career path

USAGE SUMMARY

"career path" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it when referring to the route taken in one's professional life. For example: "I'm ready to start a new career path in web design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The classic political career path.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing future plans or aspirations, use "career path" to clearly communicate the intended direction of professional growth.

Common error

Avoid using "career path" to describe a single job opportunity. "Career path" refers to a sequence of related jobs and experiences that contribute to long-term professional development, not just the next job.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "career path" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the sequence of jobs, positions, and experiences that make up a person's professional life. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "career path" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe the sequence of jobs and experiences in a person's professional life. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples across various contexts. The primary contexts include news, science, and formal business settings, indicating its versatility. While closely related to terms like "career trajectory" and "professional journey", "career path" distinctly refers to the route taken for professional growth. When using the phrase, remember that it pertains to a long-term progression rather than a single job.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

career route

Similar to career path, emphasizing the choices and direction taken.

career trajectory

Emphasizes the direction and progression of one's career over time.

professional journey

Highlights the experiential and developmental aspects of a career.

job progression

Specifically refers to advancement and growth in employment.

professional advancement

Highlights upward mobility and career improvement.

employment history

Focuses on the chronological sequence of jobs held.

employment track

Highlights the series of jobs in a career.

work life

Encompasses all aspects of an individual's professional existence.

vocational course

Stresses a learning path to career.

line of work

Refers to the specific type of job or profession one pursues.

FAQs

How can I describe my intended "career path" in a cover letter?

You can express your enthusiasm for a specific field and how the position aligns with your long-term professional goals. Focus on how the role is a step toward your desired "career trajectory", highlighting skills and experiences relevant to your aspirations.

What's the difference between a "career path" and a "job"?

A "career path" is a long-term sequence of related jobs, positions, or occupations, while a "job" is a specific, short-term position within that broader "career route". The "career path" emphasizes growth and development, whereas the "job" focuses on immediate tasks and responsibilities.

What are some signs that I need to reconsider my current "career path"?

Signs may include persistent dissatisfaction, lack of motivation, a mismatch between your skills and job requirements, or a lack of "professional advancement" opportunities. Regularly assess your goals and values to ensure they align with your current direction.

How can I create a clear "career path" for myself?

Start by identifying your interests, skills, and values. Research different industries and roles that align with these aspects. Set achievable short-term and long-term goals, seek mentorship, and continuously develop your skills to navigate your "professional journey" effectively.