10 Lies High Schoolers Tell Ourselves That Prevent Us From Building An Impact Portfolio Early
Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about starting something epic but then felt bogged down by doubts and misconceptions?
Maybe you read our Ultimate Guide to Landing Real, Paid Work Experience in High School and want to start your Impact Portfolio, but you’re doubting yourself??
I've been there.
It’s time we bust some myths that might be holding you back from building your impact Portfolio and gaining that much-needed high school work experience.
Myth #1: "I'm Too Young to Get a Paid Job"
You should know by now, rebel! Age doesn’t define capability. It's all about your passion, d'Skills, and drive. Remember, many companies are actively seeking the fresh perspective Gen Z offers.
Myth #2: “No One Will Take Me Seriously"
Confidence is key. Put your best foot forward and let your work speak for itself. Age is just a number; your impact Portfolio is the real testament to your abilities.
Myth #3: "I Don’t Have Any Marketable Skills"
Your life experiences and hobbies can translate into d'Skills. It's not just about what's taught in school. Maybe you're a gaming wizard or a social media guru. Every skill has its place.
Don’t forget to look back at the d’Skill Clusters in the Ultimate Guide for inspo.
Myth #4: "Only Traditional Part-time Jobs are Available to Me"
Maybe you grew up in a family that made you feel this… Or maybe you’re just putting limits on yourself. Don’t think this way! It’s simply not true.
Beyond the usual part-time gigs, there's a world of high school internships and remote roles tailored for Gen Z’s. Have the courage to not follow the traditional path. You’re a rebel.
Myth #5: "I Need to Have Connections to Get a Job"
Sure, connections help. But in today’s digital age, platforms like LinkedIn have democratized networking. You can make those connections with a little initiative!
Myth #6: "Grades are More Important than Experience"
Yes, grades are important, but an impact Portfolio showcasing real-world experience speaks volumes when applying for high school internships or even college.
Beyond this, with the incredible capabilities of ChatGPT and access to Ai tools, you literally have no excuse to NOT apply your d’Skills to the real world and make an impact. This is the way the world is shifting.
We did a whole series on on TikTok of ChatGPT hacks you should take a look at… I’m serious, no excuses.
Myth #7: "All Internships are Unpaid"
You’re right that some internships are unpaid. That’s why we encourage you to create your OWN using d’Skills you’ve gained. Once you’ve made real impacts, you’ll be able to pitch other businesses on the value you can provide!
Myth #8: "I'll Have to Commit a Lot of Hours"
Maybe? Or maybe not. It depends on how efficiently you work. If you’ve created your own impact opportunity, you control your schedule.
The more efficiencies you create by using AI and automation tools, the easier you can make your own job.
(for example, this blog post was written with AI as my assistant and took a fraction of the time it would have taken without GPT).
Myth #9: "I Need a Formal Resume to Get Started"
Your evolving impact portfolio can act as your dynamic resume. As you gain experiences, both will naturally grow.
Myth #10: "There's Too Much Competition Out There"
Every individual has something unique to offer. Instead of focusing on others, hone your d'Skills and build your own narrative.
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The next time you catch yourself harboring these misconceptions, remember: you're more than capable.
And if you ever need guidance on building your impact Portfolio or finding high school opportunities, our Ultimate Guide and IMPACT10 cohorts are just a click away.