Branding Your Career With a Learning Sabbatical

Whether you’re currently employed or not, Amy Balog’s latest post gives thoughtful ideas and concepts for moving beyond identifying yourself through your resume bullet points to a “whole” you with a unique story. It’s easy to confuse our roles, skills, or professional reputations with who we actually are.

She describes a “connected leader” – one who draws in all learning experiences of life and applies those learnings to any role, problem, and idea the situation calls for.

This kind of leader can be more inspiring than the latest issue of Outside magazine. Why? Because they’re open to life, learning, and possibility. And they’re often great story-tellers. The demand for these leaders is increasing. yourSABBATICAL attended this week’s Work Life Conference in New Orleans, organized by The Conference Board and the Families and Work Institute. Scott Cowan, president of Tulane University, said in his keynote that the Millenials, more than any other generation, want leaders who inspire.

What’s your story? And how are you leveraging the economic downturn to add to that story and strengthen your brand? Are you integrating both quantitative life experiences (events, opportunities, turning points) and qualitative life experiences (reflection, stirrings, breakthroughs)?

A learning sabbatical can be a powerful qualitative experience in your career trajectory. Here are some ideas for yours:

• Do a Spanish immersion at ESADE in Barcelona
• Work backstage for the Blue Man Group
• Research cutting-edge business ideas in your industry
• Attend art school
• Shadow eight successful people
• Design a road trip with a theme (interview small town mayors, visit your company’s top clients, spend a day with the oldest person in various towns)

What are your ideas for your learning sabbatical?