Shifting Focus: The Power of a Career Portfolio Over a Career Path

Throughout my life, I have been driven by a multitude of interests, always seeking new experiences and learning opportunities. However, I often faced criticism and skepticism from those who believed that my lack of commitment to specialize in one thing would hinder my success. Society's framework can be suffocating for us, multipotentialities. We're constantly bombarded with pressure to specialize, conform, and fit into predetermined boxes.

Until recently, we didn't have the right words to plan our careers differently from the traditional way. But now, the world is evolving. There's a new way of thinking about our careers, and it's called a "career portfolio." This means we're not limited to just one job or way of working. Our career portfolio is like a collection of all the different things we do, the skills we have, and the experiences we've gained. We can mix and match these in unique ways to open up exciting opportunities.

Explore, Learn, and Adapt

You can learn new skills easily, thanks to the internet. You can become a jack-of-all-trades or a "scanner," curious about many things. You don't have to be stuck in one job; you can explore different fields. Try out freelancing or volunteer work in areas that interest you. It's like experimenting with different flavors of ice cream until you find your favorite, and even when you do find your 'favourites', you can have multiple scoops. The possibilities are endless.

According to the article in Harvard Business Review Why You Should Build a “Career Portfolio” (Not a “Career Path”) ( hbr.org ) , it's no longer strange to explore various career paths and build a unique professional identity. In fact, it's something to be proud of. The big forces shaping the future of work want people who can think on their feet and adapt.

Think about how technology is changing jobs, lots of people changing jobs, and more workplaces are adapting to the hybrid environment.

So, ask yourself, how wide is your career horizon, and what amazing things can you achieve by broadening your focus?

My Journey to Crafting a Diverse Career Portfolio

IT Project Manager: I've always had a passion for technology. While in university, I worked as a campus technician, staying engaged with the latest tech trends. Despite not having a computer science degree, I was determined to build a career in tech. So, I embarked on a journey of self-learning and gained experiences beyond my regular job. I started by taking the lead on various entrepreneurial projects and initiatives, participating in hackathons and business competitions with my ideas. Not only did this become a source of income, but it also rapidly enhanced my skills and expanded my professional network. In my regular job, I eagerly embraced every opportunity to modernize processes and find efficiencies. Over time, what I was doing outside of work started to complement my career within the public service.

Property Manager & Investor: From an early age, I took charge of my university expenses, delving into the world of savings and financial management. Seeking ways to save money became second nature to me. To ease the financial burden, I struck a unique deal with my landlord. In exchange for helping find tenants, collecting rent, and managing minor property-related tasks, I negotiated a reduction in my rent. The experience was an invaluable learning opportunity. As I managed these responsibilities, I seized the chance to pick my landlord's brain about investments, given his ownership of multiple properties. When I graduated and achieved a stable financial footing myself, I used the knowledge and skills acquired to venture into property investments and effectively manage my own real estate ventures.

Non-profit Founder & Director: I owe my parents a great deal of credit for instilling in us the values of giving back to the community from a very young age. Growing up, my siblings and I spent countless hours volunteering at my mother's social enterprise. Even after we moved to Canada, our passion for helping others continued. When the pandemic hit and food banks were struggling, a few of us took the initiative to deliver food directly to people's doorsteps and founded NL Eats Community Outreach Inc. Through our collaborative skills and extensive network, we not only served over 1500 community members but also created 165 job opportunities and numerous volunteer roles. What's more, we expanded the organization's reach by incorporating data-driven and technical solutions to address this pressing issue.

Digital Content Creator & Career Consultant: During my formative years, I dedicated a significant portion of my free time to art and journal writing, which nurtured my natural inclination toward writing and creativity. Being separated from my parents and close friends, who lived halfway across the world, led me to embrace social media as a means to stay connected with them. As a result, I began sharing my thoughts and life journey publicly. This open sharing attracted considerable interest and led to opportunities. Businesses approached me for assistance with their digital strategies and content creation. Simultaneously, I found myself receiving inquiries from aspiring individuals interested in unconventional career paths and developing their career portfolios. Motivated by these interactions, I established my own consultancy to help others pursue their dreams and collaborated with many businesses.

Public Speaker & Influencer: I wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of personal branding, as it has played a pivotal role in shaping my career portfolio. I am driven by a desire to share the knowledge and experiences I've gained, with the hope of making a positive difference in at least one person's journey. I actively seek opportunities to share my insights with the public and have been pleasantly surprised by the impact I've made in various platforms. It's truly fascinating how a simple act of sharing what you know can empower and inspire others. I continuously emphasize that if I can do it, so can you.

Lifelong Learner: The world is brimming with endless opportunities, and even though my schedule may seem packed, I'm continually exploring and learning. I've discovered that one of the fastest ways to learn is through engaging in conversations, so I actively participate in mentorship activities. As both a mentor and a mentee, I've found that I gain valuable insights from different perspectives and stay updated on what's happening in the world. I consider myself a lifelong learner, committed to adding new skills to my portfolio.

NEVER stop looking for new opportunities and never ever stop upskilling yourself even when you have a job.

For all the things that you can’t control in today’s world, taking ownership of your career portfolio is one that you can. It's about combining all the skills and experiences you've gathered, even the unexpected ones, to create a unique story. Your career portfolio is like your personal brand, showing what you bring to the table, and it can't be taken away. With it, you're prepared for new opportunities, and you can make creative connections between your skills and the jobs you want.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, 'Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.' How will you leave your trail?"

References:

Meet Mehnaz Tabassum - CanvasRebel Magazine

Calendly - Mehnaz Tabassum

mehnaztabassum | Instagram | Linktree

Food bank in the bubble: How this family launched a service from their home | CBC News

About Us – NL Eats Conference ( nleatscommunity.com )

Follow me on LinkedIn: www.dhirubhai.net/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=mehnaztabassumcareer