Chapter 37

Building Experience Without Employment

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The Portfolio Approach

Instead of one full-time entry-level job, build a portfolio of experiences:

1. AI-Augmented Projects: Complete real work using AI tools 2. Micro-Consultations: Solve specific problems for multiple companies 3. Open Source Contributions: Build public proof of capabilities 4. Community Leadership: Organize and lead professional communities 5. Content Creation: Teach others while demonstrating expertise

Success Story: Rachel Kim, unable to find a traditional marketing job, built a portfolio: - Managed social media for 5 small businesses using AI tools - Created a YouTube channel teaching AI marketing (50K subscribers) - Launched a newsletter on marketing automation (10K subscribers) - Consulted for startups on AI tool selection

Result: $120,000 annual income without a "job"