6 Reasons Gen Z Is Ditching Traditional CVs for Impact Portfolios to Stand Out In Seas of College + Internship Applications 🙌
I remember when I was just starting out applying to my first internship... The traditional resume? It felt like a mismatch. Like trying to fit my dynamic, tech-savvy life into an old-school mold.
That’s when the whole concept of Impact Portfolios using d'Skills I had hit me.
Here are 6 reasons that Gen Z are ditching the traditional resume in exchange for an Impact Portfolio of their d'Skills in action.
First Off, What's Up with d'Skills? 😭
So, d'Skills – or digital skills and mindsets for the digital age – are those rad tools and talents we've naturally picked up living in this digital age.
Remember when you mastered that design tool for a school project or trend-spotted using some AI tool?
Yep, those are d'Skills in action.
You have an Impact Portfolio once you've used your d'Skills to IMPACT a real business in the real world, proving that your skills aren't staying in the classroom.
They are useful IRL.
1. Old CVs? Thank U, Next 🤢
Think about it:
Changing Tides: The digital world moves fast. By the time some of us were in senior year, half of the tools we learned freshman year felt...outdated.
Show, Don't Tell: Companies want to see our moves, not just hear about them.
Experience Over Exam Scores: Ever felt like your 4.0 GPA doesn't tell your whole story? You're not alone.
2. Impact Portfolios: Show Off That Real-World Glow-Up 👊
It’s like your life’s highlight reel but for the professional world.
Flexibility & Growth: It's all about those dynamic projects across different platforms.
Real Hustle, Real Results: Those nights you spent on a self-initiated project? They count.
Proof in the Pudding: It’s real, tangible evidence of what you bring to the table.
3. It's Easier Than Ever to Make an Impact... In The Digital World 😎
We didn't just learn tech, we grew up with it. And that means:
Intuitive Tech Know-How: We didn’t need a manual for Snapchat or TikTok, did we?
Trailblazers by Default: We love checking out new platforms and tools.
Modern Workplace Ready: Honestly, we're what many companies need right now.
4. Businesses Are All Eyes & Ears for This👂
Imagine the thousands of resumes that internships and jobs receive every day... how does someone even go through those? You'll instantly stand out of the crowd by showing d'Skills you've used to make an impact. Trust me, it's what employers are looking for... Plus your Impact Portfolio is:
A Breath of Fresh Air: Our fresh takes? They can be gold.
Quick Fixes, Smart Solutions: We often see the tech shortcuts others might miss.
Value? We Serve It on a Platter: With Impact Portfolios, there's no guessing game. They see what we've done and what we can do.
5. It's Time to Redefine Success 🫰
It’s a brave new world out there, and we're right on the cusp of it. As everything shifts and evolves, shouldn't the way we showcase our journey do the same?
Instead of focusing on 20th-century accolades like AP classes, programs we're a part of, or places we've volunteered, we can show real impacts.
It's easier than ever for high school students to make a REAL impact on real businesses using d'Skills we've gained.
6. College Admissions Officers Are Giving the Nod to Impact Portfolios w/d'Skills 🙌
You might be thinking, “This is all cool for the job world, but what about college?” Let me drop some truths:
Colleges won't look at you if you don't stand out. Everyone else has AP classes. Everyone else is part of NSHSS. Duh.
Beyond the GPA: First off, grades matter. No doubt. But everyone's sending in those straight A's. What sets you apart? That stellar Impact Portfolio.
Digital Age Ready: Colleges want students prepared for the future. With a portfolio filled with d'Skills, you're screaming, “I’m future-ready!”
Real-world Initiatives: Admissions officers love seeing students who've taken their learning beyond the classroom. Those digital campaigns you ran for a local biz or that app you developed? They tell a story of initiative and application.
Diverse Skillset: College is all about diverse experiences. With an Impact Portfolio, you’re showing them that you're not just another student, but someone with a unique blend of skills ready to contribute to their campus.
It’s Personal: Lastly, it's about connection. Your Impact Portfolio gives them a real look into who you are, what drives you, and where your passions lie. It's more than just an application; it's a narrative.
To Wrap it Up...
Here's the thing: We're more than just a list of achievements. We're dynamic, evolving, and so darn ready to make a mark.
So will you just get a degree, or will you #getdskills and make a real impact?