When most of us think about career development, we imagine a ladder—one that we climb steadily upwards, rung by rung. But today’s workplace is shifting, and the idea of a single, linear path to success is quickly becoming outdated. In its place, a new model is emerging: the career lattice.
What is a Career Lattice?
Unlike the traditional career ladder, which focuses solely on upward movement, a career lattice includes vertical, horizontal, and even diagonal career moves. It recognises that growth doesn't always mean a promotion. Sometimes, it means developing new skills, gaining cross-functional experience, or pivoting into a different area of work—even if that move isn’t immediately upward.
A career lattice is about expanding your capabilities, diversifying your experience, and shaping a career that aligns with your evolving interests and strengths.
Why the lattice model matters more than ever
Workplaces are changing. Roles are becoming more dynamic, technology is reshaping how we work, and organisations are increasingly looking for employees who are agile, adaptable, and multi-skilled.
The lattice model supports this reality. It encourages you to:
- Explore new areas within your organisation
- Build a more versatile skill set
- Adapt to emerging roles and technologies
- Stay engaged and challenged in your work
Crucially, it allows you to take ownership of your career—on your terms.
How to approach your career like a lattice
Here are some practical ways you can start applying the lattice mindset to your own career development:
Redefine what growth looks like
Growth doesn’t always come with a new job title. Sometimes it comes from taking on a cross-departmental project, learning new software, mentoring a colleague, or moving into a different role at the same level.
Start by asking yourself:
What skills do I want to develop? What parts of the business interest me that I haven’t explored?
Look sideways, not just upwards
A lateral move to a different team or function can be just as valuable as a promotion—especially if it gives you fresh challenges or helps you build new expertise.
For example, someone working in customer service might move into user experience, drawing on their understanding of customer needs. Or a marketing specialist might shift into sales enablement or product development.
These moves create a broader base of experience, which can make you more competitive in the long run.
Develop transferable skills
Lattice-style careers thrive on transferable skills—like communication, problem-solving, leadership, and digital literacy. Focus on building these “portable” skills that can support you across roles and industries.
Consider training or microcredentials that help you sharpen these abilities. Many online courses are flexible and designed for working professionals, making it easier to upskill without stepping away from your current role.
Stay curious and open to change
One of the biggest barriers to a lattice-style career is the belief that success only comes from promotions. In reality, learning agility and openness to change are often what set successful professionals apart.
View each new experience—whether it’s a lateral move, a secondment, or even a short-term project—as a chance to grow and future-proof your career.
The benefits of a lattice career path
When you embrace a lattice mindset, you open yourself to:
- Greater job satisfaction by aligning work with your interests
- Increased resilience in a rapidly changing job market
- Stronger professional networks across departments
- More diverse opportunities for advancement over time
It’s a model that gives you more control, creativity, and flexibility in shaping your future.
Find your path
Your career doesn’t have to follow a straight line to be successful. By thinking beyond the ladder and embracing the career lattice, you can create a richer, more fulfilling professional journey—one that’s built on continuous learning, strategic moves, and meaningful growth.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to evolve in your current role, a short course or microcredential from UTS Open could be your next step—not just up, but across, around, or into something new entirely.
