develop a career

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "develop a career" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a variety of contexts, for example, to advise a friend or family member who is considering their future: "It's important to think about ways in which you can develop a career that will make you happy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For example, an unplanned birth could be particularly disruptive for women with a high educational level who wish to develop a career and could consequently have a stronger impact on the development of children of socially advantaged women.

American Journal of Epidemiology

"I've been able to develop a career as well as playing rugby," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Until the age of 22, I tried to develop a career as a fur trapper.

The New York Times - Books

We hope with these qualifications someone can develop a career in talent ID.

Independent

The perception was that manufacturing was not a place you wanted to develop a career".

The Guardian - Business

This chapter focuses on hacking as a career and discusses how one can develop a career as a penetration tester.

Professional Penetration Testing Creating and Operating a Formal Hacking Lab

Then she will continue to travel beyond her borders and develop a career in international law.

Cornell University

Your medical degree offers you the ability to develop a career in many exciting specialties.

Yale University

And it is much more difficult for them to develop a career arc while hopping from boss to boss.

The New York Times

We also need to develop a career arc for teaching and a differentiated salary structure to match it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Regular self-audits are important, but it is critical that postdocs also develop a career-development dialogue with their adviser or supervisor.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone, suggest specific actions to "develop a career", such as networking, gaining certifications, or seeking mentorship.

Common error

Avoid using "develop a career" without outlining concrete steps. Saying 'I want to develop a career' is less impactful than 'I plan to develop a career in data science by completing online courses and seeking internships'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop a career" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence. It describes the action of intentionally progressing and advancing in one's professional life. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "develop a career" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that signifies intentional professional growth and advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for diverse contexts. Occurring most frequently in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science", it maintains a neutral register. Related phrases include "build a career", "advance in one's career", and "pursue a profession". When using this phrase, it's best to provide concrete steps and avoid vagueness. With a high expert rating, "develop a career" is a valuable term for discussions related to professional planning and achieving long-term goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

build a career

Focuses on the construction aspect of a career, implying a step-by-step approach.

advance in one's career

Highlights upward movement and progress within a chosen profession.

forge a career path

Emphasizes the active creation and direction of one's professional journey.

pursue a profession

Indicates actively following and striving for a specific career.

establish oneself professionally

Highlights the act of becoming recognized and secure in a particular field.

cultivate a career

Implies a gradual and nurturing process of growth in a professional area.

grow professionally

Focuses on personal and skill-based development within a career.

make a career

Emphasizes the achievement of establishing a long-term profession.

progress in a field

Highlights advancement and gaining expertise within a specific area of work.

carve out a niche

Suggests creating a unique and specialized position within a profession.

FAQs

What does it mean to "develop a career"?

To "develop a career" means to strategically plan and take actions to progress in a particular field, acquire new skills, and advance professionally over time. It involves continuous learning and building expertise.

What are some strategies for someone who wants to "develop a career"?

Strategies for someone looking to "develop a career" include networking, gaining relevant experience through internships or entry-level positions, pursuing further education or certifications, seeking mentorship, and consistently updating their skills.

What can I say instead of "develop a career"?

You can use alternatives like "build a career", "advance in one's career", or "pursue a profession", depending on the context.

How is "develop a career" different from "get a job"?

"Develop a career" implies a long-term focus on professional growth and advancement, while "get a job" typically refers to securing immediate employment, regardless of its long-term potential or alignment with career goals. "Develop a career" suggests a strategic and progressive approach, considering future opportunities and skill enhancement.