career trajectory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "career trajectory" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the path or progress of one's career. For example, "John is proud of his successful career trajectory, having risen from an intern to CEO of the company over the past 12 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His career trajectory has changed.

Independent

And do you envy his career trajectory?

Independent

I was on a different career trajectory.

The Guardian

Carner's career trajectory is another reminder.

The New York Times - Sports

His career trajectory was far from easy.

The Guardian - Film

My career trajectory has been surreal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Jonze's career trajectory is an unlikely one.

The Guardian - Film

Sitkoff also talked about his career trajectory.

Harvard University

In any career trajectory, language matters.

Yale University

Her career trajectory mirrors the successes of modern-day I.B.M.

The New York Times

It could be a film about Rourke's own career trajectory.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a planned or expected career path, clarify whether you are referring to an intended versus actual "career trajectory".

Common error

Avoid using "career trajectory" to describe a single job change or a minor shift in responsibilities. The term implies a more substantial and long-term pattern of development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "career trajectory" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the overall path and progression of an individual's professional life. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in diverse contexts, reflecting its wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "career trajectory" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the path and progression of an individual's professional life. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and business. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the scope and duration of the career development being discussed. Related phrases such as "career path" and "professional development" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings. As the examples in Ludwig demonstrate, "career trajectory" is a versatile term for analyzing, evaluating, and discussing professional growth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Career path

Focuses on the specific route taken in a career, often implying a sequence of jobs or roles.

Professional development

Highlights the growth and learning aspects of a career, emphasizing skill enhancement and advancement.

Career progression

Emphasizes the advancement and upward movement within a career.

Job trajectory

Similar to career trajectory, but more focused on the sequence of jobs held.

Career development

Broader term referring to the overall process of managing and growing one's career.

Professional journey

Emphasizes the personal and experiential aspects of a career.

Occupational route

A formal way to describe the specific path taken in one's occupation.

Work life

Refers to the overall pattern of someone's work experiences throughout their life.

Employment history

A factual record of one's previous jobs and work experiences.

Vocational advancement

Focuses on the progress and improvement in one's chosen vocation or calling.

FAQs

How can I effectively illustrate my "career trajectory" on a resume?

Highlight key accomplishments and promotions in each role, demonstrating a clear pattern of growth and increased responsibility. Use action verbs to showcase your impact and quantify your achievements whenever possible.

What factors can influence a person's "career trajectory"?

Factors such as education, skills, networking, mentorship, and personal choices can significantly impact a "career trajectory". External economic conditions and industry trends also play a crucial role.

How is a "career path" different from a "career trajectory"?

A "career path" typically refers to a planned sequence of jobs or roles, while a "career trajectory" describes the actual direction and progress of someone's career over time, which may not always follow a predetermined path.

What are some signs that my "career trajectory" is heading in the wrong direction?

Signs may include a lack of growth opportunities, persistent dissatisfaction with your work, stagnant salary, or a mismatch between your skills and your job requirements. Evaluate these factors to determine if a change is necessary.