What is a career path? Understanding your journey

Do you have long-term career aspirations? Maybe a dream job you’d love to have one day. If you have a goal for your career, you’ll need a career path to help you get there. Understanding your journey and the steps involved with moving through your career is important to keep you on track to achieving your career goals. 

If you’re not sure what a career path is, don’t worry. In this article we breakdown: 

• What a career path is

• The importance of having a career path

• Different types of career paths

• How to go about choosing your own career path 

What is a career path?

A career path can be defined as a planned sequence of jobs and roles that a person undertakes throughout their career. It involves a deliberate progression towards achieving specific, long-term career goals. Unlike a job target, which may be temporary or short-term, a career path implies a longer-term commitment and vision for professional growth.

Think of a path you follow as you’re hiking in the woods. You continue on the trail making decisions on which way to go. All your decisions lead to one outcome. Your career path is similar. 

Just as a hiking path leads you step-by-step to your destination, a career path guides you through different jobs and experiences that prepare you for your ideal job. Some parts might be uphill, like getting a college degree or gaining specific certifications. Others might be more level, like gaining experience in your field.

Your career path helps you see what's ahead and prepares you for the challenges and opportunities you'll encounter. It's like having a map that shows you the best route to reach your goals, whether it's becoming a doctor, a software engineer, or an artist. By following your path, you're building the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen career. 

Why having a career path is important

Imagine your career aspirations and the fulfillment you’d get from landing your ideal job. Have you detailed the necessary steps toward preparing for this career? What qualifications are required for the positions you desire?  Are you setting yourself up for success in achieving these goals?

Outlining the path you need to follow to reach your career goals is important and can be beneficial in several ways. 

Clarity and focus

Having a clear career path helps you to clarify your professional goals and aspirations, providing a clear direction in your career journey. Once you have clarity, you can make the right decisions and stay on track to reaching your goals. 

Motivation and engagement

A defined career path can enhance motivation and job satisfaction by giving you a sense of purpose. With a clear career path, you can also track your progression and celebrate wins along the way instead of wondering if you’re on the right track. 

Career satisfaction and control

When you know what you want, you empower yourself to control your own career journey. Being able to make strategic decisions while staying true to what you want enables you to pursue roles that align with your interests and values. 

Choosing your career path

Selecting the right career path requires careful consideration of personal interests, skills, values, and long-term career goals. Here are some steps to help guide your decision: 

1. Self-assess. Identify your strengths, interests, values, and career priorities through self-assessment tools, career counseling, or personal reflection. 

2. Research. Explore different industries, occupations, and career paths to understand job requirements, growth prospects, and alignment with your goals.

3. Develop skills. Acquire the necessary skills and qualifications through education, training, or professional development to prepare for your chosen career path. 

4. Network. Build relationships with professionals in your desired field through networking events, informational interviews, or online platforms like LinkedIn. 

5. Be flexible. Remain open to new opportunities and be willing to adjust your career path based on changing circumstances or emerging trends in the job market. 

Different types of career paths

Career paths can vary widely depending on industry, organization, and individual preferences. It’s important to decide on the right kind for you and your specific desires. Here are some common types of career paths. 

Linear Career Path

This involves steady progression within a single field or discipline, typically moving from entry-level positions to higher-level roles.

A linear career path appeals to individuals who value stability, clear progression, and a traditional route to success. It’s ideal for those who prefer to advance within a single field, gaining increasing levels of responsibility and expertise. 

Example path in accounting field:

Junior Accountant→ Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

In this path, each position builds on the experience and skills gained in the previous role, leading to higher levels of responsibility and specialization. 

Expert career path

Focuses on becoming a subject matter expert or specialist in a particular area, often involving deep knowledge and skill development. 

This path is for those who have a passion for a specific subject and want to become recognized experts. It’s suitable for individuals who enjoy deep dives into complex topics and continuous learning within a niche area.

Example path in cybersecurity industry:

Cybersecurity Analyst → Penetration Tester → Cybersecurity Consultant → Cybersecurity Architect → Cybersecurity Researcher/Speaker

As an expert, the focus is on honing specialized skills and knowledge, contributing to the field through research, and becoming a thought leader. 

Lateral career path

Involves moving across different roles or departments within an organization, gaining diverse experience while staying at a similar level of responsibility.

A lateral career path is attractive to those who enjoy variety, continuous learning, and gaining a broad skill set. It’s perfect for individuals who want to understand multiple aspects of an organization and are open to change.

Example path in marketing industry:

Marketing Coordinator, Content Strategist, Social Media Manager, Market Research Analyst, Brand Manager

Here, each role provides a different perspective and skill set within the marketing field, offering a well-rounded experience without necessarily moving up in rank.

Entrepreneurial career path

Involves starting and growing one's own business or venture, often characterized by innovation and risk-taking. 

Entrepreneurial paths are for risk-takers, innovators, and individuals with a strong vision for creating and growing their own business. It suits those who are self-motivated and ready to handle the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. 

Example path for a technology startup:

Founding a startup (Founder) → Expanding team and operations (COO) → Scaling business (CEO) → Selling business or becoming an investor → Starting new companies → Mentoring other entrepreneurs

This path involves creating a business from scratch, scaling it, and possibly moving on to new ventures or helping other startups.

Portfolio career path

Combines multiple part-time roles or freelance work to create a diverse and flexible career portfolio.

A portfolio career is ideal for those who crave flexibility, variety, and the freedom to pursue multiple interests simultaneously. It’s perfect for creative professionals, freelancers, and those who want to balance different part-time roles.

Example path in creative arts:

Freelance Graphic Designer → Art Teacher → Illustrator for Books → Social Media Content Creator → Workshop Instructor

In this path, the individual maintains several part-time roles and freelance projects, creating a diverse and flexible career portfolio that allows for a range of experiences and income sources.

Need help with your career path? Build interactive career paths, bridge skill gaps, and plan your entire career plan in minutes with our Career Pathways tool. 

Key takeaways

1. A career path is a planned sequence of jobs and roles aimed at achieving long-term professional goals.

2. Having a clear career path provides clarity, motivation, and control over one's career journey by outlining necessary steps and qualifications.

3. Different types of career paths include linear, expert, lateral, entrepreneurial, and portfolio, each catering to different aspirations and preferences.

4. Choosing the right path involves self-assessment, research, skill development, and networking.

5. Understanding and planning your career path is essential for achieving career satisfaction and success.