Building a Resilient Career Portfolio in a Changing World

By TERRA Staffing Group

Posted on July 24, 2023

The traditional, linear career path is becoming a thing of the past.

The dynamic nature of the employment market, combined with technological advancements and shifting worker expectations, calls for a new approach to crafting a successful career.

It’s time to embrace the concept of a career portfolio—an adaptable and purposeful way to build a resilient career that adds value to both your work and your life.

What is a Career Portfolio?

A career portfolio is not something tangible, but rather a mindset for shaping your professional brand and future.

Unlike a traditional career path, which can feel restrictive, a portfolio offers endless options and opportunities for discovery and personal fulfillment. It encompasses a mosaic of skills, experiences, interests and aspirations that make up your unique professional identity.

Components of a Career Portfolio

When building your career portfolio, it’s essential to consider the power of intangible assets and how they can give you a competitive edge. These assets encompass learning, connecting, growth, development and self-care.

In a recent webinar, Lisbeth Claus, Professor Emerita of Management and Global Human Resources, explored three key intangible assets that can help you build a “future-proof” career: productive assets, vitality assets and transformational assets.

Below we examine these assets in greater detail—and why they’re important.

Productive Assets

Productive assets are the skills and knowledge that you acquire throughout your professional journey.

These are assets that directly contribute to your ability to deliver high-quality work and may include technical abilities, industry-specific expertise and specialized certifications.

By capitalizing on these strengths, you can really amplify your value to an employer.

According to Lisbeth, investing energy in your strengths yields a remarkable return. For every unit of energy invested in your strengths, you can generate five to ten units of output. On the other hand, investing energy in your weaknesses might only yield a one-to-one return.

Vitality Assets

Vitality assets refer to your personal well-being and the ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. These assets include physical and mental well-being, interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.

Prioritizing self-care, personal growth and maintaining positive relationships allows you to bring your best self to work. Engage in activities that recharge you. Develop healthy habits. Maintain a positive mindset.

You’ll bring more energy, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to your work, enhancing your overall career satisfaction and success.

Transformational Assets

Transformational assets are all about embracing change, learning and adaptability. And in this rapidly evolving professional landscape, curiosity, creativity, adaptability and a growth mindset are more important than ever.

Embrace opportunities for growth and development, whether through formal education, workshops, mentorships or self-directed learning This adaptability allows you to seize new opportunities, stay ahead of the curve and continuously evolve both personally and professionally.

As you build your career portfolio, remember to reflect on these intangible assets, as they can be the differentiating factor that sets you apart and propels you toward your goals.

Steps to Building a Resilient Career Portfolio

Now that we’ve explored the components of a resilient career portfolio, here are some practical steps you can take to build and nurture it.

Continuous Learning

Commit to lifelong learning by acquiring new skills, attending workshops, pursuing certifications, and staying updated on industry trends. This helps you adapt to evolving demands and demonstrates your dedication to professional growth.

Expand Your Network

Cultivate meaningful professional relationships by attending industry conferences, joining relevant associations and leveraging online platforms, like LinkedIn. Networking allows you to tap into a broader pool of opportunities, gain valuable insights and establish a powerful support system.

Embrace Challenges

Embrace discomfort and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Seek out projects that push your boundaries, encourage innovation and allow you to develop new skills. Show a willingness to take risks and learn from failures along the way.

Seek Mentors and Role Models

Look for mentors who can provide guidance, share their experiences and help you navigate your career path. Additionally, seek out role models who inspire you and demonstrate success in the areas you aspire to excel in.

Stay Agile and Adaptable

Embrace change and be open to exploring different industries, roles and opportunities. Embracing diverse experiences helps you develop a well-rounded skill set and enables you to pivot when necessary.

As the world of work continues to change, building a resilient career portfolio is key to adapting and thriving. By leveraging your intangible assets and continuing to invest in your learning and development, you can navigate the shifting landscape and craft a meaningful (and fulfilling) professional future.

If you are looking for more ways to set yourself up for success, explore our library of career tips.

Want more information how to build a resilient career? Watch Lisbeth’s full webinar here:

Categories: Career Tips

Tags: career portfolio, career success

Related Posts