Career Capital: Do You Have It?

What skills do you have that are both rare and valuable? The trajectory of your career and your paycheck hinges on them.

Career capital is the currency of professional advancement; it’s the result of leveraging your unique, sought-after skills to set yourself apart from others. It’s the idea of being so good they can’t overlook you – or pay you less than what you’re worth.

But, what does it take to build it?

Cathinka Wahlstrom, managing director of Accenture says she believes there are three essential ingredients to cultivating career capital: Being in the “right place” and having the opportunity to make outstanding contributions, getting experience in your industry or chosen field and collaborating, or networking, both at your company and in the community.

“Persistence and energy, passion to do the best possible job …”

Wahlstrom tells PINK she developed her career capital on “persistence and energy, passion to do the best possible job and a wide network of mentors and sponsors.”

“Women often fail to stand up and say that they want a job,” she says. She encourages them to plan their next career steps and goals – and consider P&L roles.

“You get an opportunity to contribute to your company’s bottom line.”

COMMENT: What are your best strategies for building career capital? Share!

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Image Shutterstock: Creativa