Experiment & Close the Gap.
Test the fit before you commit. Build only the skills you actually need.
Career changers over-prepare and under-test. We're flipping the default. Sort your gaps (skill vs framing), close one real skill gap with the cheapest credible fix, and build one small prototype that tests fit and proves capability in the target field's native format.
~2h · 3 exercises
- Your goal: test the fit with one small prototype, and close only the gaps that are real.
- Flip the default: under-prepare, over-test.
- Most gaps turn out to be framing gaps - they get solved for free in Module 5.
- My gap list exists, sorted S (skill) and F (framing).
- My one upskill is chosen, scheduled, and sanity-checked - or consciously skipped.
- My prototype is built and the four-line reflection is written.
- I have at least one artifact, however rough, in the target field's native format.
Step by step
The lessons in this module
Work through each exercise in order. Every step has guidance, prompts, and a place to reflect — inside the hub or on paper.
- 1
4.1 Gap Sort
~25 minList every gap. Mark each S (skill) or F (framing).
A **skill gap (S)** is something you'd truly need to learn. A **framing gap (F)** is something you already have but are describing wrong. **Most gaps turn out to be F.**
Example. S: 'no for-profit P&L experience.' F: 'my nonprofit title sounds junior.'
For each **S**, name the **cheapest credible fix**. For each **F**, name **where it gets reframed** (résumé, story, LinkedIn About).
- 2
4.2 One Targeted Upskill
~20 minPick the one gap worth closing - or consciously skip.
Pick the **single most important skill gap** (or **consciously skip** if the field doesn't require it). Then name **one specific learning move** with **a cost and a deadline**.
- 3
4.3 The Prototype
~60 minDesign one experiment runnable in two weeks of small steps.
**Formats that work**: a sample artifact in the field's native format, a shadow day, a volunteer or freelance rep, a stretch assignment at your current job.
**High-leverage move**: build one small thing **WITH AI** in your target field's context. It **closes a skill gap, tests fit, and proves AI fluency** in one move.
After you run it, write the **four-line reflection**: **energized by · drained by · surprised that · decided to**.
- Sit with your DECIDED line for a day. Does it still hold?
- Look at your artifact the way a stranger would: what does it prove about you?
Ready to put pen to paper?
Download the full Career Confidence workbook with the worksheets for this module — or sign in to complete them inside the hub with your coach.