What is the Dark Horse Project?

The Dark Horse Project, a research initiative at Harvard, investigates how individuals find fulfillment in their careers through non-linear paths. The project discovered that those who are fulfilled typically didn't stick to their initial career plans. Instead, they zigzagged through various experiences, constantly adjusting their paths based on new insights about themselves and the opportunities around them. This approach often leads to better "match quality" between their skills and their work, enhancing both their performance and satisfaction 1 2 3.

Many participants viewed themselves as "dark horses," feeling they had come out of nowhere to find success. The term "dark horse" reflects their belief that their unconventional paths were unique, though the research showed such paths are more common than traditionally perceived 4 5 6.