Managing Your Career on a Matchbook

In portfolio school, you'll be told to make the most of every opportunity. Even matchbook covers and table tents. If you're given a table tent assignment, make it the most amazing table tent the world has ever seen. Win a One Show gold with a piece of direct mail. Get your first Cannes Lion with a door hanger. Or at least have an amazing piece for your book.
And that's all true.
But there may come a time in your career where you realize all you've been doing are matchbook covers and table tents.
Yes, you need to make the most of every assignment. And be very patient. But beware of letting your work define you as someone who does the heavy-lifting (a euphemism for stuff the more senior creatives don't want to touch).