Career path

USAGE SUMMARY

"career path" is a valid phrase used in written English, and it can be used to refer to the route one takes when advancing in a job or profession.
For example, "My career path has taken me from marketing associate to VP of Marketing over the past 10 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Career Path Map.

Science Magazine

Third, is career path.

The Economist

That's the career path.

The New York Times

It's a career path.

The New Yorker

A new career path?

Independent

Consider his career path.

The New York Times - Sports

Offstage, he explained his career path.

The New Yorker

Ortiz's career path seemed equally unorthodox.

The New York Times - Sports

My career path is paved with AstroTurf.

The New York Times

"There is no clear career path.

The New York Times

His career path was typical.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing long-term goals, use "career path" to provide a structured view of how someone plans to advance professionally. For instance, "Consider your current position as a stepping stone in your overall career path."

Common error

Avoid using "career path" interchangeably with "job". A job is a specific position, while a "career path" encompasses the sequence of jobs and experiences that contribute to long-term professional growth. Instead of saying "This job is my career path", specify, "This job is a starting point on my career path".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "career path" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the progression and direction an individual takes in their professional life. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in discussing planned routes and deviations from expected routes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "career path" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase that describes an individual's professional trajectory. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use across various domains, especially in news, science, and business. When using the phrase, remember to distinguish it from a singular "job", focusing instead on the sequence of positions and experiences. For alternative expressions, consider options like "professional trajectory" or "career progression". Understanding its typical register and context can help ensure effective communication when discussing professional development and long-term career goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Professional trajectory

Emphasizes the upward movement and progression in a career.

Career progression

Focuses on the advancement and development within a career.

Job route

A more informal way to describe the path one takes in their job.

Professional development route

Highlights the developmental aspect of a career path.

Employment history

Refers to the sequence of jobs held by a person.

Work history

Similar to employment history, but with a broader scope.

Career development

Focuses on the skills and experiences gained throughout a career.

Vocational journey

Emphasizes the personal and skill-based aspect of a career.

Line of work

Describes the type of job or profession one is engaged in.

Course of employment

Focuses on the duration and progression of one's employment.

FAQs

What does the term "career path" mean?

A "career path" refers to the sequence of positions and experiences an individual undertakes throughout their working life, reflecting their professional growth and long-term goals.

How can I define my ideal "career path"?

Start by identifying your interests and skills, then research different job roles that align with them. Consider potential "professional trajectories" and the steps needed to reach your goals.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "career path"?

You can use alternatives such as "professional trajectory", "career progression", or "job route" depending on the context.

Is it necessary to have a clearly defined "career path"?

While it's beneficial to have a general direction, it's also okay to explore different opportunities. A "professional development route" may evolve as you gain experience and discover new interests.