Career Journey Timeline
Participants visually map and share key moments from their professional journey, revealing growth and transitions.
Career Journey Timeline is a professional development activity that doubles as a powerful icebreaker. Participants create a visual timeline of their career path, marking significant moments: first job, career changes, promotions, failures, learning moments, and pivots. Sharing these journeys builds understanding of diverse career paths, normalizes non-linear progression, and helps colleagues appreciate the experiences each person brings. It is particularly effective for new team formations and cross-functional collaborations.
Objective
Build appreciation for diverse career paths and understand colleagues' professional experiences.
- Paper and markers (physical)
- Digital whiteboard tool (virtual)
- Optional: timeline template
How to Play
Introduce the Activity
2 minExplain that participants will map their career journey, including highlights, challenges, and turning points. Provide 10-15 minutes to create.
Create Timelines
15 minParticipants draw a timeline from their first job to present, marking key moments. Include symbols or colors for different types of events.
Share Journeys
35 minEach person presents their timeline (3-5 minutes), highlighting 3-4 key moments and what they learned.
Identify Patterns
5 minDiscuss common themes: career pivots, similar challenges, unexpected paths, or valuable failures.
Reflect on Team Diversity
3 minAppreciate the diverse experiences and paths that brought everyone together.
Pro Tips
Emphasize including challenges and failures, not just successes, for authenticity.
Variations
Try these variations to adapt the game for different contexts and group sizes.
Changes:
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