Life as a CV

As learning becomes more accessible on the internet almost everyone now will have some degree or a certificate from a top-tier institute. What happens when education is democratized, and there are a million others with the same degree or diploma as yours?

Thanks to ChatGPT, now every resume looks finely crafted and optimised for a high ATS score. Adding more difficulties for recruiters to filter through and find good candidates. So, how does one stand out?

I think the answer to both the questions is - build project-based portfolios. Show your proof of skills! Convert knowledge and skills into tangible projects.

Building your portfolio is something, like design thinking, that the world can learn from the field of design. It is the best way to apply and demonstrate your skills in a real-world context. It’s a great way of documenting your learning journey for yourself and the world to see.

A portfolio does not necessarily mean only your design or art works. A portfolio can be a set of articles written by you, analysis of products or market trends, documented experiments done in a chemistry lab, or even a video playlist.

It’s not that only when you are seeking a job you should build a portfolio. This portfolio building can start as early as primary school. An idea discussed in Blume’s edtech report in 2022 is to build a holistic ‘Life as a CV’. An approach that can lead to building a habit of creation, problem solving, effective communication, and a design thinking mindset, setting up stage for entrepreneurship / innovation.

Platforms like Peerlist are doing a great job of encouraging students and professionals to build side projects regularly. We need something similar for K12 education where students not only get a platform for building their projects portfolio but also get a community, mentorship, and learning opportunities beyond academics. IMO this will be the next big trend in K12.

What are your thoughts on this?