and willing to say hello.

One day I reached out to Jamie Oliver, and to my surprise, he replied. I worked with him and his Food Revolution foundation for two years. Later, I emailed Jessica Walsh about collaborating on a project. It didn’t materialize, but that’s the point—a “no” is guaranteed if you never ask, but a “yes” can change your life.

You’re always one “no” away from the “yes” you want.

5. Invest in your education and personal growth.

One of the best decisions I’ve made was to keep learning and to bet on myself. I’ve had 1:1 mentoring sessions with Stefan Sagmeister and Daniel Granata. Thanks to my work, I used to meet weekly with one of the most influential business owners in the country, and we’d talk about everything.

I pursued two master’s degrees. Every single investment in learning, mentoring, and training has paid off in unexpected ways.

If you’re just starting your career—or even if you’re already finding your place—I’m leaving all this here for you, chiques, so maybe you’ll mess up a little less than I did. Learn everything you can, leave when it’s time, dare to ask, and never stop betting on yourself. The dots will connect eventually, I promise.