Shape my career

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'Shape my career' is correct in written English.
It is usually used when someone is referring to taking steps to advance their career. For example, "I'm determined to shape my career and achieve my ambitions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

But I had no premonition that Sputnik had set in motion events that would shape my career.

The New York Times

The event that has helped shape my career in landscape design is fast approaching, yet I am blissfully relaxed about it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Although Jewish mathematicians played a major role nationally, they helped to shape my career personally.

Science Magazine

My father never worked in a corporate setting, but he gave me three lessons that have helped shape my career.

Forbes

While working with Ian I had opportunities for teaching and giving talks; these opportunities helped shape my career.

Science Magazine

"I have enjoyed an incredible time at Cardiff Blues in the company of some great players, coaches, administrators and fans who have helped shape my career.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The great Bengal famine of 1943 shaped my career.

The Guardian

It was a profound and enlightening experience that proved invaluable in shaping my career.

The New York Times

Indeed, my decision is about affirming the principles that have shaped my career.

The New York Times

"I've really shaped my career to play in these tournaments.

The New York Times - Sports

I've been very lucky with the people who have guided and shaped my career.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "shape my career", consider the specific actions or influences that are directing your professional path. Be clear about whether you are actively shaping it or being shaped by external factors.

Common error

While "shape my career" is widely understood, overuse in formal writing can make it sound less sophisticated. In such cases, opt for stronger verbs like "determine", "guide", or "influence" to convey a more precise meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Shape my career" functions as a verb phrase where "shape" acts as a transitive verb taking "my career" as its direct object. According to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct. It signifies the action of actively influencing or directing one's professional path.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

27%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Shape my career" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that conveys the idea of actively influencing one's professional path. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears frequently in diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While versatile, it's best to consider more formal alternatives like "guide" or "direct" in certain professional settings. Understanding its nuances, as well as related phrases, enables effective communication about career aspirations and achievements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Guide my career

Focuses on mentorship and direction, emphasizing external influence.

Influence my career path

Highlights the act of having an effect on the direction of professional growth.

Determine my career trajectory

Emphasizes the long-term direction and course of one's career.

Mold my career

Suggests a more hands-on and transformative approach to career development.

Steer my career

Implies active navigation and course correction in one's professional life.

Direct my career

Focuses on taking control and actively managing one's professional journey.

Impact my professional development

Emphasizes the effect on skills and knowledge enhancement within a career.

Fashion my career

Suggests crafting or creating a career in a particular style or manner.

Craft my professional journey

Highlights the creation and development of a career as a personal endeavor.

Forge my career path

Implies creating a career through effort and determination, overcoming obstacles.

FAQs

How can I use "Shape my career" in a sentence?

You can use "shape my career" to describe actions or influences that direct your professional path, for example: "Mentorship significantly helped "guide my career"." or "I am actively seeking opportunities to "influence my career path"."

What's a more formal alternative to "Shape my career"?

Alternatives like "determine my career trajectory" or "direct my career" are suitable for more formal contexts. They convey a sense of control and strategic planning.

Is it better to say "shape my career" or "shaped my career"?

The correct tense depends on the context. Use "shape my career" when speaking about future or ongoing actions and aspirations. Use "shaped my career" when referring to past events or influences that have already had an impact.

What does it mean to "shape my career"?

To "shape my career" means to actively influence and direct the course of one's professional life. This can involve making strategic decisions, acquiring new skills, seeking mentorship, or pursuing specific opportunities.