Looking for the Right Career? Let Your Passion Be your Guide
/By Joy Marx, Executive Producer, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Center City Film & Video
What makes you – YOU?
If I could give any advice looking back on my career in video production, it’s you must kiss a few frogs (maybe a LOT of them) before you find the right path. The more you learn about yourself- your strengths, your interests, what energizes you- the closer you’ll get to finding the work you’re meant to do.
When I graduated college, I had no idea what I wanted to do. Most of my friends (mostly guys) were heading into banking, so I followed suit and joined the training program at Manufacturers Hanover (now part of JP Morgan Chase). How I got that job is still a mystery- as, anyone who knows me would tell you that complex math has never been my strong suit! I didn’t last long. After spending 6 months slogging through, I realized it just wasn’t for me.
Next stop- Ogilvy & Mather - one of the most iconic ad agencies in New York. Although I loved the energy, the people, the prestige of working on big accounts like American Express and Pepperidge Farm, my job as a Media Planner was (you guessed it) too much math! Although it was directionally correct, I knew in my soul, the spark wasn’t there.
So, I moved on to the ad Agency Backer Spielvogel Bates, where I joined the M&M’s team as an Account Executive. It was my first time working directly with clients, a little intimidating at first, but a valuable learning experience. Although I enjoyed seeing the creatives produce awesome creative campaigns, a lot of my work involved research and presenting to clients (which, at my young age, was incredibly intimidating). I remember crying that I did not feel comfortable, there was too much showmanship and political one upmanship- and I felt I really couldn’t be completely myself.
That was until the day I landed on a location shoot at the Baltimore airport for an M&M’s commercial, where I witnessed Garret Brown, the legendary inventor of the Steadicam camera, work his magic. The moment I stepped onto the set, something inside me lit up. Watching the crew- camera operators, producers, stylists, and talent- all working together in creative harmony, I felt something click in. It brought me right back to high school, where I had written songs, performed in musicals and painted and sculpted to my heart’s content.
Right then, I knew I had found my place.
I took the bold step to quit advertising cold turkey and start on my career path in video production.
I got a few gigs doing Craft Service- feeding the crew- and I loved it! Being around that community fed my soul, and I felt so at home with all the people I was meeting and working with, side by side.
Although I was making very little money, scraping by, I was still completely energized by anything and everything I was assigned to do. Some stand out memories as a Production Assistant: picking up Great Dane poop all day while on an American Kennel Club Shoot, getting my eardrums completely blown out in front of the stadium speakers while pulling cable for the crew in the first row of a Tears for Fears concert, and picking up hot and delicious smelling and tasting perfect pretzels for the crew at 4:30 in the morning at Federal Pretzel, and making hand drawn maps for the crew to ensure that they knew the correct route to get to location (ha!).
I quickly worked my way up the production ladder- only because my enthusiasm and love for production and being a good fit with the production community meant that I could be my authentic self- and shine in this industry.
As I have always stressed to my kids and up and coming talent- if you follow your passion, follow what makes you tick, and feel like you can be appreciated for your authentic self, you will land a successful career- and then then, I promise, the money will come.
Looking back on my career, I see that my journey wasn’t linear- but it was intentional. Each job, even the ones I didn’t love, taught me something. I paid attention to what lit me up and what didn’t. And over time, I step-stoned my way to a career that feels like home.
How to Discover the Perfect Job for You
Not everyone has a lightning-bolt moment like I did on that commercial set—but there are ways to get closer to work that feels meaningful and energizing. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:
1. Start Somewhere—Anywhere
Your first job doesn’t need to be “the one.” It’s a square on the game board of life. Whether it’s in your field of study or not, every experience offers valuable insight. Pay attention to what you enjoy—and what drains you.
2. Notice What Lights You Up
That feeling I had on set? That spark is worth chasing. Think back to moments in your life—projects, classes, hobbies—when you felt fully engaged. What were you doing? Who were you with? What roles were you playing? Those clues can point toward your passion.
3. Learn from What Doesn’t Work
Just as important as knowing what you love is recognizing what you don’t. I knew I wasn’t meant for a future filled with spreadsheets—and that realization moved me forward. Don’t see a misstep as a failure—it’s information.
4. Be Willing to Pivot
Careers aren’t linear anymore, and that’s a good thing. Some of the most successful, fulfilled professionals I know made big pivots—sometimes more than once. If something isn’t clicking, give yourself permission to try something new.
5. Embrace the Long Game
Finding work you love isn’t always instant. Sometimes, passion emerges over time, through curiosity and trial. Keep showing up, stay open to learning, and trust that your path will unfold.
6. Focus on Growth, Not Titles
Especially early on, the job title or salary doesn’t matter as much as what you’re learning. Are you being challenged? Are you meeting people who inspire you? Are you building new skills? Those things will compound—and eventually open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Final Thought
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Few people do. The key is to stay curious, be honest with yourself, and follow the breadcrumbs. Every job, every detour, every “wrong” turn can bring you closer to the work you’re meant to do.
And when you find it—you’ll know.
Something inside you will light up.
Joy Marx
Executive Producer, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Center City Film & Video
3-Time Emmy Award Winning Video Producer | Problem Solver | Client Advisor
1635 Market Street 19th FL | Philadelphia, PA 19103
267-597-3532 | jmarx@ccfv.com | ccfv.com