Why You Should Build a “Career Portfolio” (Not a “Career Path”)
Challenging the traditional notion of a linear career path, the concept of a 'Career Portfolio' offers a dynamic, multifaceted approach to professional growth. Discover why this innovative strategy could be the key to unlocking your full potential in the evolving job market.
The macro forces driving the future of work demand independent and adaptable thinkers
The time is ripe to rethink what a successful career path looks like.
- Up until this point, we have lacked the language necessary to design our careers in ways that veer from the traditional script. But now there is hope.- A new vocabulary is emerging. At the heart of it is a shift from pursuing a “career path” to creating your “Career portfolio.”
Benefits of a Career Portfolio
Greater ownership of your career
- A portfolio can’t be taken away, it’s yours forever
- Aligned with lifelong learning and meant to help you expand your professional community and access to leadership opportunities
- Cross-pollinate to gain new insights and tackle new problems
Use Your Portfolio Narrative
Employers are hungry to hire talent with non-traditional backgrounds, but they often need help
- Your portfolio narrative is the link
- Telling a good portfolio narrative requires understanding how the different things in your portfolio enhance one another
- How does your combination of skills give you an edge?
What is a career portfolio?
The term portfolio comes from the Italian words portare (to carry) + folio (sheet of paper)
- A portfolio is not a physical entity or system, it is a new way to think about, talk about, and craft your professional future
- It represents your vast and diverse professional journey
How do I build a career portfolio?
You already have one
- The place to start is to identify what’s in it
- While your portfolio can include traditional paid jobs, don’t limit it to that
- Include any role or activity in which you’ve created value and served others
- How you keep track of your portfolio is a matter of personal preference