make it a career

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make it a career" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the decision to pursue a profession or vocation seriously and long-term. Example: "After years of working in various jobs, I finally decided to make it a career in graphic design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"I didn't make it a career until much later, until I was about 16".

The New York Times

If you want to make it a career then festival season shouldn't end in the autumn.

The Guardian

He is, however, the only one of his four siblings to make it a career.

The New York Times - Arts

"I had just built a whole future around this; I wanted to make it a career".

The New York Times - Science

"From the beginning, when he signed up, his intention was to make it a career.

The New York Times

Not all who are interested in becoming an end-of-life doula want to make it a career.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The whole point was to make it a career-defining move, so I can't complain.

The Guardian - Music

Three made it a career — Larry with about 40 years, Bill with 35 and Ron, 21.

The New York Times

Neiman, who has served as the Mets' spring training chaplain since 1988, grew up playing baseball and harbored hopes of making it a career.

The New York Times - Sports

The response from the nursing staff and the whole team at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary made it a career defining night that I'll never forget.

The Guardian

"What makes it a career break is you have to have a career you're leaving, but you plan to come back, maybe even in the same field," she said.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing career aspirations, ensure that "make it a career" is followed by a clear indication of what "it" refers to. For example, "I love writing, and I hope to make it a career."

Common error

Avoid using "make it a career" casually. It implies a serious, long-term commitment. Instead of saying "I'll try to make it a career", consider alternatives like "explore it as a career option" if you are unsure about the long-term viability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make it a career" functions as an infinitive phrase often used as a verb complement. It describes the action of transforming an interest or skill into a professional path, indicating intention and effort. Ludwig examples show this phrase used in various contexts, aiming at expressing a desire or a decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

16%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make it a career" is a commonly used expression that signifies the intention to transform a passion, skill, or interest into a long-term professional path. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and versatile enough to be used across various contexts, from news articles to academic discussions. While "make it a career" is generally neutral in tone, it is important to consider the level of commitment the phrase implies. Remember to be specific and not too casual, but mostly, be sure you are setting yourself up for the long haul!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

build a career out of it

Focuses on constructing a career from a specific starting point or activity.

turn it into a profession

Highlights the transformation from a hobby or interest to a formal occupation.

develop it into a career

Suggests a gradual process of growth and advancement towards a career.

choose it as a career path

Emphasizes the decision-making process of selecting a career.

pursue it professionally

Focuses on the professional aspect rather than the long-term commitment.

opt to do it as a career

Similar to choosing, but suggests a more deliberate and conscious decision.

find a career in it

Focuses on discovering or identifying a career opportunity within a field.

establish it as a career

Emphasizes the act of building and solidifying a career.

carve out a career with it

Implies creating a unique and personalized career path.

make a livelihood from it

Highlights the financial aspect of earning a living from the activity.

FAQs

How can I use "make it a career" in a sentence?

You can use "make it a career" to describe the act of turning an interest or skill into a long-term profession. For example, "She always loved animals and decided to "turn it into a profession" by becoming a veterinarian."

What's a more formal way to say "make it a career"?

In a more formal context, you might use phrases like "pursue it professionally" or "establish it as a career" to convey the same meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is "make it a career" different from "have a career"?

"Have a career" implies simply possessing a job or profession, while "make it a career" suggests a proactive effort to develop and sustain a long-term professional path. The first is descriptive, and the second emphasizes intention and effort.

What should I consider before trying to "make it a career"?

Before deciding to "make it a career", assess your skills, passion, and the market demand for that profession. Understanding these factors will help you determine if it's a viable and fulfilling long-term option. Try to "carve out a career with it"!