Some global development professionals follow a traditional career path, specializing in one particular area and often working for the same organization over several years. But if you have a broad skill set, want to work in a variety of sectors, and like the idea of being your own boss, then a portfolio career path might be the best one to pursue.
The commonly cited definition of a portfolio career is an approach to work that mixes several different income streams through a combination of part or full-time, freelancing, or consulting roles. The work not only encompasses different specialty areas and industries, but it also utilizes different skills depending on what’s required for a role.
“[You might use] your writing skills in one area … but in other areas, you might use your relationship management skills,” said Simone Anzböck, career coach and development expert, during a recent Devex digital event. “You're basically using different skills on different projects and you're building that over time, and that means you have a portfolio as a career.”