career growth lattice

Understanding Your Career Growth Lattice

A career growth lattice is a non-linear approach to professional development, moving beyond traditional hierarchical ladders. Instead of solely focusing on “promotion up,” it emphasizes expanding skills, experiences, and roles – even sideways moves – to build a robust and adaptable career. It’s about creating interconnected opportunities for growth, not just climbing a single path.

The Expert Perspective: Most people think of career progression as vertical. This is limiting. A lattice recognizes that valuable growth happens through skill diversification, project exposure, and exploring different functions. It acknowledges that today’s job market demands adaptability, and a broader skillset makes you more resilient and valuable. Traditional networks often focus on where you are in a hierarchy, not how you’re growing. This leads to missed opportunities and a feeling of being “stuck.”

Actionable Steps to Build Your Lattice:

• Skill Gap Analysis: Identify 3 skills crucial for your desired future roles, and create a learning plan.
• Seek Cross-Functional Projects: Volunteer for projects outside your immediate team to broaden your experience.
• Network Broadly: Connect with people in different departments and industries – focus on learning from their experiences.
• Document Your Journey: Regularly reflect on your learnings and share them publicly (even internally) to solidify your understanding and build your personal brand.
• Embrace "Lateral" Moves: Don’t dismiss opportunities that aren’t directly “up” – they can unlock new skills and pathways.

Why Menteo Accelerates Lattice Growth:

Reading about career lattices is helpful, but building one requires consistent guidance and accountability. Menteo goes beyond simply connecting you with someone for a one-off conversation. We foster social mentorship – ongoing relationships built on shared growth.

Unlike transactional mentorship platforms, Menteo provides:

• Growth Threads: Publicly document your learning journey, receive feedback, and build a portfolio of your growth.
• Mentorship Rooms: Structured 1:1 guidance focused on your specific lattice goals, with regular check-ins and accountability.
• Roadmaps: Curated learning paths designed to help you acquire the skills needed to navigate your lattice and unlock new opportunities.
• Communities: Connect with peers navigating similar career paths, share insights, and find collaborative learning opportunities.

A career lattice isn’t built in isolation. It requires a supportive network and a proactive approach.

Ready to actively build your career lattice with expert guidance? Find a mentor on Menteo today: https://thementeo.com/mentors