In the fiercely competitive post-USAID job market, many global development professionals are turning to consulting as a new career path. But building a sustainable consulting career requires more than picking up short-term gigs. It demands an intentional approach — one that balances income stability, visibility, and long-term optionality, alongside a fundamental shift in mindset.
“When you're building a portfolio career, we need you to shift from being a job seeker to a consultant, independent mindset. This is very different. This is not like you're between gigs. You are building a business, and this is a real job,” said Kelsi Kriitmaa, a social impact career coach who has built her own portfolio career, during a recent Devex digital event.
Drawing on her own experience, Kriitmaa outlined a practical framework for moving from ad hoc consulting to a structured portfolio career, one built on clarity, strategic positioning, and deliberate growth. Here are three key takeaways to help development professionals build a more sustainable path.