Summary of Elaine Welteroth’s Masterclass on Designing Your Career

12 key takeaways from the youngest ever appointed Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue

1. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Prepare yourself by uncovering your zones of genius, creating a lane list, and making a mind map. It’s about gaining absolute clarity in what you’re truly great at, what you genuinely care about, why, and strategically planning how you’ll make it a reality in your career development.
2. Focus on the intersection of passions, talents, skills and values. That’s your zone of genius. Everyone’s got one, and everyone’s is different. It’s in your zone of genius that you’ll find the best application of your natural gifts in doing what is needed in the world in a way that only you can do it best. It’s what you care about more than money. What you would gladly put in long hours doing even if you never got paid. Operate from there.
3. Pick your lanes and map out your intentions. Think of the industries and or platforms you would like to explore in your career over the long-term. Use the careers of people you admire to get inspiration if needed. At the center of your map should be your purpose, the why behind everything you do. From there, branch out into your lanes, and from each lane, branch out into projects, jobs, or gigs that fit your zone of genius.