Why I Chose to Pursue a Career in Content Marketing

Why I chose to pursue a career in content marketing is quite inspiring. I did not grow up dreaming of content marketing as a career. In fact, I barely knew what it was when I got my first role as a social media strategist during NYSC. But this job sparked something in me. It gave me the sense of purpose I have been searching for.

I found myself researching blog structures, drafting captions late at night, experimenting with Canva designs, and getting curious about what makes content work. I strived to create content in a way that connects with people.

That curiosity turned into a decision: to leave my job and go all in.

In this post, I’ll share how I discovered content marketing, why I chose to pursue it fully, and what I hope to build—not just for myself, but for every aspiring strategist watching me grow.

If you’re considering a career in content marketing or want to understand what this journey can look like when starting from scratch, this post is for you.

Discovering Content Marketing for the First Time

During my NYSC year, I landed a role as a social media strategist at a tech company. I didn’t have a marketing degree. I had studied Mass Communication and only knew that I loved storytelling, writing, and creating value through communication.

That job introduced me to the term content marketing for the first time. I had no formal training, but something about it sparked an interest in me. I found myself drawn to how content could educate, attract, and convert audiences when done with the right strategy. This was the moment I knew for sure why I chose to pursue a career in content marketing.

From Social Media to Strategy: A Turning Point

A few months into the role, I transitioned into a dual role as social media/content strategist. This shift was a game-changer. I started working closely with the content marketing team and got hands-on experience with:

• Technical SEO
  
• Keyword research
  
• Lead generation
  
• Content planning and repurposing
  
• Blog strategy and publishing
  

Suddenly, why I chose to pursue a career in content marketing became clear to me. It was a skill I could leverage, and a career I could see myself growing in.

The Unplanned Reassignment—and a Big Decision

After completing my one-year NYSC program, I was offered a permanent position with the title: Event Coordinator/Community Manager. The new role was a recognition of my active contributions to the company’s events and community engagement efforts.

But by that point, I had already fallen in love with content marketing—the research, the writing, the building of a brand voice, and the technical depth of SEO. I realized that while I appreciated the trust that came with the new title, I couldn’t ignore why I chose to pursue a career in content marketing anymore.

So I did something scary.

I resigned.

I made the decision to pursue content marketing fully, and start over.

Rebuilding from Scratch: My Content Marketing Journey

Leaving that job was one of the hardest but most freeing decisions I’ve made.

I enrolled in a digital marketing bootcamp where I deepened my knowledge of:

• Content strategy
  
• SEO fundamentals
  
• Marketing funnels
  
• Social media planning
  
• Email automation and lead magnets
  

That experience gave birth to something I had dreamed about for months—my personal brand: The Creative Content Strategist.

Through this brand, I am documenting my learning, building my portfolio in public, and creating content that’s both educational and inspiring for other beginners like me.

What I’m Building—and Who I’m Becoming

Right now, I’m:

• Studying towards an MBA with Pgcert in Digital Marketing at the University of Sunderland to further enhance my knowledge and skills.
• Writing blog articles and content guides
  
• Designing free tools like a content marketing plan template
  
• Learning how to use content to drive lead generation for B2B brands
  
• Honing my SEO skills through self-initiated projects and real-time experiments
  
• Volunteering as a marketing assistant and media coordinator at events like Limitless Without Borders to gain experience and build impact
  

I want to become the kind of content strategist who understands both the art and science of marketing, someone who creates meaningful content and builds systems that help brands connect, convert, and grow. And I want to use this platform to teach others how to do the same. This is the reason why I chose to pursue a career in content marketing.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Be Fearless to Start

Many people think you need a big audience or perfect credentials to pursue a new path. I used to think that too.

But I’ve learned that you don’t have to be fearless, you just have to be willing.

Willing to learn.
Willing to take risks.
Willing to start small and stay consistent.

If you’re thinking of pivoting into content marketing or building your personal brand, this is your sign to start, even if you’re starting from scratch.

My journey is far from complete, but every step I take is proof that clarity comes through action. I’m building something I believe in, and I hope this post encourages you to do the same. If you’d like to take your first step, read my article on how to conduct successful keyword research.

Written by Fatimah Owodunni – Content Marketing Specialist | Storytelling Enthusiast | Founder of The Creative Content Strategist

Let’s connect on LinkedIn or follow my journey on Instagram @creativecontentstrategist.
Need a content marketing plan template? Reach out, I’m happy to share!