Triton Mindset Blog
Life as a Canvas: Masterpieces in Career and Life Design
Submitted By: Hassan Akmal - Executive Director of the UC San Diego Career Center
Date: 3/18/2024
Key Take-Aways:
- You are the author
- Identify your North Star
- Create your masterpiece
- The Career Choice Circle
- A skills-first playbook
The Future of Career Services. Photo Credit: Hassan Akmal/Midjourney
Be the Chief Architect of Your Career and Life
The time is now to break new ground in career services.
I have always told my teams that half of career services is being super organized, or informed resourcefulness. What we do is all about synergy, effectiveness, efficiency, and empowerment. Things have changed from decades ago. Nowadays, students won’t take you seriously if your center lacks the right brand and narrative. You need to build a model of distinction and be a magnet for success.
Joseph Martinez, President, Martinez + Cutri Urban Studio Corporation, was the architect for the UC San Diego Career Center. I had the pleasure of having lunch with him and interviewing him on the UC San Diego Career Podcast (CP), Designing Your Career and Life for Episode 14. Mr. Martinez was born in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, and raised in San Diego, California. In 1966 and received a full scholarship to the University of California, San Diego. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree, Joseph attended Harvard University, Graduate School of Design, where he obtained his Master of Architecture degree in 1975. In addition to his private practice, Martinez taught architecture and urbanism from 1978 to 1993 at the University of California at Berkeley, San Diego State University, University of California at San Diego, and was the founding Dean of The New School of Architecture.
Similarly, Mr. Martinez has penned several articles in By Design magazine, including “Oneness: The Architecture of Self”, and “Placemaking: The Story of Chicano Magic. In 2005, he received the California Rural Legal Assistance Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to the Latino community; and in 2016 he was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from Barrio Station.
What struck me most about him, was that his eyes were filled with love and emotion when he talked about serving students. He was an artist in his career, but also in his life. His passion, thoughtfulness, and creativity in his designs were obvious, but he also collected art and had an infinite and timeless appreciation of it. He was leaving his own legacies behind with each project, each work of art.
Embracing change and learning from it has been my guiding principle. I've welcomed challenges as opportunities to innovate and create solutions that benefit both our students and alumni. As we strive to design our careers and lives, remember that curiosity and innovation are your greatest allies.
UC San Diego Career Center. Photo Credit: Joseph Martinez, Architect
At the heart of any career and life blueprint is the belief that every day is a canvas, waiting to be designed. I've always approached each day as an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive impact. This mindset has allowed me to not only stay relevant in a fast-paced world but also to drive change and innovation in my field.
“To the students, alumni, and listeners out there, never stop exploring, never stop learning, and never stop designing your future. With each day, you have the power to pave your own path and make a lasting impact on the world.”
— Hassan Akmal
Behind the Design is Your Masterpiece
Your story, the story behind the design — is the Interior Design of Your Career and Life.
Career centers can also take inspiration from the words of Albert Einstein, who said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge." Encouraging individuals to dream big and envision their ideal careers can lead to powerful transformations in their lives. Once you have a vision, you can focus and re-focus. This will bring you clarity.
Meditation is the New Capital of Career Services. Photo Credit: Hassan Akmal/Midjourney
In my book, The Interior Design of Your Career and Life, I argue that designing your career and life is about starting from a place of gratitude and from within. Before you can have a vision for the future of career services, you must align your own career and life vision. To master your life, you must master your career.
Hidden in that vision is your masterpiece, the centerpiece where your inspiration comes from. Go seven levels deep on your Why to discover your purpose. This centerpiece will help you re-center each day and keep you focused on the moments that matter both to you and those you intend to serve.
You are designing your life by designing each day. You are creating that buffer space to design, to think, to live. This is the phenomenology of how our surroundings affect us as these spaces are highly intertwined with our sense of self. Remember, each of you is a part of the design, you are the chief architect. So, start with you. #YOUMatter
The Interior Design of Your Career and Life. Image Credit: Hassan Akmal
"After 29 years in higher education, 15 years as a senior leader in career services, and 9 years leading ambitious multiyear re-imaginations of career services, here I am still looking at a blank canvas. It is only blank on the exterior, as the experiences and creativity are intrinsically flowing through the energy, stories, and people —and everyone who is reading this article. Together, we are manifesting a new future."
— Hassan Akmal
The Sky Is Not Your Limit, Your North Star Is
Your brand matters, but the value you offer matters more.
At UC San Diego, I quickly realized that we needed an effective strategy to increase our buzz worthiness on campus. It needed to be eye-catching and innovative. But, most of all, it needed to work.
We decided to focus on the missing link between passion and purpose, and that was mastery. You see, it’s never enough to just be passionate about something, you have to transform it into a skill. Below is our new branding statement:
Previous branding (left) vs new proposed branding statement (right) Photo Credit: UC San Diego
We needed to upgrade our space. Here we had this incredible back patio with so much potential for more. So, we began to ideate. Might we create a space that would become the most desired rental space for employers to leverage?
Agave americana, commonly known as the century plant,or American aloe, is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Asparagaceae. It is native to Mexico and the United States, specifically Texas.
This plant is widely cultivated worldwide for its ornamental value and has become naturalized in various regions, including Southern California, the West Indies, South America, the Mediterranean Basin, Africa, the Canary Islands, India, China, Thailand, and Australia.
Once in 100 years, only after 25-30 years of growth, the succulent grows up a beautiful tall stalk of blossoms. It even grew branches! A standing moment in time. A sign for a new future? A re-imagination? We decided to build a Zen garden, a space that would serve as both a place for networking, mindfulness, and reflection and somewhere we could go to take a pause and reset.
Zen Garden, UC San Diego Career Center. Photo Credit: Hassan Akmal
This wondrous plant inspired a new vision and still sits in our career center’s—now Zen garden—a symbol of our collective energy and wisdom, as it represents perpetual growth, success, and purpose. A centerpiece.
Century Plant at its peak. Photo Credit: Hassan Akmal
An Ivy League Kind-of-Masterpiece
When I was the inaugural executive director of industry relations and career strategies at Columbia University, I designed an ambitious re-imagination for the career management center, from concept to ribbon cutting. Part of the changes proposed was a relocation of the physical location of the career center and a reorganization. My proposal was to renovate an existing space in Times Square, as it was the densest diameter of employers and alumni in the nation. Also, space on campus was highly competitive and we were running out.
Do you think students would complain that they had to go downtown away from campus given the existing space they have? Many had thought that, but we didn’t receive a single complaint once the ribbon cutting took place.
Here are some before and after photos:
Before renovation. Photo Credit: Hassan Akmal
After renovation. Photo Credit: Hassan Akmal
I chose a magical space in the heart of Times Square. An entire floor of a 17-story, 140,000 square-foot office and retail building featuring a penthouse level with skyline views. At the ground level, the property has approximately 22,000 square feet of flagship retail space. The building also features prime rooftop billboards, accessibility to numerous transit options, and world-class shopping, hotels, theaters, and restaurants. The area was popping with activity!
Once the renovations were finished, our space had increased by 300%. My team and everyone I hired were inspired by the space. It featured an open layout, event space that generated revenue, a full classroom, two kitchens, private offices for staff plus open offices for visitors, privacy screens, small meeting rooms, and two conference rooms (one dedicated for alumni). There were lots of idea walls and colors, and the spaces were full of creativity.
Career Design Lab, Columbia University. Photo Credit: Hassan Akmal
The center was recognized for its innovation and became so popular, that students would come just to network or have lunch. It became a second home for so many individuals who didn’t have that safe space elsewhere.
“In the face of the future of work, I've learned that adaptability is key. The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, and as a chief architect of my own career and life, I've had to evolve my skills and mindset continuously.”
— Hassan Akmal
Every story begins with a Career and Life Vision
In June 2021, while serving as the inaugural Executive Director of the Career Center at UCLA, I was asked about the topic of finding your career and life vision in an interview with UCLA’s Newsroom: Q&A: Head of UCLA Career Services on finding your ‘career and life vision’; Hassan Akmal says to let your purpose guide you.
In the pursuit of meaningful and fulfilling careers, individuals often grapple with questions of purpose and direction. Think about it. If a student walks into a career center and asks someone to help them find purpose, how many of us are truly prepared to help? We need to build and align frameworks on these topics. Here is one from author, Jullien Gordon, on purpose that I recommend:
8 P’s: Aligning Purpose
1. Principles
2. Passions
3. Problems
4. People
5. Positioning
6. Pioneers
7. Picture
8. Possibility
Source: Book - 8 Cylinders of Success
The Career Opportunity Circle
Traditional career paths are no longer linear. They go up and down like a symphony and that’s the reality. The ability to adapt, learn, and apply a diverse set of skills has become essential for thriving in this new era. Individuals who approach their career and life design with a strong focus on skills are better equipped to navigate this dynamic environment. They understand that career success is not solely determined by the job title or industry, but by their capacity to continually develop, fine-tune, and leverage their skill sets. We are all wayfinders.
We are all wayfinders. (Open House on September 26, 2023) Photo Credit: UC San Diego
To unlock the true potential of your future in work and life, it is increasingly important to adopt a strategy of reverse engineering. This approach involves beginning with your desired future and working backward to identify the skills, experiences, and knowledge required to get there. Rather than pursuing a predefined career path, individuals who employ this methodology are pioneers of their own journeys. By first defining their life purpose and career goals, they can more strategically acquire the skills and experiences needed to achieve those aspirations. Reverse engineering from career and life design allows individuals to create a roadmap that is tailored to their unique aspirations, providing a sense of purpose and direction. It enables them to identify and acquire the skills that will make them more competitive and adaptable in an ever-changing job market. By placing skills at the forefront of their career development strategy, individuals are better positioned to not only survive but thrive in the future of work. As a result, they are more prepared to seize opportunities, pivot when necessary, and build fulfilling careers that align with their passions and purposes.
Almost everything is perspective. Mindfulness is career development, although not always obvious. The focus and peace you achieve bring you clarity in your vision and pursuit, helping you understand what skills you need to get to your new truth. It’s all interconnected and sometimes it takes a lifetime to realize it. But the sooner we learn, the more we learn how to learn. This is not about education but learning.
“For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today? ' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.”
— Steve Jobs
Expanding your network and mentor circles also helps, as it brings in new perspectives. And — Don’t limit yourself to job titles. Focus on skills and new skills. Expand your “career opportunity circle,” as I like to call it.
Here is a framework I created:
The Career Choice Circle. Infographic Credit: Hassan Akmal
Do this for yourself, and it will translate to the students and alumni you serve. It will multiply the possibilities.
Don’t forget to power of masterminds or a “collective mind.” In this spirit, I must give a special shout-out to the UC Career Services Leadership Consortium. The past four years have been an honor working with distinguished executives across the UC system. We are a collective mind who mentor each other, capitalize on and share new + best practices, and a family within the career services family.
University of California Career Services Directors’ Consortium: Photo Credit: Hassan Akmal
"Many journeys begin with a deep-rooted sense of curiosity and a passion for innovation. Curiosity is the spark that ignites our pursuit of knowledge and pushes us to explore uncharted territories. It's what has driven me to design my own career trajectory. It's what continues to inspire us to innovate and adapt in the ever-evolving landscape of the future of work."
—Hassan Akmal
Alignment with Your True Self
Career development is about better understanding yourself and aligning with who you truly are. It’s not about resumes. It’s about who you want to become and the impact you want to make in the world.
Aligning with your true self is happiness. Photo Credit: Hassan Akmal/Midjourney
A fundamental shift is occurring, one that transcends the conventional notions of career and professional development. The future of career services lies in a profound alignment with your true self. It's a journey that delves deep into the core of one's passions, values, and aspirations. We are moving away from resumes and cover letters and embracing a career and life portfolio of experiences. This serves as a reflection of your purpose and the unique narrative you bring to the table.
In this visionary era, career guidance extends far beyond the realm of job titles and salary negotiations; it encompasses a profound self-discovery that leads to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven professional life. In this future, career services become a catalyst for personal transformation and self-actualization. They serve as a bridge between your innermost desires and the external world, fostering a connection that transcends mere employment. As Jiaying Wu, Lead Data Scientist at CVS Health, said in Episode 13 of the UC San Diego Career Podcast (CP): Designing Your Career and Life, you have two north stars an inner one and an external one.
As you embark on this transformative journey, the focus shifts from merely securing a job to shaping a legacy, from climbing a corporate ladder to building an authentic path that resonates with your true self. Your career becomes a canvas where you paint the masterpiece of your life's work, a manifestation of your passions and values.
The visionaries leading the charge in this new era of career services inspire individuals to dream big, dare to be unique, and chase their ambitions with unbridled enthusiasm. It's a world where your career is not just a means of livelihood, but a profound expression of your inner essence, creating a lasting impact on the world around you.
“To know yourself is your greatest superpower. To live true to yourself is the bravest thing you will ever do.”
— Suzaita Hipolito, Transformational Leadership Coach, Speaker, Best Selling Author, Disruptor, & Entrepreneur (UC San Diego Alumna)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) presents an opportunity to revolutionize career services. Artificial intelligence can augment the capabilities of career services by providing personalized recommendations based on an individual's skills, interests, and goals. Chatbots can assist with common queries, freeing up career educators to focus on more complex and nuanced career coaching.
Moreover, machine learning algorithms can analyze labor market trends and provide insights into emerging job opportunities. By harnessing the power of AI, career services can stay ahead of the curve and provide students and alumni with the most up-to-date information and guidance.
We need some practical examples. Here are a few:
1. AI-Driven Guidance: Career centers can implement AI chatbots that help students explore career paths, suggest relevant courses, and provide real-time labor market insights.
2. Design Thinking Workshops: Offering workshops on design thinking principles can empower students to proactively design their career paths.
3. Creative Problem-Solving Challenges: Organizing creativity contests or hackathons can encourage students to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.
The next generation of talent is building a portfolio of experiences and will have multiple careers over a lifetime, likely in different and new industries. Also, they will have multiple careers at the same time.
Strong employer engagement is critical in a constantly changing economic climate. Social media's impact, slow economic recovery, rapid transformations in technology, gig economy, higher-skill and credential requirements for good-paying jobs, and emerging mismatches between employer needs/worker skills make business and educational partnerships more challenging.
But initiating such relationships and ensuring success and sustainability is far from simple. The landscape of talent acquisition has changed. Yet, the demand for opportunities by students and top talent by employers is rising. While some employers bypass higher education institutions to source talent, social media platforms are increasingly being used by individuals to showcase their skills. Automation is also happening as a response to some of these labor shortages.
Students ideating on career trajectories and using design thinking Photo Credit: UC San Diego
The New Playbook
Reimagining career services for the future requires a holistic transformation. Our very own careers are changing on us. My own role, with the impact of AI, may evolve into more of a creative director of career and life design. Frankly, I’m content with this because an AI assistant will free up some of my time and allow me to reconnect to the soul of my work.
It is no longer sufficient to provide students with a static set of skills that become outdated shortly after graduation. We need a new skills-first playbook! One that centers on an adaptive mindset. In this dynamic landscape, success lies in our ability to adapt swiftly. Agility is the key. Collaborating across disciplines and encouraging fresh perspectives are essential components.
We must break down the silos that have traditionally separated academic disciplines. The cultivation of innovation and creativity is no longer a choice; it is a fundamental aspect of staying ahead of the curve in a world where change is the only constant. Prolonged creativity is not AI’s strong suit: lean into your creative skills.
Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of the future. To remain relevant, we need to adjust swiftly to the changing expectations of the industry. This involves a commitment to lifelong learning, providing avenues for upskilling and reskilling and fostering a culture of continuous education.
Work is at a crossroads. With the Great Pivot, talent has become an even more precious resource, driving higher salaries and more flexible work options. And yet many employees still report feeling burnt out. From work-life balance to the role of automation, work norms are shifting. All of this comes into play when coaching students and ourselves on what we seek from personal career and life experiences.
In the face of the future of work, I've learned that being agile is key. The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, and as a chief architect of my own career and life, I've had to evolve my skills and mindset continuously. Embracing change and learning from it has been my guiding principle. I've welcomed challenges as opportunities to innovate and create solutions that benefit both our students and alumni. As we strive to design our careers and lives, remember that curiosity and innovation are your greatest allies.
As eloquently stated by one of my colleagues, Mike Zucker, Associate Director of career development and industry engagement and principal contributor of the #TritonMindset blog:
“A re-imagination is a strategy to use as a framework to modernize the role of career services in an elite, public higher education institution. The Career Center will serve as the heartbeat of the university with opportunity as the bloodline, resulting in an enhanced sense of confidence, hope, and connection in the students we serve.”
As humans, we are hard-wired to imagine, reimagine, dream, create, and innovate. Each of us seeks to do work that gives us purpose — to write a book, to make a discovery, to build strong communities, and to help those in need. The urge to connect to the core of our work lives in all of us. But today, we spend too much time consumed by the grind of meetings and tasks that drain all of our time, creativity, and energy. To reconnect to the soul of our work, we don’t just need a better way of doing things, we need a whole new world of work.
The future of you and your work is about imagination. Embrace each day as a chance to design your path, create a meaningful impact, and shape the future. Be a pioneer like our architect, Joseph Martinez. He took risks in his designs and they paid off. Success is piloted by people. This mindset has served me well, and I hope it inspires you on your own journey.
The ribbon cutting is not the end of the reimagination, but the beginning.
Career Design Lab, Columbia University. Photo Credit: Hassan Akmal
“At the heart of any career and life blueprint is the belief that every day is a canvas, waiting to be designed. I've always approached each day as an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive impact. This mindset has allowed me to not only stay relevant in a fast-paced world but also to drive change and innovation in my field.”
— Hassan Akmal
Hassan Akmal, MBA, MPH
Executive Director, Career and Professional Development, UC San Diego, Author, Professor, Future of Work Expert, Career and Life Mastery Consultant, and TEDx Speaker
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