This term, we embark on our usual Spring Lecture series as part of the Reach programme, ably run by Miss Kilby. These lectures are a wonderful addition to our programme of stretch and challenge and also serve a dual purpose of exposing our senior pupil community to a wider range of career options than they might otherwise see. This week, we were delighted to welcome former pupil, Théa Deacon, to speak to us about her journey into professional music since leaving us after A Levels. Théa described herself as a typical ‘average’ student when she was at Northampton High School. Staff who knew her, and worked with her, during her time here might challenge that self perception, but it is certainly true to say that she is no average musician, and her career path has been anything but ‘average’.

Following successfully gaining her A Levels at the High School, Théa opted for a route into Music via a Conservatoire rather than a traditional University route. She had been heavily involved in the music department here and we fondly remember her contribution to a variety of musical performances during her time at the school. Théa will be most remembered, I am sure, for her beautiful singing voice and her forward thinking approach to composition. Both of which are skills she utilised on a daily basis for many aspects of her work. Her hard work and dedication to her music has given her multiple opportunities to develop her skills through study, completing her masters degree in 2024 and embarking on the first stages of a PHD over the last few months. 

Théa spoke to our senior pupils this week about how her career is now forming. Not from a single vocation, but from a portfolio of different pursuits that build a varied and exciting set of opportunities to engage with over time. In an ever-changing professional landscape, the concept of a “portfolio career” has emerged as an appealing alternative to the traditional vocational career. A portfolio career refers to a career path where individuals engage in multiple streams of work simultaneously, rather than committing to a single, long-term job. This approach often combines freelancing, part-time roles, passion projects, and entrepreneurial ventures. In contrast, a traditional vocational career typically involves following a linear progression within one profession or organisation. While both paths have their merits, a portfolio career offers distinct advantages in flexibility, skill development, and resilience to economic changes.

One of the most significant benefits of a portfolio career, that Théa outlined in her talk, is the flexibility it offers. Individuals can design their schedules around their personal needs, choosing when and where to work. This is particularly advantageous for those seeking a better work-life balance or accommodating responsibilities like caregiving or further education. Traditional vocational careers, on the other hand, often require strict adherence to a fixed schedule, leaving little room for personal autonomy. Furthermore, portfolio careers allow individuals to align their work with their passions and interests, fostering a sense of fulfillment that may be harder to achieve in a single, narrowly defined role. For Théa, this has enabled her to build a career profile unlike any other. Her working world is completely shaped by her own decisions and has given her the flexibility to fill her time as she sees fit. We were able to see a small snippet of her working calendar and it is unsurprisingly full to the brim with a wide range of different things, all relating to her love of music. From teaching music in schools, to her work as a Fellow studying for her PHD and her involvement with professional Choirs, all the aspects of her career have been hand selected and slotted into place to make up the wider jigsaw of her working week. 

Another major benefit of a portfolio career is the opportunity for continuous skill development. By engaging in varied projects and industries, individuals can acquire a broad range of skills that make them more adaptable and marketable. For example, a portfolio career could involve combining skills in graphic design, digital marketing, and teaching, resulting in a well-rounded professional profile. This was something that Théa highlighted in her talk, making a convincing argument for the fact that she had been able to pursue a variety of skills and develop them far beyond what a conventional career might have given her. In contrast, traditional vocational careers often involve specialisation in a single area, which, while beneficial in certain industries, can limit opportunities for broader growth and innovation. Théa has kept multiple doors open to herself by embarking on a variety of different ventures and this will only benefit her options for her future. 

It would, of course, be naive to assume that there are no downsides to a portfolio career. You are essentially self employed and that can be tough in various ways. Some of the drawbacks to this kind of career are linked to financial insecurity. Many people fear the instability of a steady and guaranteed income from an employer, and I can’t say that I particularly blame them! But is it as scary as it seems? Some may argue that in fact, portfolio careers can actually provide greater financial security in uncertain economic times. By diversifying income sources, individuals reduce their reliance on a single employer. This resilience is particularly valuable in industries prone to layoffs or economic downturns. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many traditional employees found themselves vulnerable when businesses closed, while portfolio careerists were often better positioned to pivot to alternative income streams.

The modern workforce increasingly values adaptability and innovation—qualities that a portfolio career naturally cultivates. As technology and global markets evolve rapidly, the ability to shift between industries and roles becomes an asset. Portfolio careerists are often at the forefront of change, staying current with industry trends and developing innovative solutions to challenges. Traditional vocational careers, by comparison, may offer less exposure to varied experiences, potentially stifling creativity and adaptability. That’s not to say that a traditional route is not beneficial in its own ways (and there are a great many benefits to a traditional career), but it is worth considering the alternative as a viable option. While traditional vocational careers provide stability and a clear path for progression, the benefits of a portfolio career are becoming more evident in today’s dynamic world. Flexibility, diverse skill development, economic resilience, and the ability to embrace change make portfolio careers an attractive option for those seeking greater control over their professional lives. 

As the nature of work continues to evolve, the portfolio career model offers a compelling blueprint for success in the 21st century. How many of our pupils, embarking on the world of work in the coming years, will be working in this way I wonder? How many of them will be involved in jobs that don’t exist yet, or exploring ideas that have not yet been thought of? The answer is possibly more than we imagine. As we continue to develop our careers programme here in school, I hope you will join us on the journey and offer your knowledge and expertise. If you would like to be involved with our Inspiring Futures programme or our Reach lecture series in the future, please do reach out to us and we will be thrilled to discuss this with you. 

Finally, with Théa’s blessing, it gives me great pleasure to share a small clip of her performing recently in China as part of a Choral Celebration. I’m sure you will agree that the quality of music here is just outstanding and we are so proud of all she has accomplished, both at the High School and beyond in her new and exciting portfolio career. Huge thanks to Théa for her lecture this week and we look forward to continuing to work with her in the future. 

To see this, please click here.